Apple is marking a significant occasion today, as the American tech giant reaches its 50th anniversary. The renowned company was established on April 1, 1976, by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, utilizing Jobs’ parents’ residence and garage in Los Altos, California, to introduce its inaugural product, the Apple 1.
At the inception of this personal computer, no one could have foreseen the immense success this brand would achieve, making Apple one of the largest corporations worldwide.
Initially focusing solely on computers, Apple has diversified its offerings over time, introducing iconic products such as the iPod, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.
The question of Apple’s most significant achievements has been pondered by The Verge’s team and readers, yielding results that may surprise some observers.
Unsurprisingly, the original iPhone, launched in 2007, claimed the top position. This device has evolved into Apple’s flagship product, facilitating communication, entertainment, contactless payments, and capturing memories through its integrated cameras.
During the iPhone’s initial release, Steve Jobs articulated, “An iPod, a phone, and an internet communicator… are you getting it? These are not three separate devices; this is one device, and we are calling it iPhone.”
Following closely in second place is the iconic iPod, which revolutionized the music industry in 2001, offering “1,000 songs in your pocket” and replacing bulky tape and CD players.
Apple recently discontinued the iPod line in May 2022.
Contrary to expectations, The Verge’s readers placed Apple’s M1 PC chip in third place. This silicon has transformed how millions interact with Apple’s computers, providing enhanced performance and efficiency.
The ranking of Apple’s best devices is subject to ongoing voting on The Verge, with the top positions fluctuating. As of the current moment, here are the top 20 contenders… do you concur?
1. Original iPhone
2. Original iPod
3. M1 chip
4. Original Macintosh
5. Mac OS X
6. Wedge MacBook Air
7. iPhone 4
8. iTunes
9. Original iPod Mini
10. Bondi blue iMac
11. Original AirPods Pro
12. Original AirPods
13. iPod with click wheel (4th gen)
14. Original iPad
15. Slim unibody iMac
16. AirDrop
17. Apple Pay
18. iPod Nano (2nd gen)
19. iMac G4
20. Original iPod Touch