In the tenth annual Six Colors survey, a panel of tech experts and industry watchers graded Apple's 2024 performance across key categories. The survey revealed both bright spots and areas of concern for the tech giant.
Hardware Excellence Continues
Apple maintained its stellar hardware reputation, earning an A+ grade for reliability. The transition to Apple Silicon continues paying dividends, with the M4 chip series receiving particular praise. The Mac lineup found its groove with a redesigned Mac mini and standardized 16GB RAM baseline, though high-end desktops like the Mac Studio and Mac Pro saw minimal updates.
Mixed Reception for New Products
The Vision Pro launch generated split reactions - while many praised its technological achievements, concerns emerged about its $3,499 price tag and limited software ecosystem. The iPhone 16 series received lukewarm reviews, with the new Camera Control button drawing criticism for its awkward implementation. iPad hardware impressed with OLED displays and M4 chips, but software limitations continue frustrating users.
Services and Software Show Signs of Strain
Apple's services earned a B- grade, with Apple TV+ content quality remaining high but other offerings like iCloud storage feeling stagnant. The software situation was concerning, as the introduction of Apple Intelligence features faced criticism for being overhyped while potentially impacting overall stability.
Developer Relations Hit New Low
Developer relations scored a survey-low D grade, driven by Apple's controversial responses to EU regulations and weak third-party support for Vision Pro. Many developers viewed Apple's new App Store policies as hostile and designed to discourage participation.
Looking Ahead
As Apple enters 2025, the company faces pressure to address software quality concerns, improve developer relationships, and demonstrate the long-term viability of new platforms like Vision Pro. While hardware excellence remains a strength, maintaining software polish and ecosystem health present ongoing challenges.