GoKawiilFifty years ago, the tech brand we all know and love debuted. On April 1, 1976, Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne launched the Apple Computer Company (renamed Apple in 2007) to sell the Apple-1 computer (later referred to as Apple I) -- without a monitor or keyboard.
Half a century later, Apple is a household name in the tech industry with an extensive lineup of devices, including smartphones, laptops, earbuds, tablets and smartwatches. We've even seen Apple dabble in the smart home and home entertainment with devices including the Vision Pro, HomePod and Apple TV. For many of us, including myself, it's literally the apple of my eye. I'm deep into Apple's ecosystem, between my iPhone 17 Pro Max, MacBook Pro, iPad Mini, AirPods Pro 2 and Apple Watch.
I asked CNET writers and editors to reminisce on Apple's legacy -- the good and bad. Yes, we have our favs but some of Apple's devices were a flop, like the Apple Newton and iTunes Ping, while others were overrated, like the $3,500 Apple Vision Pro headset (more on that below).
But we all respect Apple for thinking differently -- a phrase used in one of its most iconic ad campaigns, narrated by Richard Dreyfuss. Here's what we think about Apple's evolution over the years. Let's take a trip down memory lane.
These Apple gadgets saved us over the years
AirPods Pro hearing test
In 2024, Apple introduced a new hearing test feature to the AirPods Pro 2. The newer AirPods Pro 3 also support the tool. Jeff Carlson/CNET
When many of us found ourselves in an SOS moment, we turned to our Apple devices and features for help in a pinch. For Anna Gragert, CNET's wellness editor, the AirPods hearing test assured her that her hearing was normal after dealing with hearing loss and recovering. Now, the Reminders app is helping her remember to take her medications on time.
Watch this: Apple AirPods Pro 2 Can Test Your Hearing 03:56
Apple Watch with cellular connectivity
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