Apple Products Designed by Jony Ive That Are Special To Me
Last Thursday - June 27, 2019, Sir Jony Ive - Chief Design Officer of Apple Inc. - officially announced his decision to leave the Cupertino company later this year, marking the end of another era for one of the greatest tech brands in history.
In his more than four decades of work at Apple, Sir Jony Ive has successfully spearheaded the design of so many iconic Apple products including the iPhone, Macbook, iMac, iPad, iPod, and Mac Pro, among others. Amazingly, he even designed the Apple Park, which is the company's new 175-acre campus in California.
To join the millions of techies around the world who are now celebrating the career of Sir Jony Ive as well as his many contributions to the industry, I'd like to share my list of Apple products designed by him that remain to be very special to me as an Apple fan and technology blogger.
Apple iPod Touch 4th Generation (2010)
Apple iPod Touch 4th Generation is my very first iOS device -- as it was the only one that fit my budget perfectly in 2010. The Apple iPhone 4 as well as all the previous iPhone models were all too expensive for me back then.
I got my unit from Power Mac Center and I still remember feeling all giddy while unboxing my unit. Playing with it for the first time, I was so amazed at its ultra-thin form factor and at how smooth its touch-response was compared to other touchscreen devices back then.
Apple iPod Touch 4th Generation was the first model in the line to come with two cameras: One at the back and another in front for Facetime calls as well as selfies. Along with the sleek aluminum shell, the rich iOS ecosystem, and the relatively affordable price tag, these shooters made this device a big hit across the world.
To this day, my Apple iPod Touch 4th Gen is still working flawlessly -- and I believe it's largely due to my decision not to upgrade its operating system beyond iOS 5. Any higher than that and I think its specs might not be able to deliver a smooth experience. Or am I mistaken? Is your iPod Touch 4th Gen running a later version of iOS? How's the responsiveness of your device? Is it still good?
Apple iPhone 4S (2011)
Apple iPhone 4S is my first iPhone, which makes it a landmark model for me, personally. I got it though Smart Postpaid and until now, it's still locked to the network.
At the time of its release, jailbreaking an iPhone was a big trend. And yes, I have jailbroken my unit to add features that were not available on iOS back then including quick toggle controls for connectivity in the drop-down notifications tab as well one-touch cache clearing.
If you ask me, Apple iPhone 4 and 4S are the two most well-built and well-designed iPhone models to date. Although their glass panels are rather fragile, these handsets' real metal mid-frame as well as the reassuringly sturdy hardware buttons give them air of durability that's rare in handsets even today. On top of that, the luxurious materials that Apple had used in crafting these iPhones gave them a classic and elegant look that has truly stood the test of time.
An an S-Series iPhone, this model looks almost exactly like its predecessor but it comes with better internal hardware and improved imaging capabilities.
Apple iPhone 4S features an 8 MegaPixel rear camera with back-side illuminated Sony sensor that boosts its performance in low light settings. This shooter is also capable of recording FullHD videos, which should make it a good cameraphone for vlogging even by today's standards.
My favorite game to play on my Apple iPhone 4S is iOverTheNet Beach Volleyball by Dardari Multimedia. The size and dimensions of this model's screen is perfect for running this title, which is why I refuse to let go of my unit.
What was your favorite game to play on your Apple iPhone 4S? Do you miss it or are you still playing it on your new iPhone?
Apple iPhone X (2017)
Launched alongside the Apple iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, Apple iPhone X - with its all-new design, larger screen, more powerful cameras, beastly internal hardware, fresh imaging software, and new iOS gestures support - represented the future the Cupertino company's handset line during the time of its release.
Thanks to Ms. Abbie Real of Smart Communications and Mr. Art Samaniego of Manila Bulletin as well as all the amazing people in their respective teams, I had the honor and privilege of unboxing the first ever Apple iPhone X unit in the Philippines at MB Tech Lab in Intramuros, Manila. The unboxing was broadcast live on Facebook through Manila Bulletin's official Facebook Page on November 3, 2017.
For that reason, Apple iPhone X will always be special to me.
Despite being the most innovative iPhone in such a long time, the Apple iPhone X was criticized by Android smartphone makers and fans for having a large notch, which they described as akin to annoying bangs. Interestingly, though, just a few months after this model's launch, other handset manufacturers incorporated this very same feature on their new releases. So much for being an imperfection, right?
Apple Macbook Pro Aluminum Unibody (2011)
I still recall being in awe while watching Apple's first promotional video for the Macbook Pro model with unibody aluminum shell in 2010. The clip were wonderfully narrated by Sir Jony Ive and there was a part where he talked about the meticulous process of machine-cutting slabs of metal to create the very frame of the machine. He said, "The inside is just as beautiful as the outside." Or something like that.
That video made me fall in love with the metal-clad Macbook Pro and sure enough, just a few months after, I purchased a Macbook Pro 2011 with my hard-earned money. It was my first Macbook.
Design-wise, I have nothing but good words to say about my Macbook Pro. It was ahead of its time. The shell was sleek and elegant. The keys of the keyboard are spaced perfectly and the tactile feedback while typing remains top-notch. You don't have to hold down the body of the machine while lifting the screen. All the many ports are neatly placed in just one side. It's just great.
However, my unit suffered from overheating issues and for some reason, I just couldn't get a reliable experience from it since day one. Frankly, my Macbook Pro 2011 gave me more headaches than anything else from the day I purchased it. Until now, it's busted. It's a nice looking machine that doesn't work.
But as they say, sometimes, going through rough times with someone (or something) can help strengthen your bond or relationship. I guess that's what happened with me and my Macbook Pro. I am not giving up on this notebook. One of these days, I'll have it fixed -- if I can't do it myself.
The New Apple iPad (2012)
Looking back at my decade-long career as a Filipino technology blogger, I think I was one of the first to be tapped by companies to be an ambassador their products and services.
After being winning Best Tech Blogger in the first Globe Tatt Awards in 2011, the company got me as one their ambassadors for the The New Tattoo iPad in 2012.
On May 29, 2012, at Ayala Ayala Exchange Plaza in Makati City, I walked the runway alongside my co-ambassadors, including Georgina Wilson, Tim Yap, Miggie Chavez, and Charina Sarte, to promote The New iPad that's bundled with Globe Tattoo mobile data services.
My mom and younger brother were there to witness the event and it's something that will always be vividly etched in my mind. To this day, I am grateful to my friends at Globe Telecom back then, including Mr. Dong Ronquillo and Mr. Coy Caballes (God bless his soul) for the all trust and support that they had given me.
Fast forward to June 2019, The New iPad that was given to be as a present following the Globe Tattoo event in 2012 is still working!
After years of keeping in the shelf, I recently took it out and upgraded it to iOS 8. So far, the experience is quite good; The touch-response is great. Off hand, I am not keen on upgrading this iPad to iOS 9 because of its hardware limitations. I'm just glad that it still works flawlessly.
So there you have it! These are the five Apple products designed by Sir Jony Ive that will always matter to me. I don't intend to part with any of these devices. If time and fate permit, I'll always keep them in personal gadget collection. They are that special.
For Sir Jony Ive (I hope he reads this blog post): Thank you so much for being at the forefront of crafting these incredible products that have been a part of my techy life! You are the best! God bless you in your new adventures! Stay crazy and keep creating.
In his more than four decades of work at Apple, Sir Jony Ive has successfully spearheaded the design of so many iconic Apple products including the iPhone, Macbook, iMac, iPad, iPod, and Mac Pro, among others. Amazingly, he even designed the Apple Park, which is the company's new 175-acre campus in California.
To join the millions of techies around the world who are now celebrating the career of Sir Jony Ive as well as his many contributions to the industry, I'd like to share my list of Apple products designed by him that remain to be very special to me as an Apple fan and technology blogger.
Apple iPod Touch 4th Generation (2010)
Apple iPod Touch 4th Generation is my very first iOS device -- as it was the only one that fit my budget perfectly in 2010. The Apple iPhone 4 as well as all the previous iPhone models were all too expensive for me back then.
I got my unit from Power Mac Center and I still remember feeling all giddy while unboxing my unit. Playing with it for the first time, I was so amazed at its ultra-thin form factor and at how smooth its touch-response was compared to other touchscreen devices back then.
Apple iPod Touch 4th Generation was the first model in the line to come with two cameras: One at the back and another in front for Facetime calls as well as selfies. Along with the sleek aluminum shell, the rich iOS ecosystem, and the relatively affordable price tag, these shooters made this device a big hit across the world.
To this day, my Apple iPod Touch 4th Gen is still working flawlessly -- and I believe it's largely due to my decision not to upgrade its operating system beyond iOS 5. Any higher than that and I think its specs might not be able to deliver a smooth experience. Or am I mistaken? Is your iPod Touch 4th Gen running a later version of iOS? How's the responsiveness of your device? Is it still good?
Apple iPhone 4S (2011)
Apple iPhone 4S is my first iPhone, which makes it a landmark model for me, personally. I got it though Smart Postpaid and until now, it's still locked to the network.
At the time of its release, jailbreaking an iPhone was a big trend. And yes, I have jailbroken my unit to add features that were not available on iOS back then including quick toggle controls for connectivity in the drop-down notifications tab as well one-touch cache clearing.
If you ask me, Apple iPhone 4 and 4S are the two most well-built and well-designed iPhone models to date. Although their glass panels are rather fragile, these handsets' real metal mid-frame as well as the reassuringly sturdy hardware buttons give them air of durability that's rare in handsets even today. On top of that, the luxurious materials that Apple had used in crafting these iPhones gave them a classic and elegant look that has truly stood the test of time.
An an S-Series iPhone, this model looks almost exactly like its predecessor but it comes with better internal hardware and improved imaging capabilities.
Apple iPhone 4S features an 8 MegaPixel rear camera with back-side illuminated Sony sensor that boosts its performance in low light settings. This shooter is also capable of recording FullHD videos, which should make it a good cameraphone for vlogging even by today's standards.
My favorite game to play on my Apple iPhone 4S is iOverTheNet Beach Volleyball by Dardari Multimedia. The size and dimensions of this model's screen is perfect for running this title, which is why I refuse to let go of my unit.
What was your favorite game to play on your Apple iPhone 4S? Do you miss it or are you still playing it on your new iPhone?
Apple iPhone X (2017)
Launched alongside the Apple iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, Apple iPhone X - with its all-new design, larger screen, more powerful cameras, beastly internal hardware, fresh imaging software, and new iOS gestures support - represented the future the Cupertino company's handset line during the time of its release.
Thanks to Ms. Abbie Real of Smart Communications and Mr. Art Samaniego of Manila Bulletin as well as all the amazing people in their respective teams, I had the honor and privilege of unboxing the first ever Apple iPhone X unit in the Philippines at MB Tech Lab in Intramuros, Manila. The unboxing was broadcast live on Facebook through Manila Bulletin's official Facebook Page on November 3, 2017.
For that reason, Apple iPhone X will always be special to me.
Despite being the most innovative iPhone in such a long time, the Apple iPhone X was criticized by Android smartphone makers and fans for having a large notch, which they described as akin to annoying bangs. Interestingly, though, just a few months after this model's launch, other handset manufacturers incorporated this very same feature on their new releases. So much for being an imperfection, right?
Apple Macbook Pro Aluminum Unibody (2011)
I still recall being in awe while watching Apple's first promotional video for the Macbook Pro model with unibody aluminum shell in 2010. The clip were wonderfully narrated by Sir Jony Ive and there was a part where he talked about the meticulous process of machine-cutting slabs of metal to create the very frame of the machine. He said, "The inside is just as beautiful as the outside." Or something like that.
That video made me fall in love with the metal-clad Macbook Pro and sure enough, just a few months after, I purchased a Macbook Pro 2011 with my hard-earned money. It was my first Macbook.
Design-wise, I have nothing but good words to say about my Macbook Pro. It was ahead of its time. The shell was sleek and elegant. The keys of the keyboard are spaced perfectly and the tactile feedback while typing remains top-notch. You don't have to hold down the body of the machine while lifting the screen. All the many ports are neatly placed in just one side. It's just great.
However, my unit suffered from overheating issues and for some reason, I just couldn't get a reliable experience from it since day one. Frankly, my Macbook Pro 2011 gave me more headaches than anything else from the day I purchased it. Until now, it's busted. It's a nice looking machine that doesn't work.
But as they say, sometimes, going through rough times with someone (or something) can help strengthen your bond or relationship. I guess that's what happened with me and my Macbook Pro. I am not giving up on this notebook. One of these days, I'll have it fixed -- if I can't do it myself.
The New Apple iPad (2012)
Looking back at my decade-long career as a Filipino technology blogger, I think I was one of the first to be tapped by companies to be an ambassador their products and services.
After being winning Best Tech Blogger in the first Globe Tatt Awards in 2011, the company got me as one their ambassadors for the The New Tattoo iPad in 2012.
On May 29, 2012, at Ayala Ayala Exchange Plaza in Makati City, I walked the runway alongside my co-ambassadors, including Georgina Wilson, Tim Yap, Miggie Chavez, and Charina Sarte, to promote The New iPad that's bundled with Globe Tattoo mobile data services.
My mom and younger brother were there to witness the event and it's something that will always be vividly etched in my mind. To this day, I am grateful to my friends at Globe Telecom back then, including Mr. Dong Ronquillo and Mr. Coy Caballes (God bless his soul) for the all trust and support that they had given me.
Fast forward to June 2019, The New iPad that was given to be as a present following the Globe Tattoo event in 2012 is still working!
After years of keeping in the shelf, I recently took it out and upgraded it to iOS 8. So far, the experience is quite good; The touch-response is great. Off hand, I am not keen on upgrading this iPad to iOS 9 because of its hardware limitations. I'm just glad that it still works flawlessly.
So there you have it! These are the five Apple products designed by Sir Jony Ive that will always matter to me. I don't intend to part with any of these devices. If time and fate permit, I'll always keep them in personal gadget collection. They are that special.
For Sir Jony Ive (I hope he reads this blog post): Thank you so much for being at the forefront of crafting these incredible products that have been a part of my techy life! You are the best! God bless you in your new adventures! Stay crazy and keep creating.
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