Apple's iOS 17.2 update supports recording spatial videos and can be experienced on specific devices. Can you guess which device?

Apple certainly knows how to develop amazing products and thrive in its ever-evolving ecosystem. But what many people don't know is that it's a trap, or more precisely, an "Apple trap" - once you're in, you're a happy prisoner.

This tech giant recently released a new software update, iOS 17.2. With this update, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max users can now record spatial videos that will come to life with Apple Vision Pro, expected to be released early next year.

The Garden Within the Walls

Apple's practice of promoting a closed ecosystem is nothing new. It not only offers exclusive club-like products to users but also retains them with new products that work best when you have all Apple devices. With the Continuity feature, people can use their Mac in conjunction with other Apple devices for seamless transitions and smart work.

The first Apple wearable device, the Apple Watch, was launched in 2015 and still only syncs with the iPhone. Despite having only 29% of the iOS market share at the time of its release, with Android having over 70% market share, Apple still insists on launching it exclusively for their niche club. The same easy pairing and content syncing features apply to the iPhone and MacBook as well.

Similarly, Apple TV runs on the tvOS operating system developed by Apple, including related products like Siri Remote and Apple TV+ subscriptions. When used with other home devices like Apple Pod, the entire home setup is taken care of.

Advancing Hardware

Apple is reportedly focusing heavily on its wearable devices sector in 2024. The iPhone, which has always been at the center of Apple's annual product releases, will also introduce new versions but without major upgrades. Instead, Apple will focus on its hardware products this year.

In addition to the highly anticipated Apple Vision Pro, Apple will also launch advanced versions of AirPods and the Apple Watch next year. The healthcare industry has always been a hot area pursued by Apple, and it will be the focus of product releases.

The company has announced plans to add more health monitoring features, particularly for high blood pressure and sleep apnea, to its next series of watches. Apple AirPods may also have more advanced features. Apple's new patent shows that AirPods will have sensors capable of detecting brainwaves, muscle movements, blood volume, and more. These features will require an iPhone, and how the company integrates them with other devices remains to be seen.

ML Instead of AI

When announcing Apple's hardware updates, Apple insists on using machine learning (ML) instead of "AI." Apple is also building an ecosystem in the PC field. Apple announced a series of next-generation Macbooks on Halloween, including the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max, manufactured using 3-nanometer process technology. The improved neural engine will enhance the performance, speed, and efficiency of machine learning models.

Apple's introduction of chips means it will directly compete with Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm. With chip products, Apple is striving to gain a foothold in the chip market currently dominated by Intel, with a market share of 68.4%, followed closely by AMD with a market share of 31.6%. In 2020, Apple ended its 15-year partnership with Intel by launching the M1 chip to power Macbooks, indicating Apple's long-term plan to not rely on any potential competitors.

Apple is also building its own internal chatbot, Apple GPT, on its Ajax framework and is committed to bringing generative AI capabilities to its voice assistant platform Siri and other Mac products. This move further strengthens Apple's closed ecosystem and drives the adoption of more users. While other companies like OpenAI and Microsoft are leading in AI development, Apple's presence in hardware and software gives it an advantage, forever locking in its customers.