9 Reasons 2018 Might Be a Game-Changing Year for Apple

This year, maybe more so than any other in recent memory, could be a game-changer for Apple. Even with its battery-related fiasco and lackluster sales of both HomePod and iPhone X, Apple is still on track to become the world's first trillion company.

In fact, there are a variety of things Apple is planning for 2018 that could help it on its path to that milestone. Here are nine things are likely to be critical developments for Apple throughout the remainder of the year.

9 Lower-Cost Devices

One of the main criticisms levied at Apple is that its devices are just plain expensive. While that may not be strictly accurate, it’s hard to argue with the idea that cheaper or otherwise more affordable devices could help Apple boost its sales and perhaps reach a broader audience than it already does.

And this year, rumor has it that Apple may be considering lower-cost versions of the MacBook Air, HomePod and iPhone — with the latter device rumored to be a 6.1-inch handset with Face ID and an edge-to-edge LCD display. And while it’s just market speculation at this point, one analyst thinks that Apple may drop the price for its flagship iPhone X successor by about $100.

8 Data Privacy Protections

In the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal, data and online privacy is a topic that’s on everybody’s mind. That may bode well for Apple, who believes that privacy is a “human right” and, throughout its history, has always had a strong commitment to protecting users’ private data.

While Facebook may not come out of this scandal unscathed, it’s hard to argue with the fact that its data policies make Apple look stellar by comparison. Not only that, but Apple is being proactive and planning on introducing new, stricter privacy controls to its platforms — globally — by the middle of this year. That’s something that Facebook has seemed hesitant to agree to.

7 The Beginning of the End of Supplier Reliance

Apple is increasingly working to end its reliance on third-party suppliers and 2018 may be a tipping point for that goal. This year, Bloomberg reported that Apple is developing its own first-party microLED displays at a secret facility in California. While Apple-designed microLED panels could first show up in the Apple Watch this year, they could eventually end up in Macs and even iPhones (ending Apple's reliance on Samsung's OLED panels).

And that’s just the start of it. In addition to diversifying its supply chain by adding multiple vendors, Apple is also planning on making many more of its components itself. It could ditch Intel in favor of its own chips for Mac by 2020. And while there aren’t any rumors suggesting a first-party iPhone battery yet, Apple is talking with cobalt suppliers — a move that could secure a stable supply of the crucial material if it decided to do so.

6 A Phone Ideal for Key Markets

The iPhone X was once rumored to spur an “upgrade super-cycle.” That largely hasn’t happened, particularly in the critical region of China — where local OEMs largely dominate the market along with Samsung. But Apple may have a secret weapon that could help it gain some ground in the world’s largest smartphone market.

That weapon is the iPhone X Plus, a device that’s rumored to sport a massive 6.5-inch OLED display. While larger devices are getting more popular around the world, that fact is especially true in China. In fact, consumers pretty much expect a premium-priced device to feature a large display. Even Ming-Chi Kuo, an often accurate KGI Securities analyst, thinks the iPhone X Plus (and its 6.1-inch LCD stablemate) could spur a super-cycle in China this year.

5 Education-Focused Initiatives

Last month, Apple held its first education-focused event in years at a Chicago high school. It unveiled a new iPad, a stable of accessories, and a host of new software aimed at educators and students. But more than that, Apple revealed that it’s ready to dive into the education market.

That’s a sphere that’s largely been dominated by Microsoft and Google — with the latter company’s Chromebook lineup being a popular choice in classrooms. But if Apple continues the trend of education-focused products and platforms, it could very well give its competitors a run for their money in the market.

4 Artificial Intelligence Development

Siri was the first modern digital assistant to be included in a mass-market smartphone. That offered Apple a considerable lead over its rivals — a lead that some experts say the Cupertino tech squandered. But Apple isn’t done with Siri quite yet.

Apple is undoubtedly continuing its work on artificial intelligence and machine learning (which you can read about in its machine learning journal) throughout 2018. And this month, it was reported that the company is looking to significantly expand its Siri development team. That could bode well both for HomePod and for Apple as a whole.

3 Expanded Audio Accessories

Incrementally updated AirPods may not be the most exciting product Apple could unveil, but it could be one of the best-selling devices it releases this year. AirPods have been incredibly well-received, and despite any skepticism before their launch, they are one of Apple’s top-performing products.

That trend might carry over to the so-called AirPods 2, which could also benefit from the addition of a wireless charging case. In addition, Apple is rumored to be working on another audio accessory: a pair of premium over-ear headphones “as convenient” as AirPods that could see an official launch this year (though the word's still out on that, problems could push that date to early 2019).

2 Better Software

iOS 11 was not, to be completely honest, the most stable release. Since its debut, the software has been plagued by a slew of bugs and delayed features. But this year, Apple is working specifically to ensure that iOS 12 — and corresponding macOS, tvOS and watchOS versions — is extremely secure, stable and high-performing.

And a report from earlier this year suggests that Apple is gearing up to unveil a platform that will allow developers to create apps that work across the Apple ecosystem. Codenamed Project Marzipan, the system is rumored to be the “biggest change” to Apple’s software since iOS was first introduced.

1 Growth of Services Business

Apple has been "all iPhone, all the time" pretty much since the device's debut. But, starting this year, the iPhone's position as the company's primary revenue stream could be threatened. But even though iPhone sales might be dwindling, the company still has an ace up its sleeve: its Services business. From Apple Music to iCloud, Apple's services are expected to be the company's primary driver of revenue growth over the next five years.

Apple Music, Apple Pay and iCloud are continuing to grow and the platforms still have a massive untapped user base. The company has also been working tirelessly to put together a portfolio of "prestige-level" TV content. Much of that content is set to go into production this year, with a possible release in late 2018 or early 2019. By the looks of it, this year might mark the beginning of Apple as a services-first company.