This is a photo of an iPhone 7 Plus. Photo courtesy of Kārlis Dambrāns from Latvia under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.
Apple’s products have changed drastically since 2016, with several new technological advancements.
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TAMPA, Fla. — Apple has made significant changes to its personal technology models since 2016 compared to its models in 2026. These changes can be observed through its iPhone and MacBook hardware.
In 2016, Apple released the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus along with the iPhone SE, according to CNBC. The iPhone 7 models featured improved cameras, audio, and a new design, according to Apple Newsroom. The starting models of the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus were priced at $649.
Last year, the iPhone Air, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max were released in September, according to the El Paso Times. Different from the iPhone 7 models, the iPhone 17 models keep with the trend of having no home button. The new models feature improved displays and cameras, and are currently priced at $699 for the base model.
In 2016, Apple released a version of the MacBook Pro. The 13-inch model started at $1499 and was the first model to implement the touch bar, according to Forbes. The model received criticism for its high price, with experts saying it allowed other companies to increase sales.
In March 2026, the new MacBook Air by Apple was released, according to Apple Newsroom. The new model included the M5, which doubled the starting storage and improved wireless connectivity. The new model also included advancements in artificial intelligence and other operations. Apple also released the MacBook Neo this year. This model is priced at $599, significantly cheaper than other versions, according to Apple.
Genesis Muckle, a sophomore communication and media studies major at the University of Tampa, said that the introduction of the MacBook Neo is a step in the right direction.
“Making the products accessible to people and not having them pay so much, but also get good products,” Muckle said. “Especially, as a college student, not a lot of people have the money to just drop $1000 for every single laptop they get.”
Muckle said she got her first iPhone in 2016. She mentioned the differences between her products now and back then.
Sami Linares, a sophomore graphic design major at the University of Tampa, said Apple offers more products now.
“It offers a lot of different programs for designers and video editors,” Linares said. “It also allows you to have a lot more documents and files in tech.”
Linares said she is able to download applications outside of Apple’s software.
Gabriella Di Nardo, a senior dual major in environmental studies and public relations at the University of Tampa, expressed what she thinks has changed in Apple products.
“I think it’s definitely evolved physically with different changes of touch screen and just more advances,” Di Nardo said.
Di Nardo said Apple could improve on some features, however.
“I think some things that it can improve on are definitely explaining more user-friendly tactics,” Di Nardo said. “I think that a lot of the apps are just not clearly laid out.”
Apple remains on track for releasing a foldable iPhone and iPhone 18 in September 2026, despite recent engineering challenges.