Polarising Innovation
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Apple embarked on a period of bold but divisive design choices in its Mac lineup around this time, with mixed reception from both professionals and everyday users. In 2013, Apple introduced new the Mac Pro, nicknamed the “trash can” for its cylindrical design, a radical departure from its predecessor and aimed at high-end users but later criticised for limited expandability.

The 2015 MacBook Retina then made headlines with its ultra-thin profile, fanless design, and single USB-C port, representing Apple’s vision of ultra-portable computing, though it sacrificed connectivity. In 2016, the MacBook Pro introduced the Touch Bar, a dynamic OLED strip intended to modernise workflows but polarising among professionals due to its removal of the physical function keys and continued reliance on USB-C.

The 2017 iMac Pro was Apple’s next answer to creative professionals, combining powerful internals with a sleek, all-in-one design and marking a high point in iMac performance. Overall, this era saw Apple’s pursuit of design-driven innovation amid some criticism, with later years gradually leading to a return to user-focused flexibility and performance.