Echoing what many others have said, I can't believe the 2016 MacBook Pro is on this list. It's probably the most heavily criticized Apple product of the decade. Still, I respect that these lists are highly personal and I doubt you will agree with mine.
Here's my top 5!
1. iPhone X
2. 2nd generation MacBook Air (2010-2017)
3. AirPods
4. Apple Watch
5. iPad
1.
The iPhone X. Unlike the iPhone 6, which was basically just playing catch-up with the larger screens of the Android-makers of the time, the iPhone X really reimagined the mobile phone much like the original iPhone had done before it. Whereas the iPhone 6 felt rather Android-like (to me), the iPhone X had Apple written all over it. From the premium edge-to-edge glass design, to the seamless software integration for swiping gestures, haptic feedback and Face ID - it was simply Apple at its very best. Definitely the best Apple product of the decade, in my opinion.
2.
2nd generation MacBook Air (2010-2017). I would argue that todays Apple laptops, while good, are all somewhat compromised. In terms of connectivity, or quality (keyboard comes to mind). The MacBook Air, when released in 2007 was also compromised. With the 2010-model and onwards, however, we got all the performance the average user would ever need, all the necessary ports (even an SD card slot) and a great trackpad and keyboard. It was a fully fledged, uncompromised laptop experience - all in a package that weighed just 1.35kg! I think the 2nd generation MacBook Air is the best laptop ever made, especially at its time.
3.
AirPods. Once again Apple challenged themselves to make something truly great, by carefully considering everything that was wrong with wireless earphones of its time. Sure, wireless earphones had been around for ages - but no one had ever cracked it. The connectivity was unreliable, charging was inconvenient, and most so called "wireless" models even had cords hanging off them. AirPods changed all of that. They are one of those simple, yet life changing products that I couldn't live without.
4.
Apple Watch. It was really difficult picking a "winner" between the Apple Watch and the iPad. None of them really sold me in the first place. Between its Mickey Mouse watch faces and questionable usability - I argued that the Apple Watch didn't make much sense.
Luckily, the watch evolved and eventually it could be used independently of the iPhone. Adding to that, Apple took a turn and shifted its focus from Mickey Mouse watch faces, to developing the Apple Watch as a health and fitness device. That's when it really swayed me. Mine has become a valuable companion that really motivates me to a healthier lifestyle outside of my 9-to-5 office cubicle. Also, there is something so futuristic about leaving my phone behind and still having Spotify playing in my ears or taking calls.
While I could probably live without the Apple Watch, it truly is an incredible piece of technology.
5.
iPad. When Steve Jobs released the iPad, it was positioned to fill the gap between the iPhone and the laptop. Something it has been extremely good at. Still, it has only filled a small niche where it could be argued that you don't really need one.
In recent years, Apple has tried to position the iPad as a PC replacement. Regardless of how I've tried, it simply hasn't been able to. So, rather than trying to make the iPad into something it's not (for me), I appreciate the iPad for what it does. I find it to be an awesome consumption device, with fantastic displays, battery life and in the case of the most recent iPad Pros also fantastic speakers. Although the iPad is improving, thanks to iPadOS and the Apple Pencil and Keyboard, I still feel like Apple is just scratching the surface of what the iPad could be.
As a student, I remember looking with awe at Surface-users - being able to record lectures (video or audio), while taking notes in OneNote and jotting down equations with their Surface Pen. Something I couldn't do - either on my iPad or MacBook Air.
The iPad could also be a fantastic game device (something I'd argue that it isn't today). Or a personal organiser. Or a home hub. There is simply so much potential that Apple isn't taking advantage of, hence, it occupies fifth place in my list.
