Apple recently concluded a week-long poll asking its audience to rank the company’s 50 best products ever, coinciding with its 50th anniversary. The results, based on over 1.6 million votes, have now been tallied and analyzed, revealing the ultimate fan-favorite Apple innovation.
The Vergecast Analysis
The latest episode of The Vergecast dedicated significant time to dissecting the rankings. Hosts Nilay Patel and David Pierce walked through the list from number 50 to number 11, reacting to the crowd-sourced results. The discussion then shifted to comparing the audience’s top 10 with the hosts’ own curated rankings – compiled over weeks of debate.
The comparison highlighted areas of strong consensus, as well as notable disagreements. The hosts pondered whether recent product popularity, or even inherent bias against certain Apple devices (such as printers), may have influenced the results.
Beyond the Rankings: Additional News
The podcast also touched on other relevant tech news, including OpenAI updates and upcoming Verge events. The team encouraged listeners to vote for them in the Webby Awards and attend their live show, Sneakers, in New York.
Lightning Round & Miscellaneous Updates
The episode concluded with a “lightning round,” covering topics like criticism of FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, ongoing gadget price increases, and Patel’s personal experiences repurposing an older iMac.
Apple’s success is rooted in its ability to create products that resonate deeply with its user base. This poll demonstrates that the company’s legacy is defined not just by innovation, but by the collective experience of millions of dedicated customers. The final ranking provides an insight into what Apple fans value most, a blend of nostalgia, functionality, and emotional connection.
