Apple delivered on its “Spring loaded” pledge at its annual Spring product launch celebration, launching a slew of new items.
Here’s a closer look at everything Apple revealed on Tuesday, from a new iPad Pro and refreshed, vibrant iMacs to a purple iPhone, the long-awaited AirTag location tracker, and an updated Apple TV and remote.
Apple unveiled a new iPad Pro with a faster processor, 5G support, a Thunderbolt port for connecting to more external monitors, and a Mini-LED display, as planned.
According to reports, the display would be brighter, have a higher contrast ratio, and have improved power efficiency for longer battery life.
Apple is also bringing its powerful M1 chip to the iPad Pro line, allowing a slew of software upgrades such as improved graphics, improved video effects, and augmented reality.
A new camera offers improved depth and video quality, as well as a Center Stage feature that automatically zooms out during video calls or meetings based on the number of people in the picture. The new iPad Pro has a starting price of $799 and will be available for purchase on April 30.
Apple has unveiled a refreshed iMac with the company’s latest M1 processor. Apple was able to reduce the internal hardware by using a smaller logic board and replacing the thermal device that keeps the computer cool with two small fans thanks to the new chip. The new iMac has a depth of just 11.5 millimetres.
According to Apple executives, the M1 chip can speed up iMac apps, increase machine learning speed, and enable users to use iPhone apps like Zillow and Headspace from the iMac screen.
The new iMac will feature a 24-inch 4.5K display with 11.3 million pixels. It’s also available in seven different shades, including peach, mint, and lavender.
Apple also enhanced the camera on the iMac for users who already work from home. To make you look better, the 1080p camera has features like auto white balance, noise reduction, and tone mapping. Besides, the machine has a new microphone that reduces feedback noise so you sound better. The latest iMac is priced at $1,299 for four colours and $1,499 for three colours with extra features. In the second half of May, it will be available.
Meanwhile, Apple is for the first time adding a Touch ID button to the iMac’s external keyboard. The Touch ID button will be in the top right corner of the keyboard, similar to how it is on the new MacBooks, which will allow users to unlock their device, switch users, and make payments using their fingerprints.
The keyboard and Apple’s Magic Mouse will be available in a variety of colours to fit the iMac’s new colour palette.
Apple finally introduced AirTag, a Tile-like Bluetooth locator that connects to and helps you locate things such as keys, wallets, phones, or even your car, in what was the company’s worst kept secret in recent history.
When connected to Apple’s Find My app, the thin, flat, circular discs with built-in chips can be used to locate objects. It’s also compatible with Siri. The stainless steel devices have a built-in speaker that plays sounds to help locate them. They are water and dust resistant. The AirTag is equipped with Apple’s U1 chip, which employs Ultra-Wideband technology and is similar to the chip used in the iPhone 12.
Although location trackers aren’t new — Samsung, Sony, and Tile all have similar items — Apple claims that the U1 chip can more reliably calculate the distance and direction to a lost object.
The gadget can be engraved for free, much like the Apple Watch. Starting April 30, an AirTag costs $29 each or $99 for four. Leather accessories from Hermès, such as key rings, luggage tags, and a bag charm, are also available.
Apple is releasing a new Siri remote along with the next version of its Apple TV 4K streaming system. The remote, which is made entirely of recycled aluminium, has a new navigation pad at the top that users can click or swipe through, as well as a dedicated Siri button on the left.
A dedicated power button on the remote allows you to turn your TV on and off. Starting April 30, the new Apple TV will be available in 32 GB and 64 GB versions, with the 32 GB version costing $179 and the 64 GB version costing $199.
Apple’s podcast app has also been revamped, with a new segment called channels that will curate shows.
Apple has introduced updates to its Apple Card, which is available to partners and families who share credit card accounts.
Spouses can now combine and share their Apple Card credit lines while maintaining equal rights to the account and building credit for each other. For families, any member over the age of 13 will now be able to use the family Apple Card account. Apple Card is a Goldman Sachs Apple-branded credit card that was introduced in 2019 and is only available to iPhone users.
Apple also revealed Apple Podcast Subscriptions, a paid podcast subscription service. A podcast subscription can come with benefits such as ad-free listening, early access to new shows, and exclusive material. NPR, the Los Angeles Times, and The Athletic are among the participating media brands. Next month, the paid service will be available in 170 regions and nations. The producers of podcasts set their prices.
Apple used some stage time to reveal that the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini are now available in purple, which came as a bit of a surprise. This model joins the blue, green, black, white, and red versions already on the market. It will go on sale on April 30 for $799.
