Apple 's "Spring loaded" event took place yesterday and as we expected, the company showcased some of its upcoming products.
Let's take a closer look at what Apple presented at Tuesday's event:
New iPads
Apple has unveiled an updated iPad Pro with a faster processor, 5G support, a Thunderbolt port for connecting to more external displays, and a Mini-LED display. The company is also adding the powerful M1 chip to the iPad Pro lineup and offering several software updates, including better graphics, improved video effects, and augmented reality capabilities.
See also: Intel: After campaigns against the M1 chip, says it wants to make Apple silicon chips
As for the camera, it has been designed in such a way as to allow for better video quality, and it also has a new feature called “Center Stage”, which automatically zooms during video calls and teleconferences, depending on the number of people visible on the screen.
See also: Apple: Power shortage for upcoming iPad screens
According to Apple, the new iPad Pro starts at $799 and will be available for order starting April 30.
iMac with M1 chip
Apple also announced a new iMac yesterday that will be powered by the company's M1 chip. The new chip allowed Apple to shrink the internal hardware — incorporating a smaller logic board and replacing the thermal system that keeps the machine cool with two small fans.
According to the company, the M1 chip will allow iMac apps to run faster, improve the speed of machine learning , and allow the use of iPhone, such as Zillow and Headspace, through the iMac display.
The redesigned iMac will feature a 24-inch, 4.5K display with 11.3 million pixels. It's available in seven colors, including some more unique colors like peach, mint, and lavender.
Apple also said it has improved the iMac's camera. It's a 1080p camera with automatic white balance, noise reduction, and color tone correction to help users see better. The computer also has a new microphone designed to reduce external noise.
The new iMac starts at $1,299 for the four colors and $1,499 for the other three colors, plus additional features. It will be available in the second half of May.
Finally, Apple has added a Touch ID button to the top right corner of the iMac's external keyboard, which will allow users to unlock their computer, make payments via their fingerprints, etc.
Both the keyboard and Apple Magic Mouse will be available in a variety of colors to match the new iMac color range.
AirTag
Apple has finally unveiled the long-awaited AirTag, a Tile-like Bluetooth tracking tag that attaches to an object (e.g. keys, wallets, laptops, cars, etc.) and allows for tracking and locating that object. The small, flat, circular discs with embedded chips allow users to locate objects directly from Apple's Find My app. They also work with Siri.
It's a stainless steel device that's water and dust resistant, and has a built-in speaker to help with location. The AirTag is equipped with Apple's U1 chip, the same chip used in the iPhone 12.
Apple says the U1 chip will more accurately determine the distance and direction to a lost object.
The price for one AirTag is $29, while someone could buy four for $99. The new product will be available starting April 30.
Apple TV 4K with new Siri remote
Apple is also releasing the next-generation Apple TV 4K, along with a new Siri remote.
See also: How to change the screen resolution on Apple TV
The company says the remote is made from recycled aluminum and includes a new pad on the top that users can click or swipe to navigate. There's also a dedicated Siri button on the side.
The new Apple TV will be available starting April 30. The 32GB version will cost $179 , while the 64GB version will cost $199 .
Apple cards updates, purple iPhone and more
The company also made some changes to Apple Card for spouses and families. Spouses can now merge and share Apple Card credit limits, while having equal rights to the account. For families, the company will now allow any member over the age of 13 to use the family Apple Card account. Apple Card is an Apple credit card issued by Goldman Sachs and launched in 2019 for iPhone users.
Apple also announced a paid podcast service called “Apple Podcast Subscriptions.” The service will be available in 170 regions and countries next month. Podcast creators set their own prices.
Finally, Apple announced that the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini will also be available in purple.
Source: CNN International
