Apple just wrapped up its “Spring Loaded” that is the company’s first event of 2021. It was jam-packed with several new releases from the company.
Here is a look at everything Apple released –
New iPad Pro with M1 Chip
The iPad easily was the star of the show with Tim Cook channeling his inner Tom Cruise during the online event.
Apple updated its iPad Pro for 2021 and supercharged it with the Apple Silicon M1 chip further blurring the lines between Mac and iPad. Apple states that it is 50% faster than the previous generation and that the graphics capabilities is a mind blowing 1500x faster than the first generation iPad. It adds Wi-Fi 6 and 5G support and mmWave for US customers.
A new ultra wide front camera with Center Stage that automatically pans, zooms out, and follow you to keep you centered whenever you are in a video call. The rear Pro camera comes with LiDAR sensor similar to last year’s model, and is updated to support Smart HDR 3.
The charging port is now Thunderbolt and USB 4 capable with support for up to 40 Gbps bandwidth for wired connection. It offers a new 2TB configuration for more space to store apps and contents. The RAM for the new iPad Pro will be 8GB for the 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB capacity models and 16GB for the 1TB and 2TB versions.
The 11-inch model retains its Liquid Retina display that offers the same True Tone capability, ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate and P3 wide color gamut similar to the previous generation.
It takes a step further by pushing the 12.9 inch iPad Pro display to a whole new level by utilizing mini-LED technology. It uses the display technology used int he Pro Display XDR and shrinks it down into Apple’s most beautiful tablet screen to date. Apple refers to it as Liquid Retina XDR. It houses 10,000 mini-LEDs behind the 12.9 inch screen that can output 1,000 nits of full screen brightness and 1,600 nits of peak brightness. It offers 2,500 local dimming zones that is capable of achieving a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio. We can’t wait to get our hands on the gorgeous immersive screen of the 12.9 inch model.
The iPad Pro is compatible with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and the Magic Keyboard that was released last year. The Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro has added a beautiful white color to the lineup.
You can pre-order the new 2021 iPad Pros this April 30th and will be available on the second half of May. The 11-inch model starts at $799 and the 12.9-inch model starts at $1,099. We dived deep with an analysis of three generations of iPad Pro.
New iMacs with M1 Chip
Apple released a completely redesigned iMac that is equipped with an M1 chip. It has a 24 inch thinner screen and comes in seven different colors. The wireless keyboard and Apple mouse also comes with different colors to match your new iMac. The new wireless keyboard has optional version that offers Touch ID for authentication.
Apple says that it’s the fastest iMac ever and is up to 85% faster than the previous models across apps like Xcode, Lightroom and iMovie. Graphics performance is up to two times faster than previous models.
This year, Apple placed focus on it’s cameras in light of the many work from home situation. The FaceTime camera has been updated to take advantage of advanced image signal processor of the M1 chip that Apple states improves image quality and offers better low light performance. It also upgraded it to studio quality mics for higher quality conversations. A six-speaker sound system supports Spatial Audio when playing video with Dolby Atmos.
With its new thin design and the space saving Apple Silicon Chip inside, the whole desktop computer weighs less than 10 pounds. A new braided charging connector features magnetic capabilities that is reminiscent of the MagSafe chargers of previous MacBooks. We hope to see that feature come in future Apple Silicon MacBook Pros.
The new M1 powered iMacs are available starting at $1,299 in four colors. The better spec version starts at $1,499. You can order them starting on April 30th and will be available on the 2nd half of May.
Apple Finally Unveils AirTags Item Trackers
After years of rumors and speculations, we finally got to see the new Apple AirTags item trackers that works with the Find My App. You can learn more about Find My here.
It is quite similar to the Tile tracking functionality if you’ve ever used one before. You can use the Precision Finding capabilities with U1 equipped iPhones where you’ll be able to see the distance to your AirTag and the direction to head in. It features user replaceable batteries and is IP67 dust and water resistant. It also has a built in speaker for audible discovery.
It has several unique features to it like the Anti-Stalking feature that prompts you an alert if ever a device has been planted in your belongings. AirTag is also designed so that Android phones can read information from them.
Apple sells colorful key rings and loops where you can attach it to anywhere. It also partnered once again with Hermes for three handmade leather pieces to store your AirTags.
Apple’s iPhone Activation lock has radically reduced iPhone thefts. We believe that there will be fewer thefts of AirTags once they’ve been used.
The AirTags starts at $29 each or $99 for a set of four. You can pre-order them on Friday, April 23rd and they’ll be available on April 30th. You can personalize your AirTags with custom emojis or your initials for free if you order them on the Apple Store.
Apple TV 4K with a redesigned Remote
Apple revealed the new Apple TV 4K that comes equipped with the same A12 Bionic Chip found on the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR. It features High Frame Rate HDR, Dolby Vision, and three-dimensional audio with Dolby Atmos.
You can now color calibrate your TV using your iPhone to get the best picture quality that is customize for the environment that you’re in.
A redesigned Siri Remote brings precise control with a touch enabled click pad that looks similar to the click-wheel on the iPod classic. It charges via Lightning connector and is backwards compatible to previous Apple TV models.
The new Apple TV 4K is equipped with Wi-Fi 6 and support for Thread, a mesh communications standard developed for smart home products. The HomePod mini released last year was the first Apple device to include that standard.
You can preorder the new Apple TV 4K on April 30 and will be available in the second half of May. It starts at $179 for 32GB.
Other Announcements
Some other minor announcements Apple made in the event –
- The iPhone 12 and 12 mini will come in new purple color and launches on April 30.
- The beloved Ted Lasso’s second season debuts on July 23.
- Apple launching in-app podcast subscription.
- Apple launches Apple Card Family.
