The Apple “Spring Loaded” 2021 event was full of interesting announcements, including some long-awaited (AirTags!) And some welcome surprises (Rainbow iMacs!). Let’s dive into the best of the new ones.
Colored iMacs
Although I knew that iPads were expected at the event, the biggest announcement was, without a doubt, the unveiling of a new suite of iMacs with a more elegant design, with thin frames and, most importantly, a whole range of colors. I mean, look at these things!
I’m very excited that colorful desktop computers are about to return to fashion, but the new iMacs are a major leap in performance. Surprisingly, they are powered by Apple’s custom M1 chip, which means it should offer a major boost to performance compared to the previous generation when running optimized software.
Apple has also improved the sound on the new iMac with two-force woofers and separate tweeters. The device also has three microphones and a Facetime HD camera with AI enhancements for your Zoom calls.
But let’s not do it ourselves, you will get one of these for the colors, right?
The new iMac starts at $ 1,299 and will be available for pre-order on April 30 for availability in late May.
Article Tracking AirTags
In the end. I first heard about AirTags back in April 2019, but now they are a reality.
AirTag tags make things much higher than traditional Bluetooth trackers, showing you the exact distance and direction of the lost object, using Ultra Wideband radio technology. They’re also connected to Apple’s “Find Me” network, helping you locate lost items through other Apple device users who may be within range.
Best of all, it only costs $ 29, which is pretty cheap when it comes to new Apple products. Or $ 99 if you want four of them. AirTag pre-orders start this April 23, and the tracker will be available on April 30. You can even order them with custom engravings.
By the way, Apple made a pretty great AirTag announcement:
An iPad Pro powered by M1
Apple continues to blur the line between Mac and iPad with the new iPad Pro. The latest generation of the device also includes the M1 processor, which Apple says offers a 50% increase in processor and a 40% improvement in GPU compared to last year’s model.
But performance updates have been given. More interesting is the use of Mini LED technology for the first time on an Apple device, although it is exclusive to the 12.9-inch model. If you’re not familiar, Mini LED displays are essentially just fancy LED displays with countless backlight areas.
This means that the LEDs that illuminate the panel can turn off independently in a variety of areas, helping it to approach the contrast of OLED displays, although it cannot turn off individual pixels as the latest technology does. But for most content, it should be a major leap in performance.
The new iPads also support Thunderbolt / USB-4, an ultra-wide front camera that can track you as you move around the frame and 5G connectivity. The 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $ 799, while the 12.9-inch model will restore you to 1,099.
An iPhone mov
The iPhone 12 and 12 mini now come in purple. That’s a good thing. There it is:
The Prince’s spirit will be happy. Pre-orders start on Friday and will be available on April 30.
Updated Apple TV 4K
Apple blocked an A12 Bionic in the Apple TV for several processing chops and created a new fancy remote control.
The more robust processor allowed for some interesting updates. For one, it can now play HDR content at up to 60 fps. But more interesting for those who care about image quality is the ability to calibrate your screen using the iPhone camera.
The remote control now has a circular touchpad with clickable buttons that frames it and is made of recycled aluminum. Most importantly, he finally gets a mute button.
Apple is doubling down on Podcasts
The Apple Podcasts application received a major redesign today, in which each show has its own dedicated page, with a new navigation function to make it easier to find new shows.
But more importantly, Apple has also announced that users will be able to subscribe to podcasts, helping creators make money from their audience. Some of the subscription features include ad-free episodes, early access to new series, and premium content.
The new design and features are released in May.
Watch everything
Did you miss the event and have an hour to kill? You can watch it all below or by going here.
Apple has been so kind as to include timestamps so you can move on to the parts that interest you.
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