Apple just ended its big “Spring Loaded” event and was full of new products and announcements. You can watch it all on the Apple website, but here’s a quick rundown of what fell, with links to our coverage.
Apple Card Updates
Apple
Apple started its event by reconsidering its commitment to the environment and making the company carbon neutral by 2030, but the first real the announcement was not a new product at all, it was an update of the Apple card. Adult couples will be able to “co-own” an Apple card, both with the same credit rating, and a new “Apple Card Family” feature will allow Apple cardholders to share their card with children over the age of 13, giving each one a limit. of expenses. Existing card users can merge their accounts and combine their spending limits.
Podcast subscription
Apple
Apple does not charge a monthly fee for Podcast subscriptions; this is not Apple Podcasts +. Instead, this new program allows podcast creators to create “premium subscriptions” to their podcasts and set their own price. Subscribers can get personalized content or early access, and Apple reduces its regular costs by 30% of revenue (down to 15% in the second year and over). There is also a big update to the Podcasts app. Everything comes in iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5 and macOS 11.3.
A purple iPhone 12
Apple
It’s an iPhone 12 … it’s just purple! This is. It launches on Friday, April 23 and is delivered on Friday, April 30.
It only lasted a few years, but Apple eventually announced those rumors following the articles. AirTags works with Bluetooth and the U1 chip and costs quite reasonably $ 29 (or $ 99 for a pack of four). And get it – they are water and dust resistant IP67 and have user replaceable batteries using standard CR2032 coin cells!
A new Apple TV 4K
Apple
Get out with the old Apple TV 4K, with the new Apple TV 4K. The new model has a Bionic A12 processor, supports 120Hz output (if your TV supports this) and, most importantly, includes a new Siri remote that looks like it will be a lot easier to use. You can even buy it yourself for $ 59 if you want one for your existing Apple TV. The new Apple TV 4K retains the same price as the one it replaces: $ 179 for 32 GB and $ 199 for 64 GB.
New iMacs
Perhaps the most important new product at the event was the introduction of the new 24-inch iMacs. They come in a variety of colors, are powered by the M1 chip and have new displays, speakers, microphone boards and a completely new high-quality 1080p webcam. All but the basic model come with new, color-matching Magic Magic keyboards, which include a Touch ID sensor and color-appropriate mice or trackpads.
New iPad Pro
The new iPad Pro (we firmly refuse to call them “iPads Pro”) is an important step compared to last year’s models. They are also powered by the M1 (which has always been exactly what we expected an M14X to be). Cellular models now have 5G, and the front camera has switched to a 12MP Ultra Wide camera, which allows a new feature called Center Stage that tracks you in the camera while you do FaceTime with someone. The 12.9-inch model is $ 100 more expensive now (and even more with the new configurations), but comes with a Liquid Retina XDR display that uses thousands of mini-LED backlights to allow for brighter beak brightness , higher contrast and full HDR support.
I have written professionally about technology for my entire adult professional life – over 20 years. I like to find out how complicated technology works and explain it in a way that anyone can understand.