New iMac, iPads, AirTags And More

Apple just announced a host of new product releases. Get your credit card ready . . .

iMac

Apple replaces the 21.5″ iMac with a completely re-designed 24″ model that comes in seven colors.

• New 11.5mm ultra thin design with smaller stand.
• Apple’s new M1 chip. Up to an 8 core CPU, 8 core GPU with max of 16GB memory.
• 24″ 4.5K retina display with True Tone support.
• Up to 16GB of unified memory.
• Up to 2TB of SSD storage.
• Upgraded 1080p FaceTime camera.
• High-fidelity six-speaker system with force-cancelling woofers.
• Studio-quality three-mic array.
• 2 USB-C and 2 Thunderbolt 3 ports . . . Base model has only 1 USB-C and 1 Thunderbolt port.
• Wi-Fi 6 wireless networking.
• 3.5 mm headphone jack – On the side . . . weird!
• New color matched keyboard, touchpad and Apple Mouse.
• Keyboard now has Touch ID. . . on the more expensive models.
• New magnetic power connector.
• Ability to use iPhone and iPad Apps on the iMac.
• Available colors: All models – Blue, green, pink, silver. $1499 and above add yellow, orange and purple.

Apple claim the new iMac is 85% faster than previous models with graphics running up to 2 times faster.

Apple did not replace the 27″ iMac. Rumor is it’s going happen in July . . . we hope.

24-inch ‌iMac‌ with 8-core CPU, 7-core GPU and 8GB memory, 256GB SSD, two Thunderbolt ports, Magic Keyboard, and Magic Mouse in 4 colors starts at $1,299.

24-inch ‌iMac‌ with 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU and 8GB of memory, 256GB SSD, two Thunderbolt ports, two USB 3 ports, Magic Keyboard with ‌Touch ID‌, Magic Mouse in 7 colors starts at $1,499.

Orders begin April 30. Shipping expected in the second half of May.

The 11″ and 12.9″ iPad Pro receive some signifigant upgrades:

• Apple’s new M1 chip with 8 core CPU, 8 core GPU and up to 16GB memory.
• 11-inch iPad Pro LCD Retina display remains unchanged, but the 12.9-inch iPad Pro gains a new mini LED Liquid Retina XDR display with up to 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio and 1000 nits brightness.
• Both iPads have ProMotion, True Tone, P3 wide color, and ultralow reflectivity.
• 5G capable.
• Wi-Fi 6.
• Front TrueDepth Ultra Wide camera sensor provides 122‑degree field of view.
• Center Stage software tracks camera with user to keep them in frame.
• LiDAR Scanner creates depth map of any space to unlock immersive AR experiences and more accurately focus images and videos in low‑light conditions and reduce capture time.
• Rear Pro camera system with 12MP wide and 10MP ultra wide cameras.
• Thunderbolt 4 port enables connection to external devices at up to 40Gbps and is compatible with USB 4.
• With Thunderbolt, the iPad Pro can run the Pro Display XDR at full 6K resolution.

Apple claim up to 50 % faster processing and up to 40 percent faster graphics performance.

11″ iPad Pro starts at $799. 12.9″ iPad Pro starts at $1,099. Pre-orders begin April 30. Availability expected second half of May.

Changes to the Apple TV were minimal. If you currently have the 4K version, I would wait for a more substantive upgrade:

• A12 Bionic chip brings better graphics, video and audio performance.
• High Frame Rate HDR – Playback at a higher frame rates can provide smoother clearer images. Sports footage looks fantastic with this feature.. . . but, be warned movies look absolutely terrible at higher frame rates.
• Color Balance  – An iPhone App works with your TV to correct color balance. 
• New Apple TV remote – Easier to use. Clickpad with five-way navigation. Ring acts as jog shuttle to Fast Forward and Rewind. New power and mute buttons.

Apple TV‌ 4K starts at $179 for 32GB and $199 for 64GB. Pre-orders begin April 30.

Apple’s AirTags are small tracking devices that can be attached to things like keys, purses or luggage.

Using the Find My App in the iPhone, a clear directional interface leads users to the missing item. AirTags have built-in speakers that can play sounds to aid detection.

The AirTag comes with built-in privacy and security features to elimate the possibility of unapproved tracking.

Users can easily replace the battery.

AirTag accessories include the Polyurethane Loop, which is both lightweight and durable, and the Leather Loop and Leather Key Ring featuring specially tanned European leather.

It’s advisable to check compatibility before you buy AirTags. Unfortunately, they only work with the iPhone 11 and above. iPad compatibility is broader.

A single AirTag retails for $29, with a 4 pack available for $99

A new Podcast subscription service is on the horizon.

This allows podcast providers to produce content that they can monetize. Providers will be paid by Apple based on user subscriptions.

The iPhone 12 is now available in Purple . . . I had no idea people were clamoring for this.

That’s it. Have a great week.

John