Apple unveiled a new look for the iMac, plus a new powerful build for the iPad Pro, each of which will run on the company’s own M1 processor chipset. This marks the latest set of devices that come with M1, after the MacBook and Mac Mini models previously launched in the fall of 2020. In addition to the these new devices, the company also revealed a new Apple TV 4K, bringing that device to its next generation, a new purple Iphone 12, and AirTag, an entirely new product that harnesses Apple’s “Find My” technology to enable you to more easily locate items like misplaced car keys.
New iPad Pro with M1
This new iPad Pro is the first to come with Apple’s M1 chip, and the performance boost should be significant, based on the company’s own estimates. Apple says users can expect up to 1,500 times faster graphics performance. It should also make the tablet more efficient no matter the process, helping content creators work with greater ease.
The larger 12.9-inch model gets a visual boost as well. Apple is equipping it with its Liquid Retina XDR display and an array of 10,000 LEDs underneath the panel. That means more significant brightness at 1,000 nits compared to the 600 nits of the previous model. It also means the LEDs can localize to offer better contrast, particularly in bright or dark scenes.
Apple also made the USB-C port capable as a Thunderbolt port, meaning up to 40Gbps of data could run through it. That’s powerful enough to run a number of accessories, including external SSD drives, and external monitors when you want extra screen real estate.
Improved front and rear cameras could make video calls and photography smoother and better. The new iPad Pro will also feature 5G connectivity for the first time. The Apple Pencil will be fully compatible, as will new folio accessories to give the device a keyboard and trackpad.
There will be both the 12.9-inch and 11-inch models available, and pre-orders will begin on April 30.
Apple’s new iMac with M1
The newest iMac gets a new look on the outside and inside. Harkening back to its original colour choices in the late 1990s, Apple’s latest desktop computer will come in seven colours. It’s the thinnest iMac ever made, measuring a mere 11.5mm. The base configuration will only come in four colours: silver, pink, blue and green. Go with the higher-spec model, and you also choose yellow, orange and purple.
On the outside, the new iMac features a 24-inch 4.5K Super Retina display. Apple made it with thinner bezels, so the front is only slightly bigger than the current 21-inch iMac. There are four USB-C ports in the back, two of which are Thunderbolt-enabled. The power adapter is much smaller and includes an Ethernet port to ensure you can still do a wired connection. The power cable plugs with a magnet, making it easier to attach and detach. There is no memory card slot, nor HDMI or regular USB-A ports.
On the inside, the M1 chipset should bring the same kind of efficiency other Macs with M1 have. Apple changed the internals to also make more room for better speakers and microphones, with support for Dolby Atmos. The 1080p webcam will produce a cleaner image as well.
The Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad will all come in the same colours to match the iMac. Look for Apple’s latest 24-inch desktop iMac to come starting on April 30, with availability in the second half of May.
A new Apple TV 4K
Apple didn’t drastically change the design of its Apple TV box, but did make some noteworthy changes otherwise. The biggest one is probably the Siri Remote, which carries a new design that moves the Siri button to the side. It can integrate with smart TVs to turn them on and off as well.
There’s a neat picture calibration feature that will use the front camera on an iPhone to adjust colour and contrast automatically. The Apple Arcade gaming features continue on here, so you can connect a PlayStation 5 DualSense or Xbox Series X controller to play games on the platform.
Coming soon
Apple will be launching all of these products and services in the coming weeks. In the meantime, you can check out the latest products from the company here.
Interesting direction for the iMac. Not a fan of the redesign myself, the white bezels and colored chin look odd to me but I’m sure many people will love them.
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