Apple reveals its true colours with kaleidoscopic iMacs
Plus all the other launches from its spring event
From a new M1 chip-powered iPad Pro to a Bluetooth locator device, here’s all the new hardware that was announced at Apple’s Spring Loaded event today.
iMac
It’s 1998 all over again: Apple launched a new iMac range in a spectrum of vibrant colours (seven, in fact). But what’s under that sleek, low-carbon aluminium hood? Well, it’s the first Mac to be designed around the company’s breakthrough M1 chip, boasting a strikingly slim 11.3mm profile and up to 85 percent faster CPU performance. There’s a 1080p FaceTime HD camera – perfect for looking your best in this era of virtual meetings – as well as studio-quality microphones, a six-speaker sound system and an immersive 4.5K retina display. The simplified design is capped off with a new woven, colour-matched cable and power connector that attaches magnetically. TouchID comes to the iMac for the first time ever, making it easier than ever to securely log in, make purchases with Apple Pay or switch user profiles with literal touch of a finger.
Available: pre-orders from 30 April, availability from second half of May
iPad Pro
Another staple to get the M1 chip treatment is the iPad Pro, which blazes ahead with ultra-fast 5G connectivity and a new 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display. Support for Thunderbolt and USB 4 makes the USB-C port on iPad Pro the fastest, most versatile port ever on an iPad, with 4x more bandwidth for wired connections than the previous iPad Pro. The device also features an all-new 12MP ultra-wide front camera that enables Center Stage, a nifty feature that uses machine learning to keep users centred in the frame – even as they move around.
Available: pre-orders from 30 April, availability from second half of May
AirTag
How often do you use your Apple Watch to ping your misplaced iPhone? (It’s always firmly wedged in the crevices of your sofa, of course.) Well, fans of Apple’s Find My feature can rejoice – the Cupertino company is leveraging its vast network with a small and elegantly designed accessory that provides a private and secure way to easily locate their most valued possessions. Users can assign AirTag to default items such as their keys or luggage, or provide a custom name of their choosing. AirTag can be purchased in a pack of one or four for $29 and $99, respectively and can be personalised with a complimentary engraving. We’ve personally got our eye on the AirTag Hermès, an elegant capsule collection of handcrafted leather accessories including a bag charm and luggage tag custom-engraved with the fashion house’s Clou de Selle motif.
Available: 30 April
Apple TV 4K
At the heart of the next generation of Apple TV is the A12 Bionic chip that provides a significant boost in graphics performance, video decoding and audio processing. The all-new Siri Remote features an innovative clickpad control that offers five-way navigation for better accuracy, and is also touch-enabled for fast directional swipes. With Apple’s ever-growing list of subscription services all integrated into the TV – Apple TV+, Apple Music, Apple Fitness+ Apple Arcade – you’ll be hard-pressed to tear yourself away.
Available: pre-orders from 30 April, availability from second half of May
iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini
Less of a hardware update and more of an aesthetic one, the iPhone 12 will soon be available in a new colourway – a soothing purple – alongside the existing range. ‘The new purple finish, just in time for spring, adds another bright and fun option to the lineup,’ said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. Even better, the purple iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini ship with iOS 14.5, which features the ability to unlock iPhone with Apple Watch while wearing a face mask as well as new emoji.
Available: pre-orders from 23 April, availability from 30 April