The new iMac and iPad Pro were presented by Apple, along with other innovations, during an event organized in streaming on Tuesday afternoon at the company's headquarters in Cupertino, near San Francisco. The presentation was rather expected, not only because it was the first of 2021, but also to better understand the plans of one of the richest and most famous IT companies on the planet, in a rather uncertain period due to the coronavirus pandemic.
iMac
Among the most important innovations, Apple presented a new version of the iMac, its desktop computers made in a single block (all-in-one ). They are thinner than previous models thanks to the use of the new M1 processor, designed and developed directly by Apple and recently introduced on some of the company's laptops.
In addition to marking the end of the use of Intel processors on Macs, M1 offers more performance and packs more components, allowing you to reduce the space occupied inside computers. Thanks to its introduction, the new iMacs are therefore thinner (11.5 mm) and quieter, because they need less powerful fans to cool the processor and other components.
The new iMacs have a 24-inch screen and are available in 7 colors, unlike previous models produced only in the classic aluminum gray. The camera has been updated to a 1080p model, which Apple claims allows for sharper images, also thanks to a larger sensor that can collect more light.
The iMacs have 4 USB-C ports on the back and a central magnetic port for the power cable, which then connects to a power supply on which an Ethernet port is also mounted, to connect to the Internet via cable (for those who prefer not to use WiFi connection).
Apple has also updated wireless keyboards and mice for use with the new iMacs. In addition to a basic model, there is a more advanced version of the keyboard with a fingerprint sensor (Touch ID), useful for unlocking the computer faster and switching between accounts. The system can also be used to enter passwords faster and to confirm digital payments via Apple Pay.
The new iMacs can be ordered starting April 30, and deliveries will begin in mid-May. In Italy the basic model with M1, 256 GB memory and 8 GB of RAM costs 1,499 euros, the price then varies depending on the configurations and customizations.
iPad Pro
As was widely expected, Apple unveiled new versions of the iPad Pro, its most powerful tablets. The most important change is the choice to use the M1 processor on these devices as well, so far only used on Macs.
The choice allows you to have tablets much faster than the previous generation, but still keeping battery consumption under control. Apple claims up to 10 hours of battery life for the new iPad Pro with WiFi and up to 9 hours for models with WiFi and cellular network connection (which includes 5G).
The iPad Pros are available in two versions, one with an 11-inch screen and the other with a 12.9-inch screen. The larger model has a “Liquid Retina XDR”, a name chosen by Apple to indicate a new solution that uses a panel with much smaller LEDs than usual to illuminate the screen.
Below the most popular screens for tablets and computers, LCDs, there is a panel of small lights (LEDs) that are used to make the screen bright: the problem with this solution is that in some circumstances it does not get a good contrast, because the dark parts of the images are still illuminated.
The drawback can be overcome by using OLED technology which allows greater control over lighting, but which is more expensive especially if it has to be used on screens larger than those of a smartphone. Apple's solution with much smaller LEDs than normal allows you to better adjust the brightness depending on the images to be shown.
Apple has also updated the camera system, with new sensors for augmented reality, which allows you to superimpose virtual objects on the shots.
The new iPad Pro can be ordered from April 30th and will be delivered starting from the second half of May. The 11-inch base model costs € 899, while the 12.9-inch model starts at € 1,219.
Apple TV 4K
After about four years without significant updates, Apple has updated its device to connect to the TV to stream content. Aesthetically, the new Apple TV 4K is reminiscent of the previous model, but is equipped with a more powerful processor (A12 Bionic) and gives the possibility to view videos in the latest formats, including HDR for more defined colors and more contrasted images. .
The new Apple TV 4K also has a function to calibrate the color regardless of the TV settings. It is used through an application on a smartphone, which allows you to detect the colors shown on the screen and automatically compare them with what should be their actual rendering in terms of saturation and hue. Based on this data, Apple TV 4K then adjusts its color settings, compensating for any problems caused by the TV.
The remote has also been redesigned, with a few more buttons to make it easier to use than the previous version, which hadn't received many positive reviews.
The new Apple TV 4K has a starting price of 199 euros for the version with 32 GB of memory. It can be ordered from the end of April and deliveries will start in the second half of May.
AirTag
After years of rumors, Apple finally presented AirTag, a tracker for objects, that is a small device to be applied to bunches of keys, bags, backpacks and more to find them via your smartphone, in case they have been lost somewhere.
The AirTags have a circular shape with a diameter of about 3 centimeters and a weight of 11 grams. They work with a flat battery, such as a watch battery, which can be replaced directly without the need to take the device to an Apple Store. The battery is used to power the Bluetooth-based location system and to emit a sound signal, which can be activated by your smartphone in order to find the tracker more easily.
Each AirTag must be associated with your Apple account and works through the “Where is” application, already available for some time to find out where your Mac, iPhone and iPad are.
Each AirTag costs 35 euros, but 4 can be purchased for 119 euros. They will be available from April 23 and can be personalized, at the time of order, with a free engraving on one of their sides.
iPhone 12
During the presentation, a new version of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini presented in the autumn of last year was also announced. They are identical to the models already announced, but are available in a new color between purple and lilac.
Podcast
Apple has announced that it is working to enhance its services for listening to Podcasts. In addition to an updated version with different graphics of the application, it will be possible for producers to make available paid podcasts, which users can purchase directly through the app.
