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During its Spring Event, Apple announced a number of new products. Of these, the new iMac and iPad Pro are the most eye-catching. Furthermore, the company has unveiled a new Apple TV, AirTag and a podcast service.

The new iMacs are the most striking new products. For the first time since 2012, the computers are getting a new look. The computers are a lot thinner, at only 11.5mm, and are available in seven different colours. The thinner design is made possible by the use of the Apple M1 processor in the device.

In terms of technical specifications, this iMac is not much different from the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air and Mac Mini that Apple unveiled when it announced the M1 processor. It comes with the same 8-core processor as the other three computers, with 7 or 8 GPU cores and 8 or 16GB of memory. Storage is configurable from 256GB to 2TB.

For an all-in-one computer, the display is important as well. In the case of the new iMac, it is a 24-inch LCD with a resolution of 4480×2520 pixels and a maximum brightness of 500 nits. The computer is also equipped with a 1080p webcam, three microphones and six speakers. The Magic Mouse and Magic Keyboard are available in the same colours as the computers. Optionally, the keyboard can be equipped with the Touch ID fingerprint scanner.

The computer comes in two variants. The base model features two Thunderbolt 4 ports and an audio jack. The more expensive variant adds two USB-3 ports, in USB-C form factor. Apple has devised a new power cable that connects magnetically to the case. In addition, an adapter is available that incorporates a gigabit Ethernet port. This means one less cable to run across the desk. The adapter is optionally available for the base model, but comes standard with the more expensive variant.

iPad Pro with Apple M1

Apple’s fast M1 processor is not only found in the new iMac. The new iPad Pro is equipped with it as well, and this is not a trimmed down variant to fit in a tablet. Like the other M1 devices, the iPad Pro features all 8 CPU cores and 8 GPU cores, along with up to 16GB of RAM and 2TB of storage.

The tablet comes in two sizes, 11 inches and 12.9 inches. The largest of these is equipped with a so-called Liquid Retina XDR display. This means that the IPS display is illuminated by more than ten thousand small LEDs instead of the usual 72 larger ones. This allows for high-contrast HDR images with 2596 zones. The peak brightness is 1600 nits, although the maximum overall brightness is 600 nits. The resolution of the display is 2732×2048 pixels.

The 11″ version has to do without a Liquid Retina XDR screen. However, the tablet is equipped with an IPS panel with a resolution of 2388×1668 pixels and a maximum brightness of 600 nits. Also, the battery of this tablet is somewhat smaller, but this does not affect the battery life, according to Apple. Both models should last about 10 hours on a charge.

Except for the screen and battery, the specifications of the two tablets are identical, including the cameras. The iPad Pro comes with two cameras on the back: a 12-megapixel wide-angle camera and a 10-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera. But what’s more special is the front camera. It has a feature that is also found in many modern conference room webcams: automatically zooming in on a specific person. This allows the tablet to follow a speaker during a video call without having to adjust the tablet. This so-called TrueDepth camera has a resolution of 12 megapixels and an angle of 122 degrees.

The iPad Pro has standard support for WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. It also has optional 5G support for connecting to the internet when away from home. Furthermore, the tablet has a Thunderbolt 4 port, which can be used both for charging the device and for connecting peripherals. Of course, Apple also has the necessary accessories for the tablet, such as a matching cover and a keyboard. The tablet also supports the Apple Pencil.

Apple TV 4K, Airtag and Apple Podcasts

The last version of the Apple TV was already more than three years old, so Apple thought it was time for an upgrade. A faster A12 Bionic processor has replaced the A10X Fusion chip of the old version. The old model could already handle 4K and HDR images, but with the HDMI 2.1 connection in the new version, higher frame rates are supported. Furthermore, the remote control has been renewed, and there is a feature to adjust the colour balance by scanning the television screen with an iPhone.

Furthermore, Apple has announced AirTag. This is a small device that can be attached to an object in order to find it back if it gets lost. Think of a keychain or even a bicycle. Via the same environment as Find My Phone, you can also find lost AirTags. The device works with bluetooth, but is also usable if it is outside your personal bluetooth range. It can communicate with all Apple devices in the Find My network, which can then send the location to its rightful owner.

The tags are only a few inches in size and are IP67 certified against water and dust. They also have a built-in speaker to make them easier to find and the battery can be easily replaced.

Finally, Apple has announced a paid podcast service called Apple Podcasts Subscriptions. This gives users access to additional content from podcasters and removes ads.

Pricing and availability

The new iMac starts at 1449 euros for the entry-level model with 8GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, the 7-core GPU and only two USB ports. For the more expensive version with 8 GPU cores, two additional USB ports and the standard Ethernet connection in the adapter, you have to pay 1669 euros. This still gives you 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. More memory and storage are available on both variants for an additional fee.

The iPad Pro is available from 899 euros for the 11″ version and 1219 euros for the 12.9″ variant. This comes with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. The 5G versions are 170 euros euros more expensive. For the version with all the bells and whistles, the price tops 2500 euros.

The new Apple TV 4K costs 199 euros for a version with 32GB storage or 219 euros if you want 64GB. The AirTags cost 35 euros separately, but can be bought per four for 119 euros. All announced devices will be available starting 30 April.