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It’s that time of year again where we receive some slices of information on what Apple is bringing to the table in this quarter of 2021. This Spring Loaded event was just that, loaded with a variety of goodies for those already in the ecosystem and some enticing offerings for those looking to venture into Apple products for the very first time.
So, what was announced this time around? Well, there’s a whole host of new devices, a bunch of colors, and a surprising addition to their functional accessories lineup. Let’s get into it.
New Apple iMac
Apple TV 4K
Who doesn’t like improved resolution right? Well, Apple has joined the 4K party with the introduction of the Apple TV 4K.
On the whole, the design of the device itself hasn’t really deviated away from the traditional formula with its small box-like nature but the changes lie within. It boasts Apple’s A12 Bionic chip with 64‑bit architecture for snappy playback and HDMI 2.1 for those 4K films and TV shows at 60 frames per second. There’s also a gigabit Ethernet port for those lucky enough to be reaping the benefits of a lighting fast internet connection and one that’s extremely beneficial for that higher resolution rate.
While there’s the improved internal chip for the Apple TV 4K, there’s also the introduction of a new remote. This remote features a throwback feature many would’ve utilized in their iPods of old – scrubbing via the touch-sensitive controls. This enables you to quickly get to the point you want to without your fingers cramping up from continuously clicking the right button. It also utilizes Siri functionality via a quick button press on the side of the remote’s body.
You can order the new base 32GB Apple TV 4K for $169 (£169) on April 30th with it shipping in the second half of May.
Apple AirTag
Last but by no means least is the introduction of the Apple AirTag. This accessory offers a similar approach to that of Tile where you can attach it to your valuables and track them via the Find My feature built into most Apple devices. It’s a simple but effective way to keep track of your luggage, keys, handbags, and more making it a pretty worthwhile purchase for those that are already in the Apple eco-system.
Of course, there are a number of different keychains and luggage tags that can be purchased separately from the device itself so you can match it to your style. The initial batch however is a little limited but we’re sure Apple will be adding to that lineup as the year progresses.
The Apple AirTag will launch on April 30th and are available to preorder on April 24th. They will retail at $29 each or if you want a number of valuables locatable, you can pick up a pack of four for a discounted price of $99.
The iMac has gone through a variety of design changes since its creation from the boxy, tube-like exterior to the slim and compact variations we see today. But, with this latest iteration, it certainly harks back to the colorful early 2000s while still offering a sleek, modern look.
If you want to add a bit of color to your setup, you’ll have seven to choose from; Blue, Green, Pink, Yellow, Orange, Purple, and last but not least the classic Silver. These sit on a redesigned flat back and trickle down into the actual stand providing flair that has been lacking in these machines of late.
Under the hood, you can expect to utilize the benefits of the new M1 chip that Apple has introduced into their new Macbooks. This chip has a dramatic performance uplift compared to its predecessor, making the iMac their most powerful desktop experience to date. Storage is however still on the lackluster side maxing out at 512GB for the topped specced model.
The screen has changed a little also, moving away from the base 21.5-inch to a bigger 24-inch variant that boasts a 4.5k resolution. This provides the clearest and most vivid picture to date, music to the ears of those working in graphics and video editing professions.
For the ports, you’re looking at four USB-C slots, two with USB 4 functionality and two that are Thunderbolt enabled. There’s, of course, an Ethernet port too but if you’re confused about where it is after taking a brief look at the back of the iMac don’t fret. It is actually located inside the power adapter which will please you cable management fanatics.
All in all, this looks like a solid iteration on an Apple staple and one that should excite previous iMac owners.
You can order the new iMac in all its rainbow glory on April 30th with it shipping in the middle of May. For the cost, you’re looking at a starting price of $1,299 scaling up to $1,699 for the fully kitted out model.
New Apple iPad Pro
You want more power in your tablet? May I introduce you to the new iPad Pro. This thing is not only a thing of beauty with its slim and light form factor and aluminum frame, it also includes that all-important M1 chip that pushes performance to the max. This makes light work of intensive applications like the Adobe Creative Suite both now and far into the future.
The display has had a nice little upgrade too, sporting the XDR nature similar to that of the pricey Pro Display released not that long ago. This makes for an even better visual experience that you probably thought couldn’t improve based on the last iPad Pro. Unfortunately, this upgrade is only available on the 12.9-inch variant making the 11-inch option look a little lackluster in comparison.
Similar to the iPhone 12 range, 5G functionality has been packed into the tablet as well as as a whopping 2TB of storage, making it a pretty difficult task to fill up, especially in the short term.
The new iPad Pro shares the same order date of the iMac, April 30th, and has a starting price of $799 for the 11-inch model and $1099 for the 12.9-inch.
Apple iPhone 12 Purple Edition
While we’re still scrambling for any information on the new iPhone, Apple has thrown a new color in the mix for the current model, bringing it in line with the iMac’s also revealed today.
The new Purple variant shares the same hue to that of the new desktop which suggests that Apple is fully committing to a colorful way forward, leaving the limits of more basic blacks and silvers behind.
You can pick up this new iPhone 12 color by preordering on April 23rd with it shipping not long after.
