Apple Event 2021: New iPad Pro, 4KApple TV, iMac, AirTags Launched

Apple hosted its first event of 2021 and unveiled long-anticipated products as well as additional features for existing products. Among the unveiled items include the long-awaited AirTag, a new iMac, a refreshed iPad Pro, a new color for iPhone 12 and new services to the podcast subscriptions and apple credit cards.

For the refreshed iPad Pro, Apple added a powerful M1 chip that enables several software updates including better graphics, augmented reality features and enhanced video effects. It also has added a feature called center stage, which automatically zooms out during video calls or meetings depending on the number of people in the frame of the call.

Meanwhile, the new iMac is re-designed to just 11.5 millimeters deep and has an in-built M1 chip which helps shrink the internal hardware. It also has a smaller logic board that enabled Apple to replace the thermal system used to keep the machine cool with the help of two small fans. The new iMac is 11.5 millimeters deep. The M1 chip also helps apps run faster and increases the speed of machine learning. It also enabled the use of iPhone apps like headspace and Zillow to run from the iMac screen.

Also, the screen is now 24 inches, has a 4.5k display with 11.3 million pixels and comes in 7 different colors. Furthermore, iMac now has a 1080p camera with an auto-white balance, noise reduction feature together with a tone mapping feature.

Apple also added a fingerprint scanner to the iMac keyboard located at the top right corner of the keyboard. The keyboard and the apple magic mouse will be available in different colors.

The company announced the introduction of the Apple Tv 4k streaming device and an upgraded remote with a dedicated power button to switch Tv on and off via Siri. The remote said to be100%  aluminum, also has a new pad at the top that can be used to click or swipe to navigate.

In what is the most popular and anticipated release was the AirTags. This is a tile-like Bluetooth locator that attaches to, and assists in tracking items such as wallets, keys, laptops, or even a car. It is made of stainless steel and is water and dust-resistant. It is a small, flat circular disc with a built-in chip that allows someone to locate items when connected to apple’s Find My App. It also works with a generated Siri.

The device has an in-built speaker that plays sounds to help locate an AirTag. It has a U1 chip that uses ultra-wideband technology and which accurately determines the distance and direction to a lost item. This particular feature is what makes the AirTag stand out and be more efficient compared to other location-finding devices.

At the same time, Apple introduced purple-coloured iPhone 12 and an upgrade to subscription services paid podcast service where podcast creators can set their pricing.

Family members under 13 have also now been allowed to access an apple card credit card account and build credit.

By Joy Ngoiri