April Apple Event: Key Take-Aways and Major Announcements

 

This month apple hosted it’s spring Apple Event to announce updates and some new products for 2021. This is a brief overview of new products, facelifts, and what to expect in the upcoming year.

 

Going Green and New Software

Apple started off the show talking about their achievements and future goals in carbon-neutrality. At the corporate level, the company has reached their goal of 0 net carbon output, a huge feat for the tech powerhouse. However, CEO Tim Cook announced their new, even loftier goal: for Apple’s entire supply chain to reach 0 net carbon output by 2030. Given the corporations massive scope this would be a massive achievement in carbon neutrality.

Apple also announced updates for their Apple Card, giving new features geared toward use between multiple people and families. These features include and ability to build multiple lines of credit and permit use by children above the age of 13. Apple also announced the redesigned Podcasts app. The new look allows for shows to create a custom home page and create channels of similar podcasts. They also announced the addition of a subscription service where content creator can offer kickback for a monthly subscription. This service would compete with other services like Patreon.

 

AirTag

Apple announced the new AirTag as a solution for those who have trouble keeping track of just about anything. The new product uses the Find My app to track anything you can put a keychain on. Keys, wallet, and even dog collars will now be easily findable through your apple devices. AirTags are currently available for preorder and will launch on Friday, April 30 at a price of $29 or 4 for $100

 

The Facelifts

Apple touched on a few products that will be receiving some minor updates. These include the iPhone 12’s new purple color option. Apple TV 4K now has the option to carry the A12 chip supporting high frame rate HDR and a redesigned Siri remote. Missing from the events lineup was anything to be said about AirPods, Apple Watch, but the main event this spring was the iMac and iPad Pro

iMac Overhaul

The M1 chip has come to the iMac and now has room to unlock it’s true potential. The new iMac has been redesigned to allow the flagship Apple chip to stretch out its legs and run. In essence, everything got updated for this years iMac. The new, lower profile logic board allows for a thinner desktop and smaller fans, decreasing wasted desk space and quieter fans. The new screen now displays at 4.5K TruTone in the 24” model which now also sports a 1080p webcam and improved microphones and speakers to make online calls and conferences the highest quality they’ve ever been. Apple also offers a 2TB model, 7 different colors, and new keyboards that will support TouchID. The iMac will be available to order April 30^th and will start at $1,299.

 

iPad Pro

This years iPad Pro feels like apple trying to run away with the performance tablet game. iPad will now support the Apple M1 chip and, like iMac, is seeing upgrades in every performance field. If the new iPad can deliver on all of its promises, it looks to be the most powerful tablet in the game, comparing better to most notebooks as opposed to other tablets. iPad Pro will now support thunderbolt, a long awaited arrival, and USB 4 allowing it to connect to 6K displays. It also receives the annual camera updates but now ill have increased abilities for motion capture and AR. Pre-orders will be available April 30^th and pricing starts at $799 for the 11” model and $1,099 for the 12.9”