Paul Brislen, Editor. 21 April 2021, 7:29 am
Apple has gone back to the future with its colourful new line-up of devices that hark back to the early days of the iMac.
New iPhones, new iMacs, the iPad Pro refresh and the long-awaited “AirTags” made their debut at today’s Apple spring time launch event that will be marked as much by the look of the devices as by their capability.
The iMac range boasts the Apple M1 chips, a 24″ 4.5K Retina display and a screen that is just 11.5mm thick, and comes in a range of colours that will be familiar to anyone who remembers the first generation iMacs.
“The new iMac also includes a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, studio-quality mics, and a six-speaker sound system – the best camera and audio ever in a Mac. Also, Touch ID comes to iMac for the first time, making it easier than ever to securely log in, make purchases with Apple Pay, or switch user profiles with the touch of a finger,” says the Apple press release.
Apple also squeezes the M1 into the new iPad Pro 12.9″ along with a 5G antenna and a Liquid Retina XDR display.
The iPhone 12 kicks it up a notch with both a 6.1″ unit and the iPhone 12 mini which sits at 5.4″ corner to corner. Both are thinner and lighter than their predecessors and boast OLED screens and an unnerving lack of buttons. And for those prone to accidents, the iPhones include new ceramic shields that Apple says improves drop performance fourfold. Oh and you can get it in everyone’s favourite light sabre colour: purple.
Finally in the consumer-centric line-up, apple launched its version of the popular Tile tracking device. The AirTag is a small disk-shaped lozenge that can be attached to those things we lose most often: umbrellas, wallets, keys, daughters who stay out past curfew (ED: That seems very specific, Paul) and so on.
The AirTag uses Apple’s existing “Find my Phone” functionality meaning users will need only one app to locate all their missing items, and enhances the capability with “Precision Finding” allowing you to locate your wallet in the darkest car interior.
Pricing and availability can be found on Apple’s website.