Apple Spring Event: What Apple Brings?

The 2021 Apple Spring Event is now over. It seems that the spring conference is not as influential as the autumn, but everyone still looks forward to it. Apple unveiled many new devices including a new iPad Pro with M1 chip, a new iMac with M1 chip, Models of iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini in purple, an upgraded Apple TV 4K streaming device with new remote and color balance technology, and AirTags which work similarly to Tile devices. Let's recap what Apple brought in its 2021 Spring Event. 

iMac

The protagonist of this Apple spring event can be said to be the M1 chip, and there is a lot of space for introducing related products.

The iMac is equipped with an 8-core CPU M1 chip. If you only choose the entry version, the graphics processor you will get is only 7 cores. Yes, its specifications are the same as the M1 of the MacBook Air, not the rumored M1X . Since the M1 chip is based on the ARM architecture and generates less heat, Apple discarded the previous heat dissipation system, which made the iMac square and slim, and added a variety of color schemes.

The other configurations are summarized as follows:

① The display is a 24-inch 4.5K retina screen with a resolution of 4480 x 2520 (218 ppi), supports P3 wide color gamut technology and a maximum brightness of 500 nits.

② The entry configuration is 8GB running memory + 256GB storage space; up to 16GB running memory and 2TB storage space are optional.

③ The Gigabit Ethernet port is integrated in the power adapter, and the Smart Keyboard has been added with Touch ID for the first time, but none of these entry versions are equipped.

Fortunately, the flashy redesign and the shift to the Apple M1 did not bring about price increases. The price of the base model 24-inch Apple iMac (2021) will still be $1,299, and it will provide you with a 7-core M1 with 256GB SSD and 8GB RAM. 

Although you can raise it to the price of $1,499, this will provide you with more color options and USB-C ports, and even with the same SSD and RAM, you can use the full 8-core version Apple M1. You can preorder the iMac 2021 starting on April 30, with it hitting store shelves a bit later in late May 2021. 

iPad Pro

“The revolutionary M1 chip has been a breakthrough for the Mac, and we’re incredibly excited to bring it to iPad Pro,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing.

I have to say that the iPad Pro equipped with the M1 chip is very attractive. It is equipped with an 8-core CPU+8-core GPU+16-core NPU, which is a full blood version of M1 chip. It also supports up to 16GB of running memory and 2T storage space. In addition to its powerful hardware performance, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch version is also equipped with a mini-LED backlit multi-touch display, which has a peak brightness of 1600 nits and a contrast ratio of up to 1000000:1. You can click here to learn more information about OLED and LCD.

The other configurations are summarized as follows:

① Support 5G network. Featuring the most 5G bands on any device of its kind, iPad Pro offers the broadest 5G coverage worldwide. iPad Pro models in the US support millimeter wave, the higher frequency version of 5G, allowing iPad Pro to reach speeds up to 4Gbps.

② A super wide-angle lens front camera with the function of tracking characters in video calls, which as shown below:

③ The Thunderbolt / USB 4 protocol comes to iPad Pro. Its rate can reach up to 40Gb/s, which greatly improves productivity. You can connect the display and keyboard to it to directly transform it into a touchable MacBook.

All this power doesn't come cheap. The 11-inch iPad Pro 2021 costs from $799 for the Wi-Fi model and $999 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model. The12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at $1099 for the Wi-Fi model and $1299 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model. The range maxes out at $2399 for the 12.9-inch Wi-Fi and Cellular model with beefed-up 2TB of storage.

AirTag

AirTag can be used for positioning with the help of a huge network of millions of iDevices around the world. The principle is that AirTag will periodically send Bluetooth signals to nearby iPhones and other devices, and then send the location of AirTag to iCloud through these devices, so that users can accept the specific location of AirTag. In other words, this function can be realized without network. AirTag uses a replaceable CR2032 button battery, which theoretically can last for one year.

When using models that support ultra-wideband technology like iPhone 11, users can see how far AirTag is from themselves, and then get indication of the direction.

In addition, AirTag also supports setting contact information so that others can get your contact information when they touch your AirTag with a smartphone that supports NFC. AirTags start at $29 for one or $99 for a four-pack. 

Through the cooperation between Apple and Hermès, you can match the Hermès key ring when purchasing AirTag. It is priced at US$349 and allows you to carry the Tag in a stylish way.

Apple TV

Apple TV 4K provides high frame rate HDR through Dolby Vision and connects users to their favorite content with the highest quality. The core of the new Apple TV 4K is the A12 bionic chip, which can significantly improve graphics performance, video decoding and audio processing. With a new design, Siri Remote makes it easier to watch shows and movies on Apple TV with intuitive navigation controls. The new Apple TV starts at $179, the same price as the current model, and will be available for preorder on April 30. 

Other Released Products:

• The iPhone 12 and 12 mini now come in purple

• Apple Card Family brings wider options for your spending power

• Apple Podcast subscriptions help you support your favorite artists

Final Words

Unfortunately, we did not see the long-rumored AirPods 3 and iPhone SE Plus at the spring event. But we got a powerful iPad Pro, which has the M1 processing chip of a desktop computer and is equipped with new display technology, which makes it the most eye-catching product of this event. The new iMac also pays tribute to the colorful iMac, equipped with the M1 chip also makes it the lightest and thinnest iMac to date. And AirTag is our long-awaited product. The inexpensive price allows it to appear on any of our belongings. Even if you lose it, you can accurately locate it and find it back through your Apple device. If you are interested in Apple latest products that were released in Spring Event, don't forget to use iTransfer to get data transfer. Last things last, we expect the new AirPods 3, iPhone SE Plus, the new Apple Pencil, and the new iPad mini later this year. Hope Apple will not let use down.