Apple announces New M1 iPad Pro, M1 iMacs, AirTags And More
Like a spring about to pop, Apple is gearing up to announce a slew of new devices today. If recent rumors can be trusted, we’re at least expecting an update to the iPad Pro, which is rumored to be getting a faster processor, an improved mini-LED display and 5G radios for the cellular models. Apple might also announce new M1-based Macs, the ever-evasive AirTags, and maybe even a new Apple TV or HomePod replacement, though with the tight-lipped secrecy in Cupertino, it’s anyone’s guess. You can follow the action with Forbes as it happens, either by watching along at Apple’s website or keeping up with our live blog right here if you can’t tune in right away. The event kicks off starting April 20 at 1:00 p.m. ET, or 10:00 a.m. PT, so settle in!
That’s A Wrap!
That’s all, folks! After the iPad Pro overview winded down, Tim recapped the day’s announcements back on the lawn outside Apple HQ. He’s telling us about all the new stuff Apple rolled out today, including the IMac, iPad Pro, Apple TV, and more, like the updates to Apple Podcasts and the Apple Card.
And that’s it. Honestly, I was expecting a “one more thing” to wow us at the very end, but perhaps that was just a bit greedy. We got a lot of things to chew on today, and most of it will be available sooner rather than later, with many of the first purchase opportunities beginning April 30. Apple has signed off from yet another packed spring product event. Stay tuned for news on how and where to buy!
iPad Pro Is Refreshed With Apple M1, Liquid Retina XDR Mini-LED Display, 5G And Much Better Cameras
It’s time to talk about the iPad Pro! The new iPad Pro is going to be based on the M1 chip. The 8-core GPU delivers a 50% jump in performance over the previous iPad Pro, and it’s 75 times faster than the first model. Here’s what else you should know:
- The new iPad Pro features “console-quality” graphics—plus support for PS5 and Xbox game controllers.
- There’s a new 2TB edition in case you need to travel with massive amounts of video or the entire internet downloaded to your machine locally.
- There’s 4X more data transfer bandwidth thanks to the new Thunderbolt port, and it also works with new accessories. And if you want connectivity, try the iPad Pro’s 5G on for size. Great if you live somewhere that has 5G. Peak speeds can reach up to 4Gbps with mmwave 5G.
- The photo workflow on the iPad Pro is much improved, including 3D visualizations in real time. You can thank an improved multi-camera system for that.
- The new TrueDepth camera unlocks iPad with FaceID and also takes pictures, but it now also has a new 12MP ultra-wide camera. It includes CenterStage, a feature that automatically pans to keep you centered in the frame, and zooms and pans to accommodate additional people if they enter the frame.
- Then there’s the Liquid Retina XDR display (exclusive to the 12.9-inch model) with 1000 nits of brightness and 1 million to 1 contrast! The new “extreme dynamic range” radically redesigns the display—there are now 10,000 “mini LEDs” we’ve been hearing rumors about. It now uses grouped LEDs in local dimming zones, like a high-end LED TV, to produce more accurate and vibrant colors and a brighter picture.
Want to get your hands on one? The 11-inch iPad Pro will sell for $799 while the 12.9-inch model is $1099. Both feature the same functional upgrades save for the Liquid Retina XDR display—that’s exclusive to the 12.9-inch model. They’re available in the second half of May, and pre-orders begin April 30.
The New iMac Is Slim, Bright And Super Fast Thanks To Apple M1 Silicon
On to the MacBook–the new Apple M1 chip already represents the majority of MacBook sales. It has redefined the entire Mac line. There are already thousands of apps that fully take advantage of the M1, including major apps like Photoshop. Now we get an all-new Mac built around the M1: It’s a razor-thin iMac, only 11.5mm thick.
- The new completely redesigned iMac comes in a slew of colors that finish the back and has a single sheet of glass covering the whole front surface. It’s sleek and gorgeous.
- Internally, the M1 consolidates the chips and runs much cooler and quieter. It’s under 10dB in normal use–almost completely silent.
- There’s an expansive 24-inch display in a 4.5K resolution, complete with Apple’s signature promise of eye-popping vibrancy and color accuracy.
- TrueTone automatically changes brightness in response to ambient light.
- There’s a 1080p FaceTime video camera with onboard AI to correct lighting, reduce noise and more, bringing computational photography to web conferencing in a rare move. Beam-forming microphones improve audio quality as well.
- The internal speakers are enhanced as well thanks to a 6-speaker system with more powerful drivers.
- The new iMac should launch from an off state almost instantly and we’re hearing great claims about speed and performance, including for games, development and graphics processing. The GPU can perform up to 2x faster over the previous model for graphic editing, and you can edit up to five streams of video simultaneously without dropping frames.
- The new iMac has 2 Thunderbolt ports and (yet another) new magnetic power connector. It looks cool, but too bad it’s not just USB.
- You get a choice of keyboards, including Magic Keyboard with an emoji key and a new Magic Keyboard with integrated TouchID (for online purchases and Fast User Switching, for example).
- Apple is also touting how green and sustainable the iMac promises to be. Prices start at $1299, or $1499 with additional features. It will be available in the second half of May, with purchase opportunities beginning April 30.
The New Apple TV 4K Has An Exciting New Remote And A Lot More Power
Tim is giving us a sneak peek at what’s new for Apple TV+. He reiterated some of the great shows we’ve already watched, including Ted Lasso, and there’s a peek at season 2, for example. More Ted Lasso coming in July—hooray!
- On the subject of Apple TV 4K, there’s a new version with the Apple A12 Bionic processor. With the A12, you can now watch HDR video at a high frame rate, great for sports and other fast-moving action.
- The new color balance feature uses your iPhone to calibrate the color balance on your TV—amazing! It’s like getting a pricey color calibration tool for free. It’ll improve color and contrast automatically.
- Finally, Apple has given some love to the Apple TV remote. The new remote control has a great new touchpad to enable cool new features like precision scrubbing, and it works as a universal remote.
It’ll cost $179 with 32GB or $199 for 64GB, and it’s available in the second half of May.
The AirTags Are Finally Here, And You Can Order Them Friday
Finally, we’re hearing about the long-awaited AirTags. They look like buttons and are the Bluetooth trackers we’ve heard so much about. “Precision Finding” is based on ultra wideband technology and uses input from multiple sensors to help you find your AirTag and whatever device you’ve attached it to. It’ll include privacy features as well.
Orders start this Friday, and each tag costs $29. You can snag a four-pack for $99. There’s a special Hermes collaboration as well if you want some fancy ways to hang them from your keys and other gadgets.
Apple Announces Purple iPhone 12, New Family Features For Apple Card
The event is starting and Tim Cook is speaking from the field in front of Apple HQ. From this outdoor venue, he’s explaining that Apple plans to be 100% carbon neutral with a goal goal to remove a million tons of carbon every year.
- iPhone 12: We’re learning that a new purple color will be joining the color lineup. It’ll be available starting April 30.
- On the subject of Apple Cards, spouses and partners will be able to combine their credit history and limit. Also, kids in the family will get to use the card with configurable spending limits.
- There’s also a new Apple Podcast app with a slew of updates, including a new interface and a new Apple Podcast subscription service.
Here’s Everything Apple Is Rumored To Announce At Its Spring Loaded Event
It was only last week that Apple confirmed the date for its spring product release event (cleverly called Spring Loaded) and it has finally arrived. Starting at 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT today, April 20, Apple CEO Tim Cook will take to the stage to unveil what we expect will be a veritable armada of new products.
We don’t have a backstage pass to Apple product meetings, so we obviously don’t know what gadgets will appear today. But here’s our best guess about which products we expect to see as the day unfolds on stage:
- iPad Pro. Last year’ iPad Pro was a relatively minor update to the 2018 model, so this year should include a slew of updates. Rumor has it that we’ll see an all-new mini-LED display that dramatically improves color, contrast, and adds HDR. We’ll also probably see a new processor, improved camera and Thunderbolt support.
- AirTags. Perhaps Apple’s worst-kept secret ever, this should be the brand’s long-delayed version of Tile’s popular Bluetooth trackers. You’ll be able to affix an AirTag to anything—keys, wallet, your bike—and track it on your iPhone using the Find My iPhone app.
- Apple Pencil. Apple is expected to unveil its third-gen stylus for iPads today. What features will it add? That’s a good question, but even the Spring Loaded logo seems to suggest we’ll see a new stylus.
- iPad Mini. Apple has neglected the iPad Mini like a third child, and it’s high time for a new model that refreshes the design, processor and features. This is more of a longshot, but don’t be too surprised if we see a new iPad Mini today.
It’s possible we’ll also see a new version of the Apple AirPods, a revamped Apple TV and possibly one or more other surprises. That’s the best part of an Apple’s events—there’s often “one more thing.” Be sure to check back here at 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT today for live coverage of the event as we report on the new products as they’re announced.
How To Watch The Apple Event Live
Are you with us? We’re just over an hour away from Apple’s big Spring Loaded event, where we’re expecting new iPads, Macs, accessories and more. As Apple’s events are still digital-only, you’ll be watching from the same exact vantage point as everyone else. If you have time to watch live at 10:00 a.m. PT, you have a couple of different options on where to watch:
If neither does it for you, you can also check back with us for periodic updates as the show goes on!