Everything you need to know about Apple's latest announcements
Apple has revealed a string of new products at its first event of 2021, including updating more of its devices with its own M1 computer chips - but does this mean you should replace the devices you already have?
The M1 chip, which was announced last year, will see Apple gradually introduce its own silicon to all its computers over the next few years, replacing Intel processors and greatly improving performance, the company claims.
The announcements were made during the firm's latest virtual event, which was held remotely due to Covid-19 - but just what was said? We take a look to see what it means for your current devices!
iMac
Apple's desktop computer has been revamped with a range of new colour finishes, along with a 24” screen. The cameras, speakers and accessories have all been updated, with Touch ID being added to the wireless keyboard for the first time.
As one of Apple’s older products, the iMac hasn’t seen a significant update for a few years, so if you have one of these older devices, you’re likely to see a bit of a change!
Leo Gebbie from CCS insight says, "It is little surprise Apple has resisted updating the iMac over the last few years, given the transformational impact the M1 architecture has had on the overall design."
iPad Pro
According to analysts IDC, the tablet market grew in 2020 for the first time in seven years, with devices being snapped up due to the pandemic. But is this new update worth it?
Claiming to be the ‘most powerful iPad ever’ by the firm, the new iPad Pro also takes advantage of the companies M1 chip. The new range of iPads come in two sizes - an 11-inch and a 12.9-inch display, with the larger of the two Pros arriving with a new Liquid Retina XDR Display.
Ru Bhikha, mobiles expert at Uswitch.com, said the new iPad line-up looked impressive. "The updated iPad Pro, which now includes the MacBook's M1 chip, has enough firepower to rival high-end laptops," he said.
However, not all industry experts were convinced by the new tablet.
Leo Gebbie, senior analyst at CCS Insights, said the new iPad Pro was a "tough sell". “Despite numerous updates, including the M1 chip, the previous generations of iPads are strong enough to make this an iterative update when compared to the new iMac," he said.
AirTag
The newest product in the line-up, was the much-rumoured accessory AirTag, which is a small sensor that can be attached to items such as keys and wallets or placed into backpacks to help find them when lost.
Connecting to the Find My app on a user's Apple devices, AirTag and the item they are attached to can then be tracked down.
The AirTag will be a rival to the original Tile Tracker, which launched in 2014 following a successful crowdfunding campaign.
Carolyn Wolfman-Estrada, an engineer at Apple, said safety features are in place that discourage unwanted tracking.
"AirTag is designed to track items, not people," she said.