During its first video broadcast of 2021, Apple unveiled a slew of new hi-tech gadgetry including AirTags, colorful new iMacs and a revamped Apple TV 4K with redesigned Siri remote. Apple fans were not left disappointed by the "Spring Loaded" event, as Apple launched a new line-up of products during its first video broadcast of 2021. The tech giant revealed its long-awaited AirTags — coin-sized trackers that people can attach to precious possessions like keys, wallets, bags and clothes. If they are misplaced, owners can use their iPhones to track them down using the Find My app. Seven colorful iMacs have been launched that utilize Apple's own M1 system on a chip that combines numerous powerful technologies into a single processor. Its diminutive size has allowed Apple to streamline the iMac down to an incredible 11.5mm thickness. Apple TV 4K is getting an upgrade to the A12 Bionic chip, making it much more powerful for Apple's recently launched Arcade service. The remote has also been completely redesigned to allow for better screen navigation. The top of the line iPad has also been upgraded to a model that uses the same M1 chip found in the iMac and includes 5G connectivity. The screen has been improved to a 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display that features 1,000 nits of brightness that can show an extremely dynamic colour range. Other announcements included a new purple iPhone 12, podcast subscriptions, and an expanded Apple Card credit card in the US that allows two people to share a credit history together. There will likely be two more Apple events this year – its Worldwide Developers Conference in June (which often showcases new operating systems across its product range) and a September event to launch the next iPhone and Apple Watch. Investors didn't appear to be impressed by the news. Shares of Apple were down about 2% after the product event wrapped up. Apple said on Tuesday that it will release new high-end iPad Pros that use the company's M1 chip, which is also used in its Mac computers. Previously, iPads used A-series chips, which are what powers the company's iPhones. Apple says it is the most powerful tablet on the market. It also includes an improved USB-C connector that will allow the iPad to connect to higher-resolution monitors and download images from a camera more quickly. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro features an improved screen using an array of LEDs that is brighter and has better color resolution than previous displays using a technology called Mini-LED. The iPad Pro will also have a 12-megapixel front-facing camera with an ultrawide lens that can automatically pan to keep human subjects in the shot. Apple says the volume of the computer has been reduced by 50%, resulting in a smaller computer that can fit on a desk more easily. It comes with a 24-inch built-in display and an improved camera that can record 1080p video in low light. Apple says the display runs at "4.5K" resolution. It ships with a new magnetic power connector reminiscent of Apple's previous MagSafe laptop chargers and a slightly updated keyboard with an emoji key and a fingerprint sensor. Apple's mouses and keyboard come in the same colors as the new iMacs. The entry-level model costs $1,299, and an upgraded version costs $1,499. The new iMacs will go up for preorder on April 30 and will ship in the second half of May, Apple said. Apple's first iMacs, released 20 years ago, also came in different colors. — Agencies
