Spring Loaded Apple Event 20 April – iPad Pro, iMac get M1 overhaul

Apple Event 20 April

Apple’s M1 processor is coming to more devices. The ‘Spring Loaded’ Apple Event 20 April also unveiled an upgraded Apple TV 4K and AirTags for finding lost things.

This is Apple’s first major event for 2021. (You can watch it here). One of the first announcement was that Apple’s Podcasts Subscriptions are coming to Australia. The service will cost $27.99 per year and offers ad-free listening and premium content. Subscribers also have early access to new series, along with channels that curate shows. The service also allows for paid subscriptions to individual podcasts.

Apple Event 20 April
Apple Podcasts Subscriptions remove the ads while offering access to premium content

Apple’s M1 chip comes to more devices

The new slim-line all-in-one iMac features Apple’s M1 chip. It has a 24″, 4.5 K display with TrueTone colour. The new iMac starts at $1,899 and is available from 30 April.

Apple has improved the speakers and front-facing FaceTime camera. It has also added a Touch ID fingerprint scanner to the keyboard to unlock the computer. There is also support secure access to applications and payments. As with Apple’s other M1-capable Macs, the upgrade lets the new iMac run iOS apps.

Apple Event 20 April
The Touch ID button in the new iMac’s keyboard improves security

The M1 chip is also coming to the new iPad Pro. It will have 5G support and improved graphics performance. The 12.9″ iPad Pro starts from $1649. The smaller 11″ model has seen a price drop and starts at $1199.

An exiting feature is an improved Mini-LED display, which is exclusive to the 12.9 in model. Apple calls it a Liquid Retina XDR screen. There is also a Thunderbolt 3 port for connecting to external monitors.

Apple Event 20 April
The new iPad Pro features a Mini-LED display similar to some new high-end televisions

Apple TV 4K gets a revamp

The new Apple TV 4K features the A12 Bionic chip. This adds support for high frame rate HDR (High Dynamic Range) video with Dolby Vision. It will launch in late May and starts at $249. There’s a novel colour balance feature uses an iPhone to measure the TV’s output to calibrate the picture. The Apple TV 4K’s revamped remote control now features a Siri button. There is also a dedicated power button for switching the TV on and off. The new five-way clickpad with an iPod-style scroll wheel is for navigating menus.

The new Apple TV 4K’s remote brings Siri to life

Finally, Apple has launched its AirTag trackers. They locate lost items using the Find My app. Launching on 30 April, AirTags will sell for $45 or $149 for a four-pack. AirTags come as Apple expands the Find My App network to support third-party devices. This allows the location of lost items using an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Mac.

GadgetGuy’s take

The Apple Event 20 April 2021 was the first of its annual announcements. Pretty well everything had been extensively leaked beforehand so there were no surprises. It shows Apple’s commitment to its own silicone chips – a move that others like Microsoft, Samsung, Huawei, and soon OPPO are making to differentiate their products from other ARM processors.

For more details, check out GadgetGuy Val Quinn’s Event Highlights below.

You can read other GadgetGuy Apple news here.