Apple announces iPad Pro, AirTags, new iMac and more at Spring Loaded 2021 event

Stephanie Chase
·4 min read
Photo credit: Apple
Photo credit: Apple

Apple has launched a slew of new products and updates in its Spring Loaded event on Tuesday (April 20).

Presented by Apple CEO Tim Cook, the event saw the launch of the new Apple TV 4K, a new iPad model, the new iMac and AirTags!

But before we got to the big hitters, Cook announced that the Apple Card will now allow spouses and partners to share and merge credit lines, allowing them both to build their credit score.

Cook then unveiled the new design of Apple's Podcast app, making it better for creators, and allowing subscriptions that will unlock additional benefits.

And the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini now have a new colour edition to the line-up too... purple!

Photo credit: Apple
Photo credit: Apple

Related: Best iPad deals in 2021

But now on to the big announcements.

AirTags

After much speculation, Apple has now officially unveiled the AirTag, which should ensure you never lose your keys again.

The Bluetooth-enabled devices attach to your valuables, allowing you to integrate them into Apple's Find My app. If you lose an item, head to the app or ask Siri to find it, and then your AirTag will send out a secure signal that can be detected by nearby devices.

Photo credit: Apple
Photo credit: Apple

You can then see the device on a map or, if it's nearby, you can play a sound on the built-in speaker and follow the noise to your item too.

Priced at £29/$29 for one or £99/$99 for four, AirTags are available to pre-order from 1pm on Friday, April 23 and will be released on April 30.

Apple TV 4K

The Apple TV has finally been given a big update, following on from the 5th generation model's launch in 2017.

The Apple TV 4K now comes with an A12 Bionic chip, allowing you to stream in high frame rate HDR. And, to ensure you get the best picture possible, you can use the new colour balance feature which works with your iPhone to adjust your TV's lighting.

Photo credit: Apple
Photo credit: Apple

But the best thing about the new Apple TV is the completely redesigned Siri Remote. The remote has a touch wheel, its Siri button on the side and a power button which will let you turn on your television.

Apple TV 4K is priced at £169/$179 for 32GB or £189/$199 for 64GB and will be available in the second half of May.

iMac

The new iMac is here and it's built for M1. The latest design is slimmer than ever and features an impressive 24-inch screen with 4.5K Retina display.

It also has the best-ever camera on an iMac, with a 1080p FaceTime HD camera to give users crystal-clear clarity for your next Zoom meeting. The iMac promises to be faster and more integrated with your other Apple devices than ever, and it comes in seven rainbow colours for you to choose from.

Photo credit: Apple
Photo credit: Apple

The new, standard iMac is priced at £1249/$1299, while the higher-price model with Two USB 3 ports, Gigabit Ethernet and Magic Keyboard with Touch ID starts at £1449/$1499 for 256GB of storage and £1649/$1669 for 512GB of storage.

You can pre-order from April 30, with the models available in the second half of May.

iPad Pro

The Apple M1 chip has not just been added to the iMac, it's also in the new iPad Pro, giving it a huge leap in performance capability (75x that of the original iPad).

This means the device is even better for gaming and streaming, especially thanks to its faster graphics and more advanced speakers.

Photo credit: Apple
Photo credit: Apple

And for selfie lovers, the new iPad boasts a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera and a new feature called Center Stage that will automatically pan to keep you in focus, as well as zooming or expanding to fit in others if they enter the frame.

The iPad Pro will also have a Thunderbolt connection along with its USB-C port and it will also support 5G.

It will be priced at £749/$799 for the 11-inch model and £999/$1099 for the 12.9-inch model and is available for pre-order from April 30, ahead of its release in the second half of May.

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