Discover what Apple has to offer as the company upgrades iPads, iMacs, and AirPods
The introduction of new models of AirPods, iPads, and iMacs a few days before the launch event scheduled for March 25 came as a surprise.
You can save your gadget shopping for another day.
There are times when Apple decides to roll out minor updates, but it has never happened three days before a major event. It is expected that Apple will reveal new services which include subscriptions for news and entertainment on the launch day at its California headquarters. Perhaps Apple released the hardware before the launch date to place emphasis on services which now plays a vital role in the company's business. After all, upgrades no longer generate media buzz the way used to do.
There are no fundamental changes in the design and capabilities of the products. However, those who have not yet purchased an iPad mini or iMac are going to receive a welcome speed boost. The AirPod headphones remain the same besides the battery life enhancements.
The buyers who prefer to buy the previously used models once the new ones are released are in luck because the older ones are cheaper and also work excellently. Check out eBay and other sites that sell refurbished products for a great deal.
Are you still thinking about upgrading? Keep on reading for a full grasp of what this weeks update has to offer.
AirPods
In less than three years after its initial release, the AirPod has evolved from a butt of jokes to a favorite gadget. Those who are constantly on the move and people who spend all day on the phone love this gadget. The recent update which required the buyer to spend between $159 to $199 does not have substantial enhancements in its functions.
What’s there
With this update, Apple promises a more efficient processor that gives an hour or more of talk time on this device. This enhancement will make a great difference if you use your device for calls. But for listening to music, you will not notice much difference. After all, the first generation AirPods last up to five hours while streaming music.
New buyers can now have their AirPods in a case that charges wirelessly, but they will be paying $40 more. However, they will also need the hard to find wireless charging pads to make use of this feature. Those who have the first generation AirPods can still use it with the new charging case. It is sold separately at the rate of $79.
The die-hard Apple fans have something new to gloat over; the new AirPod can start taking your voice commands after activating it with the “Hey Siri” command. This feature replicates the Scarlett Johansson’s in-ear artificial intelligence in the 2013 film “Her.” However, it is not yet apparent how much a user can achieve by talking to the AirPods. The Apple iPad, iPhone, and HomePod are obviously better AI gadgets.
What’s not
As far as designs are concerned, Apple is maintaining it's signature one-size-fits-all design philosophy. It could have been better if the company had released smaller or larger versions of the gadget. Although some people have no problem using the AirPods while jogging, others can’t just keep the gadget in place. Apple should realize that all heads are not the same and make other sizes.
Come to think of it, products from competitors such as the Galaxy Buds from Samsung that costs $130 comes in different sizes and plastic tips. But for the AirPods, you need to shop in the aftermarket to get your custom fit AirPods.
This gadget does not have noise cancellation capabilities, and users do not have a choice regarding colors because it only comes in white.
Apple promised to develop a wireless charger called AirPower that can charge the iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods concurrently. After two years of waiting, the AirPower is still nowhere to be found.
iPads
Brace up yourself for the multiple numbers of iPad models, or get ready to get confused.
What’s there
The 7.9-inch iPad mini, which is a favorite reading device for many owners, is getting even better. Finally, this device gets an update after two years and with a new price tag of $399. Owners of the updated device can now enjoy a faster response time with the new A12 processor that also powers the iPhone XS and XR.
If you own an Apple Pencil stylus, you can use it to Doddle and take notes on the new iPad Mini. However, one begins to wonder if the mini still has its appeal after the release of the iPhone XS and XR that features a larger screen.
The previous $329 basic iPad is now reborn to a faster 10.5 inches iPad Air priced at $499. The iPad Air is an excellent alternative to the 11 inches iPad pro priced at $799 because both of them are equally fast and has the same processor.
What’s not
Unfortunately, the new iPad do not support the FaceID or bezel design that was in the iPad Pro release last year. Although most of the users do not see these features as a big deal, the lack of them makes these gadgets lack the sensation of a new product.
Moreover, considering the fact that the basic iPad was sold at $340, the present price tag of $400 for the Mini is on the high side.
iMacs
The classic desktop that introduced Apple to the world is now faster but lacks innovative features.
The present release is the first major update of the iMac since June 2017. This new desktop computer features improved performance that hardcore gamers and power users will love.
The latest iMac still maintains the previous 21.5 inches and 27 inches version of the computer. The duo is priced at US$1,299 and US$1,799, respectively.
These machines will be equipped with a 6-core processor, but the user can upgrade to the 9th generation Intel 8-core option that is exclusive to the 27 inches screen model. The user also has an option to choose a model equipped with the AMD’s Radeon Pro Vega graphics. This is the type of graphics card Apple reserves for its high-end computers.
The new machines maintain the signature Retina display of the Apple Mac.
This new release takes the speed and performance of the Mac to a whole new level, although this speed may not be noticeable to casual iMac users, who play around with the machine at home. However, Apple emphasizes that the iMac is suitable for both home and all kinds of businesses.
In recent times, Apple does not make eye-popping revenue from its desktop computers. However, the sales of iMac still account for a considerable quota of revenue derived from the Mac business. More like the previous models of this computer, this update is slim, and the chassis consists of aluminum and glass.
What’s there
This machine, which is priced at $1,049 for the non-Retina version, is equipped with a new graphics card. This change will be an added advantage for those who want to use the system for image and video editing tasks. Going by the claims of Apple, the iMac can be up to two times faster than the previous upgrade.
What’s not
Apple is known for upgrading its hardware models consistently. Unfortunately, this is not the case with the Mac. The new iMacs still lacks the TouchID feature for authentication and transactions that is present in the Mac laptops. We believe that a 2019 model of iMac should use the FaceID to authenticate the machine users. Unfortunately, this is not the case.
Come to think of it, Apple is still lagging behind Microsoft in transforming the desktop computer. In comparison, the Microsoft Surface Studio is shipped with a big screen, it is pen-enabled and supports touch gestures. Moreover, the user can also swivel down to work on the machine. The desktop computer very much alive and still evolving.
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