In anticipation to the “It’s showtime” event planned for today, which will focus on new streaming services, last week Apple unveiled a flurry of hardware upgrades.
The company started off with the iPad, reshuffling the whole tablet lineup with the introduction of an upgraded 7.9-inch iPad mini and a new 10.5-inch iPad Air. They both sport Apple’s latest A12 Bionic chipset, plus a better screen with TrueTone technology. Most importantly, the iPad mini is now compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil (the one with a Lightning connector). The entry-level iPad mini (Wi-Fi only) is available for $399; the 10.5” iPad Air now starts at $499.
The iMac lineup’s update, last Tuesday, has been just a long overdue speed bump with no visible changes to the computer’s design (which is still holding up extremely well seven years after its debut). The Apple all-in-one lineup now features offers 8th-gen and 9th-gen Intel processors and, above all, new Radeon Vega graphic chips (only as a built-to-order upgrade option, though). The updated iMacs start at $1,299 for the 21,5” version, up to $2,299 for the top of the line 27” model with a 9th gen Intel chip.
On Wednesday, Apple finally unveiled the long-awaited AirPods 2. The wireless earbuds now come with an upgraded H1 chip, Hey Siri compatibility and a new case for wireless charging. They look just the same as the previous version, and that’s great news: it means the old white earbuds fit perfectly into the new wireless charging case, which can be ordered separately. AirPods 2 with a wireless charging case can be ordered from Apple’s online store for $199. If you don’t care about the charging case, you can save 40 dollars and buy them for $159 with the regular charging case. On the other hand, if all you care about is the charging case, you can still buy it separately for $79.
Still missing in action: Apple’s AirPower charging pad. According to the latest rumors, it should arrive before the end of this month, meaning it will be available on Apple’s website sometimes later this week. We’ll believe it when we’ll see it.
All products are available at Apple.com.
- Brand:
- Apple
- Year:
- 2019