A New Mac has Arrived in Town.
Apple conducted its first event of 2022 on Tuesday. What appeared to be a low-key affair quickly transformed into something a little more exciting. Yes, Apple updated the iPhone SE and iPad Air, but it also unveiled a new Mac and a display to go with it. The following is a rundown of what the firm said during its Peek Performance keynote.
iPhone SE
Apple kicked off the presentation by revealing the third-generation iPhone SE. The 2022 model, like its 2020 predecessor, looks like an iPhone 8, but it includes some of Apple's most cutting-edge technologies, including the company's lightning-fast A15 Bionic chip. A new modem that can connect to 5G networks is also included in the SE. Additionally, Apple claims it has a "new" camera system with a number of computational photography technologies similar to those present on the iPhone 13, such as Smart HDR 4 and Deep Fusion for improved low-light images. It's also $30 more expensive than its predecessor, at $429. The iPhone SE will be available for pre-order on March 11th, with public release on March 18th.
Apple also announced that the iPhone 13 would be available in two new green colours, in addition to the SE. Those, too, will be available on March 18th.
iPad Air
The iPad Air became one of Apple's most enticing products after its relaunch in 2020. Apple revealed a slight redesign of the tablet at its Peek Performance event, which includes a few of useful tweaks. The addition of a new front-facing camera sensor that enables the company's Middle Stage function for ensuring that you're in the centre of the frame during FaceTime chats is likely the most significant. Apple's M1 chip is found inside the 2022 iPad Air, as it is in the 2021 iPad Pro. According to the manufacturer, this should make the tablet twice as quick as a comparable Windows laptop. Apple will also sell the iPad Air with 5G connectivity as an option.
The iPad Air is available for $599. It will be available for pre-order beginning March 11th, with general release on March 18th.
Mac Studio and Studio Display
Thankfully, Apple's Peek Performance presentation did not focus solely of product updates. The Mac Studio, a pro-level desktop that incorporates the company's latest M1 Ultra, was also on display. Apple says that the Mac Studio is up to 60% faster than a Mac Pro with a 28-core Intel processor in CPU tasks thanks to its most powerful chip to date. Aside from performance, Mac Studio is notable for its extensive I/O. Four Thunderbolt 4 connectors, two USB-A ports, HDMI, and 10Gbps Ethernet are located on the back of the machine. On the front of the computer, there's an SD card port and two more USB-C connectors.
Power and versatility, of course, come at a price, and the Mac Studio is no exception. It starts at $2,000 before upgrades and extra accessories are included. When you factor in peripherals and a matching monitor, you could end up paying as much as $7,999.
That matching display, to be precise. Apple also unveiled its new Studio Display, a 27-inch monitor with a 5K Retina panel capable of 600 nits of brightness and P3 broad color gamut coverage, with Mac Studio. A built-in A13 CPU, a six-speaker sound system, and a 12-megapixel front-facing camera with Center Stage are also included.
The Studio Display has a starting price of $1,599. A height-adjustable stand will set you back an extra $400. The Mac Studio and Studio Display, like everything else Apple announced today, will be available on March 18th.
Friday Night Baseball
Apple will broadcast two weekly doubleheader baseball games through its TV+ streaming service if MLB owners and the players association can agree on a new collective bargaining agreement before the 2022 season is cancelled. Those games will be broadcast in eight countries and will not be restricted by local broadcasting regulations.
