[imagesource: Apple]

Yesterday was April 20, or 420, which is a pretty big day for weed smokers around the world.

It was also a big day for Apple, with the company’s ‘Spring Loaded’ event unveiling a number of new products and updates.

There are always plenty of rumours flying around ahead of these things, but we finally have confirmation from the tech giant about what lies ahead.

To start, there was the unveiling of the new iPad Pro tablets, which come equipped with the same M1 chip that you’ll find in the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini.

Via The Verge:

The 12.9-inch model has an upgraded display that uses 10,000 Mini LEDs, and Apple calls it the Liquid Retina XDR display.

Both iPad Pros also have a new 12-megapixel ultrawide camera that can automatically track you during video calls.

It’s worth outlining exactly why the M1 chip is such a big deal. According to Forbes, “no other consumer tech company can match Apple’s prowess at making muscular, energy-lean chips that ultimately remake its products.”

Being able to use that chip in both the new iMac (we’ll get to that, patience) as well as the new range of iPad Pros is “a flex that isn’t going to be matched anytime soon.”

No harm in trading your older iPad, or Apple devices, and grabbing the new model when it hits the market.

Alright, let’s deal with the iMac before you get too antsy:

Apple debuted a completely redesigned iMac that also has the M1 chip. It’s really thin, has a 24-inch screen, a 1080p FaceTime camera, and comes in seven different colors.

They’ll also come with a new wireless keyboard that includes Touch ID for authentication.

That machine is packing a serious punch.

Apple also unveiled its AirTag item trackers, which you can track using the ‘Find My’ app. Attach it to your keys, wallet, or whatever else you want to keep tabs on (children and pets?), and you’ll be provided with notifications when you’re separated from your item.

Apple says the tracker should last for a year of battery life, and the best part is that the app will play a sound on the tracker when you attempt to locate an item.

Other announcements saw a revamp to Apple TV 4K, which now comes with the A12 Bionic chip, and a redesigned Apple TV remote.

Finally, some iPhone news, in that Apple is releasing a new purple iPhone 12 and 12 mini, which will launch on April 30 in the US.

Keep an eye on Digicape, South Africa’s largest independent Apple retailer, for release date updates and pricing of all the products here at home.

Apple also announced that subscriptions are coming to the Podcasts app, which will allow listeners to tune in ad-free. That service will launch in around 170 countries from next month.

If you want to dig a little deeper into the ‘Spring Loaded’ event, here’s an 11-minute summary from The Verge:

[sources:verge&forbes]