Apple is creating an iPad the size of a car wheel, report says

Apple revealed several new products at its live-streamed Spring Loaded event on Tuesday, April 20: 

AirTag 

The £29 AirTag is a small, circular device Apple logo at the centre that tracks missing items through the ‘Find My’ app.

Similar to the already popular Tile tracking tag, AirTags can be attached to non-techy items like keys or wallets and provides notifications when you become separated from the item.

AirTag is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity to pair with an iPhone or iPad.

Using the ‘Find My’ app, the system provides step-by-step directions to locate the tag and the missing product.

AirTag is a small device that tracks missing items through the company’s ‘Find My’ app

However, Apple emphasised the new device is not for tracking people and has added privacy features to ensure the new AirTags are not used for anything but to find inanimate objects.

Rumours of Apple’s AirTags first surfaced in September 2019, when MacRumors released screenshots it found of a new ‘Items’ tab in the ‘Find My’ app. 

Purple iPhone 12

Apple wasn’t expected to reveal a new phone at Spring Loaded – making the announcement of a new purple iPhone 12 a pleasant surprise. 

The new shade of purple is available for both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini.

‘The new purple finish, just in time for spring, adds another bright and fun option to the lineup, and we think customers are going to love it,’ said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing.

The fetching new shade of purple is available for both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini

The fetching new shade of purple is available for both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini

Retro-inspired iMacs

Apple also announced a new range of colourful iMac computers, inspired by one of its most memorable products in its history – the iMac G3.

iMac G3 was the hugely successful series of Apple computers released in 1998, known for its vibrant, translucent range of colours and bulbous body. 

The new iMac range is available in seven different vibrant colours and includes a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, studio-quality mics and a six-speaker sound system. 

It’s also the first to come with Touch ID, making it easier to securely log in, make purchases with Apple Pay or switch user profiles – all of which can be done with the touch of a finger.

The new iMac is the latest addition to the family of Mac models powered by Apple’s M1, chip including MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro, and Mac mini.  

The new iMac is available in seven different vibrant colors and includes a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, studio-quality mics, and a six-speaker sound system

The new iMac is available in seven different vibrant colors and includes a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, studio-quality mics, and a six-speaker sound system

Image of the back of a the original Apple iMac G3 home computer from the 1990s with a 'Bondi Blue' finish

Image of the back of a the original Apple iMac G3 home computer from the 1990s with a ‘Bondi Blue’ finish

iPad Pro

Apple also announced its fifth-generation iPad Pro, said to be the most powerful and advanced yet.

The device is the first to include the tech giant’s in-house M1 chip, providing the iPad Pro with similar performance of its iMac desktop computer.

With the upgraded processor, Apple says the graphics performance is more than 1,500 times faster and boasts a battery life of up to 10 hours.

The iPad Pro features a new Liquid Retina XDR display, 5G capability and an all-new Ultra Wide front camera.

It’s available as an 11-inch from £749 and a 12.9-inch from £999.

Apple TV 4K 

Lastly, Apple announced the next generation of Apple TV 4K with a new Siri Remote and a A12 Bionic chip for a boost in graphics.

‘Apple TV 4K is in a category of its own, leveraging a deep integration of Apple hardware, software, and services that delivers a massive upgrade to any TV for the very best cinematic experience,’ said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. 

‘With the A12 Bionic and the all-new Siri Remote, Apple TV 4K lets customers enjoy their favourite shows, movies, and more in the highest quality, with simple and intuitive controls.’ 

Some other Apple products rumoured to be unveiled on April 20 didn’t materialise, namely a third-generation Apple Pencil and third-generation AirPods – the wireless Bluetooth headphones that come with their own charging case. 

Both these products could be unveiled this autumn, along with a new flagship iPhone, expected to be called iPhone 13.