Everything
After just over a month since announcing additions to its range of iPhones and smartwatches, Apple has returned to unveil the latest innovations for its line of popular Macbooks and iPads. Taking to Brooklyn, New York, the teach giant held its second keynote for 2018 with fresh details on its Macbook Air, Mac Mini and iPad Pro.
Creating powerful machines for on-the-go productivity, Apple has integrated its iPhone features to the big screen and it has us excited. And what’s more, the products are available to order now, with a worldwide roll out happening next week. From slimmer bezels to new security updates, scroll below for all the info on the new technology.
An overdue release: The all-new Mac Book Air
The Macbook Air can be considered one of Apple’s most successful and loved devices but when it failed to see an update following the release of the 2017 Macbook and Macbook Pro, it quickly became outdated. With a slower processor and ugly bezels, the overdue release on the 2018 Air has seen a warm welcome.
Bringing retina display to the Air, the bezels have been removed for a 13.3 inch display, with Apple adding Touch ID, a 20 percent larger force trackpad, third generation keyboard as well as including a built-in FaceTime HD Camera. Inside the machine, the new Mac Book Air features the latest processors – an 8th generation Intel Core i5 processor, Intel UHD graphics and faster 2133 MHz system memory up to 16GB – with two Thunderbolt 3 ports and 12 hours of battery life.
In a bid to go greener, the Macbook Air which is only 1.25 kilograms, is constructed using recycled aluminium helping to reduce its carbon footprint by nearly 50 percent. Available in Space Grey, Silver and Gold, the new device will start at $1,849 AUD, making it the most affordable macbook offered. Order it now, here, for delivery from November 6, and in-store from November 7.
The high performance Mac Mini
The Mac Mini is often overlooked by some customers, but now with a much needed upgrade Apple has given the small device a big power boost. Now, the Mac Mini boasts quad- and 6-core processors, up to 64GB of faster memory and all-flash storage for a delivery of five times faster performance.
With the ability to rip through normal desktop tasks including photo and video editing, music creation and software development, tech-heads can now easily manage pro workflows like video transcoding, code compiling and live musical performances. Furthermore the Mac Mini comes with the Apple T2 Security chip featuring an SSD controller with on-the-fly data encryption so everything stored on the SSD is automatically and fully encrypted. It also ensures that the software downloaded during the boot process is not tampered with.
Additionally the updated device comes with four Thunderbolt 3 ports, meaning double the performance. It also features a HDMI 2.0 port, two USB-A ports, an audio jack and 10Gb Ethernet, so it can connect to almost anything.
As above, the Mac Mini is created from 100 percent recycled aluminium and available in a new Space Grey finish. Starting from $1,249 AUD, it is available to order today here, and will be found in-stores from November 7.
Like a computer, but not: All-screen iPad Pro
The iPad Pro has become a fan favourite amongst Apple customers and with the 2018 update of the iPhone and Mac Book, it made sense to bring forward an all-new design. Overnight, Apple announced the new iPad Pro with an all-screen liquid retina design and next-generation performance. Available in an 11-inch and 12.9-inch display, it’s like a computer, but way better.
Including a A12X Bionic chip with next-generation Nuetral Engine, Apple claims that the new device will out perform most PC laptops. Overhauling the entire design, the home button has been removed in favour for Face ID, with advanced cameras, sensors and improved four speaker audio, its large viewfinder has made the new iPad Pro the best device for AR. Additionally, its customer requests have been heard with the lightning port replaced with USB-C connection.
Going hand-in-hand with the new iPad Pro, an updated Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio is made available for purchase separately. The pencil attaches to the screen magnetically for pairing and wireless charging while the Smart Keyboard now protects both the front and back of the iPad, and never needs to be charged or paired – now that’s productivity.
Like the iPhone X and Xs, iOS 12 brings new gestures to the iPad including tap to wake and swiping to go home, access Control Centre and multitasking. The new Shortcuts app helps iPad users link powerful yet simple automated workflows for photo editing, video editing, and file and asset management. Improvements to Photo import and support for native RAW image editing give photographers more efficient ways to work and multitask on iPad Pro.
The new 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro will be available in silver and space grey finishes in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB configurations as well as a new 1TB option. The 11-inch rendition with start at $1,229 for the Wi-Fi model and $1,449 for the cellular model. The 12.9-inch model will start at $1,529 for the Wi-Fi version and $1,749 for the cellular model. You can order the iPad Pro today, here, with a larger rollout into stores from November 7.