MacRumors

Apple's newly announced M1 iPad Pro models boast a new video calling feature called Center Stage, which uses machine learning to automatically pan and zoom the front-facing camera to keep you center in the frame as you move around.

ipad pro center stage
Apple envisages Center Stage being used for video calls that involve things like whiteboarding with coworkers or attending a virtual family gathering. Presumably the feature will also correct the problem of a user not appearing centered in the shot when the iPad is in landscape orientation.

During its announcement, Apple didn't explain whether it would be exclusive to FaceTime calls, but according to iOS developer Federico Viticci, third-party apps will be able to use Center Stage via an API framework, which could mean we'll one day see the feature enabled on Teams and Zoom calls.


Center Stage is made possible on the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro thanks to the new chipset and an improved TrueDepth camera system, which includes a a 12MP Ultra Wide front-facing camera with a 120° field of view, compared to the standard 7MP wide-angle front-facing camera on the previous generation models.

For that reason, it's unlikely that Center Stage will come to older iPads. The new 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $799, while the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at $1,099. Pre-orders begin April 30, with availability beginning in the second half of May.

Related Roundup: iPad Pro
Buyer's Guide: iPad Pro (Buy Now)

Apple's AirTag tracking devices can be identified by Android phones when they're in Lost Mode, according to a new support document published by Apple.

airtag notification
Announced on Tuesday, Apple's new ‌AirTag‌ item trackers let you easily track things like your keys, wallet, purse, backpack, luggage, and more. They work using an ultra-wideband U1 chip to keep in touch with the Find My network.

However, what Apple didn't highlight in its announcement is that when an ‌AirTag‌ is placed in Lost Mode by the user, its discovery message be read by any NFC-enabled device, including not just iPhones but also Android phones.

According to Apple, tapping an ‌AirTag‌ and holding the white side to an iPhone or other NFC-capable device will display a notification with a tappable link that offers information about the ‌AirTag‌, including whether it has been marked as lost by the owner and their contact details. From the support document:

Tap and hold the top of your iPhone or NFC-capable smartphone to the white side of the AirTag. Tap the notification that appears. This opens a website that provides information about the AirTag, including its serial number. If the owner marked it as lost, you might see a message with information about how to contact the owner. You can contact the owner to let them know that you found their AirTag. You can view a Lost Mode message on any NFC-capable smartphone, such as an iPhone or Android phone.

It's worth noting that AirTags require an iOS device and ‌Find My‌ to set them up, so it's not as if this means the trackers will be useful to Android users, but their NFC compatibility does mean that Apple users have a higher chance of recovering lost items.

‌AirTags‌ start at $29 each or $99 for a four-pack. Online orders open this Friday, April 23, with ‌AirTags‌ shipping April 30.

Apple today held its first event of 2021, and it was one of the most exciting events that we've seen in some time. Apple announced a whole slew of new products, including an M1 iMac, an ‌M1‌ iPad Pro, a refreshed 4K Apple TV, and the long-awaited AirTags.


It took Apple an hour to introduce all of the new devices during its virtual "Spring Loaded" event, but we've recapped all of the announcements in just six minutes for our readers who want a quick but thorough overview of what's new. We've also included all of our event coverage below for those who may have missed something.

iPad Pro

AirTag

iMac

iPhone

Apple TV

Podcasts

iOS 14.5

Other Announcements

Related Coverage

Make sure to stay tuned to MacRumors this week, as we'll have in-depth coverage of all of Apple's announcements as new tidbits and features are discovered. We'll also have hands-on content and reviews in the weeks to come.

Apple's new AirTag item tracker lets you easily track things like your keys, wallet, purse, backpack, luggage, and more. AirTags have a small, circular design with a white side and a polished stainless steel side with an Apple logo.

Apple airtag front and back emoji 2up 042021 big
AirTag has been designed to discourage unwanted tracking. If you are an iPhone or iPad user, the built-in Find My app will notify you if an unknown AirTag is seen moving with you over time by displaying an "AirTag Found Moving With You" message on the screen. Even if you don't use an iOS device, an AirTag that isn't with the person who registered it for an extended period of time will play a sound when moved.

If an unknown AirTag is found to be moving with you, follow the steps below to disable the AirTag and stop sharing your location:

  1. Tap the "AirTag Found Moving With You" message.
  2. Tap on Continue.
  3. Tap on Instructions to Disable AirTag and follow the on-screen steps.

In a new support document, Apple says users who feel their safety is at risk should contact their local law enforcement, who can work with Apple. You might need to provide the AirTag or its serial number, according to Apple. If you need help finding the AirTag, tap Play Sound after tapping on the "AirTag Found Moving With You" message.

airtag privacy
If you find an AirTag or a lost item with an AirTag attached that has not been moving with you, follow the steps below to learn about the AirTag and how to discover information about its original owner.

  1. Tap and hold the top of your iPhone or other NFC-capable smartphone to the white side of the AirTag.
  2. Tap the notification that appears on your phone's screen. This will open a website that provides information about the AirTag, including its serial number.
  3. If the AirTag's owner marked it as lost, you might see a message with information about how to contact the owner. You can contact the owner to let them know that you found their AirTag if you feel comfortable doing so.

AirTags have unique Bluetooth identifiers that change frequently, which helps prevent you from being tracked from place to place, according to Apple. Apple says that no one, including Apple, knows the location or identity of any of the participating users or devices who help locate a missing AirTag.

For more information, read Apple's support document.

The newly redesigned Siri Remote, which will be sold alongside the updated Apple TV 4K and is also available on a standalone basis, does not have a built-in U1 chip and does not appear to be compatible with the Find My app.

AppleTV 2021 Siri Remote No Find My Feature
There is no U1 ultra wideband chip listed in the specs for the ‌Siri‌ Remote, nor is there a mention of the ‌Find My‌ app, and now Apple has confirmed to The Verge that it's not an oversight -- the remote does not have a U1 chip.

Ahead of the launch of the new 4K Apple TV there were rumors that the ‌Siri‌ Remote would have a Find My-like feature for locating it when it's lost inside the house, but that feature does not appear to have been implemented. If ‌Find My‌ were available for the remote in some capacity, Apple undoubtedly would have mentioned it as a feature.

Apple is perhaps expecting ‌Apple TV‌ users to add an AirTag to the back of the ‌Siri‌ Remote, which would allow it to be tracked via the ‌Find My‌ app.

It also appears that the 2021 iPad Pro models are lacking a U1 chip as well, though the new ‌Apple TV‌ does indeed have U1 support. U1 devices now include the iPhone 11 models, ‌iPhone‌ 12 models, new ‌Apple TV‌ 4K, and HomePod mini.

While no ‌Find My‌ capabilities are available for the second-generation ‌Siri‌ Remote, it does feature a revamped design with a touch-enabled clickpad.

Related Roundup: Apple TV
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)

Now that Apple's AirTag item trackers have officially launched, third-party manufacturers are debuting holders, sticky pads, and other accessories designed to house an ‌AirTag‌.

belkin airtag holder 2

Belkin Secure Holder

Available as a Key Ring or a Strap, the $12.95 Belkin Secure Holder is designed to keep an ‌AirTag‌ in place and attached to an item of your choice. It features a twist-and-lock closure with raised edges to keep the ‌AirTag‌ from getting scratched, and it comes in white, pink, black, and blue.

belkin airtag holder
Belkin plans to begin selling the Belkin Secure Holder on April 23, and it will be available from Apple.com.

Moment AirTag Mounts

Moment has a range of AirTag Mounts available that house an ‌AirTag‌ and are able to stick on various items. Moment says that you can stick an ‌AirTag‌ mount in bags, on clothes, or on the bottom of different devices, and with the adhesive stick method, AirTags can be hidden from thieves.

moment airtag holder
There's a Fabric Mount, a Hard Shell Mount, and a Curved Surface Mount with prices ranging from $14.99 to $19.99. Pre-orders are available starting today, and Moment estimates that the Mounts will ship out in July.

Nomad Leather Keychain and Glasses Strap

Nomad debuted its Leather Keychain well ahead of the launch of the AirTags, but it's now officially available for pre-order. Priced at $30, it comes in either black or brown and houses a single ‌AirTag‌. It can be attached to bags or other items, plus Nomad is also offering a $30 Glasses Strap with built-in ‌AirTag‌ holder for keeping track of your sunglasses.

nomad airtag holder
Nomad's accessories are available for pre-order today, and the company estimates that they'll be shipping out in July.

Spigen AirTag Cases

Spigen has a couple of ‌AirTag‌ case options available, including the Valentinus and the Rugged Armor, both of which are available for $19. The Valentinus is a traditional keyring-style case that houses the ‌AirTag‌, while the Rugged Armor has a carabiner and a more durable design.

spigen airtag holder

dbrand Grip Cases

dbrand has a series of Grip Cases available for AirTags in a variety of colors. Each grip fits over the ‌AirTag‌ and adds a skin and an attachment point to place it on bags and other items. The Grip Cases are priced at $19.95 each and will be available in May.

dbrand airtags case
Apple of course makes its own series of AirTag cases, which are available in either silicone or leather and are priced at $29 to $39, plus there are several high-end Hermès ‌AirTag‌ holders priced starting at $299.

Apple airtag accessories 042021 big carousel
AirTags will be available for preorder on Friday, April 23 and will ship out on April 30. AirTags are priced at $29 for one or $99 for four.

The major wireless carriers in the United States are teaming up with Apple to subsidize the cost of the new 5G iPad Pro, which debuted today. Choosing cellular over WiFi carries a $200 premium, which is more expensive than the $130 upgrade price that Apple normally charges for a cellular model.

ipad pro carrier subsidies
As noted by Bloomberg, carriers are hoping to encourage customers to purchase the new 5G tablets despite the cellular price increase through subsidies. Multiple carriers are offering up to $200 in gift cards, which makes choosing a 5G ‌iPad Pro‌ over a standard WiFi version more or less free, with the exception of monthly costs.

Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint are all offering $200 reimbursements, while AT&T is offering $150 back. AT&T is providing credits to a monthly bill, while Verizon is offering a digital gift card. T-Mobile and Sprint are providing a gift card that can be spent like a credit card.

Carriers often offer these kinds of discounts for iPhone models, but it is unusual to see these subsidies provided for iPads.

Related Roundup: iPad Pro
Buyer's Guide: iPad Pro (Buy Now)

Alongside the redesigned iMac, Apple introduced a new Magic Keyboard with Touch ID for fingerprint authentication, which is useful for quickly logging into macOS or confirming an Apple Pay purchase online.

touch id magic keyboard for imac
As first noted by Rene Ritchie and confirmed by MacRumors, the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID is fully compatible with all M1 Macs, including the new iMac, 13-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and Mac mini. If used with Intel-based Macs or other Bluetooth devices, the Magic Keyboard will still function with the exception of Touch ID.

While the new Magic Keyboard is compatible with all M1 Macs, it will only be available with the new iMac, at least initially. The new iMac can be configured with one of three different Magic Keyboards, including a standard version with Touch ID, a standard version without Touch ID, and an extended version with Touch ID and a numeric keypad.

Apple has made some previously iMac-exclusive accessories available to purchase separately at a later date in the past. When the iMac Pro launched in December 2017, for example, Space Gray versions of the Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad were only available with the iMac Pro, but became available separately in March 2018.

The new iMac with the new Magic Keyboard can be ordered starting April 30 and will be available in the second half of May.

Related Roundup: iMac
Buyer's Guide: iMac (Caution)
Related Forum: iMac

Apple today unveiled the new iMac models in seven bright, colorful shades including Blue, Green, Pink, Silver, Orange, Yellow, and Purple, and Apple is including a whole series of matching accessories for each machine.

apple imac matching cables
More expensive ‌iMac‌ models come with a color matched Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad, power cord, and USB-C to Lightning Cable. Lower-end models feature the same accessories with the exception of the ‌Touch ID‌ Magic Keyboard, though an upgrade is available.

imac with accessories
The Magic Keyboard features an aluminum base in the same color as the ‌iMac‌ with white keys, while the Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad are equipped with a matching colored aluminum base. Both the Lightning cable and the power cord feature a braided design in the matching color, with the power cord also sporting a matching aluminum magnetic connector.

magic mouse imac
Right now, these color matched accessories are exclusive to the ‌iMac‌. Apple is not selling the colorful Magic Keyboard with ‌Touch ID‌ or the color Magic Mouse options on a standalone basis.

trackpad imac
Pricing on the ‌iMac‌ starts at $1299, and it will be available for preorder on April 30.

Related Roundup: iMac
Buyer's Guide: iMac (Caution)
Related Forum: iMac

Apple today released a series of updates aimed at app developers, letting them know about upcoming requirements related to iOS 14.5, the newest version of iOS 14 that's set to be released next week.

nba tracking prompt joeblue
Starting on Monday, April 26, all iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch apps submitted to the App Store must be built on the Xcode 12 and iOS 14 SDK or later, which means that new apps will no longer be able to use older SDK options.

With the launch of iOS 14.5, Apple is requiring all developers to adhere to its App Tracking Transparency rules that will require them to get express permission to track users across apps with the iPhone's advertising identifier.

Apple says that apps must start using the AppTrackingTransparency framework on Monday, April 26, 2021.

With the upcoming public release of iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5, and tvOS 14.5, all apps must use the AppTrackingTransparency framework to request the user's permission to track them or to access their device's advertising identifier. Unless you receive permission from the user to enable tracking, the device's advertising identifier value will be all zeros and you may not track them.

When submitting your app for review, any other form of tracking -- for example, by name or email address -- must be declared in the product page's App Store Privacy Information section and be performed only if permission is granted through AppTrackingTransparency. You'll also need to include a purpose string in the system prompt to explain why you'd like to track the user, per App Store Review Guideline 5.1.2(i). These requirements apply to all apps starting April 26, 2021.

The April 26, 2021 deadline suggests that iOS 14.5 will either be released on that date or the day after. Apple today released the iOS 14.5 release candidate in preparation for the launch, so the update is nearly ready to go.

Apple today also released release candidate versions of iPadOS 14.5, macOS Big Sur 11.3, tvOS 14.5, and watchOS 7.4, all of which we're expecting to see early next week.

Apple today announced that the Apple TV is getting a new iPhone-based color balance feature to improve a TV's picture quality.

apple tv color balance
Starting with tvOS 14.5 and iOS 14.5, users will be able to hold an iPhone with Face ID near their TV and, after tapping a notification, the iPhone's front-facing camera and ambient light sensor will begin color measurements and automatically tailor the Apple TV's video output to deliver more accurate colors and improved contrast. Apple says this process will result in improved picture quality without adjusting the TV's settings.

While this feature was advertised alongside a new Apple TV 4K, Apple's press release confirms that the color balance process will also be available for the previous-generation Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD running tvOS 14.5, which will be released next week.

The new Apple TV 4K features a faster A12 Bionic chip, support for high frame rate HDR and Dolby Vision video, and a redesigned Siri Remote with a physical clickpad that is also touch-enabled for swipe gestures that Apple TV users are familiar with. The outer ring of the clickpad supports a circular gesture for finding a scene in a movie or show.

Related Roundup: Apple TV
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Following the introduction of the new 11 and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models, Logitech has announced the launch of the Combo Touch Keyboard for the two tablets, offering a more affordable alternative to the Magic Keyboard that Apple sells.

logitech combo touch
Priced at $199.99 for the 11-inch ‌iPad Pro‌ and $229.99 for the 12.9-inch ‌iPad Pro‌, the Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard provides a full folio case with attached keyboard and touchpad that can be used with the new iPad models.

The keyboard is detachable and an integrated stand allows it to be used in various typing, viewing, sketching, and reading modes. It connects to an ‌iPad Pro‌ using the Smart Connector, so there's no need for pairing or charging a battery.

The Combo Touch is sized to fit Apple's newest iPads, with separate options available for older tablets. At $199 or $229, it is a good deal more affordable than Apple's Magic Keyboard, though there are sometimes deals available on the Magic Keyboard from third-party retailers.

The Magic Keyboard for the 11-inch ‌iPad Pro‌ is priced at $299, and the version for the 12.9-inch ‌iPad Pro‌ is priced at $349. The Magic Keyboard is available both in black and white, with white being a new color option this year.

Logitech's Combo Touch only comes in gray. The 11-inch version can be purchased from the Logitech website, and a version for the 12.9-inch ‌iPad Pro‌ is coming soon.

In addition to a new Siri Remote and a faster A12 processor, the refreshed Apple TV 4K that Apple announced today has a number of other notable hardware improvements.

Apple unveils the next gen of AppleTV4K 042021 big
The new ‌Apple TV‌ 4K is equipped with an HDMI 2.1 port instead of an HDMI 2.0a port, and it offers support for 4K 60 fps HDR video output. Code recently found in tvOS 14.5 suggested the new ‌Apple TV‌ could support 4K 120Hz output, but that does not appear to be the case.

Along with HDMI 2.1, the new ‌Apple TV‌ supports 802.11ax WiFi 6 with MIMO. Apple has been introducing WiFi 6 support in its newest devices, and WiFi 6 is the newest and fastest WiFi protocol available with improved speeds, expanded network capacity, lower latency, better power efficiency, and upgraded performance in locations with many smart home devices.

The ‌Apple TV‌ 4K is the second Apple device that has built-in Thread support, following the HomePod mini. Thread is a low-power networking technology that offers a secure, mesh-based system able to interface with other Thread-enabled smart home devices for improved connectivity.

Though not mentioned in the ‌Apple TV‌ specifications, the tvOS 14.5 beta suggests that the new ‌Apple TV‌ model supports eARC, which offers a bandwidth and speed boost for sending higher-quality audio from the TV to a soundbar or receiver.

Related Roundup: Apple TV
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Following the launch of an updated and more powerful Apple TV 4K with an A12 Bionic chip, Apple today introduced AppleCare+ for ‌Apple TV‌ for the first time, offering customers extended coverage for their ‌Apple TV‌.

Apple unveils the next gen of AppleTV4K 042021 big
For the first time, customers can now purchase extended coverage with ‌AppleCare‌+ for their ‌Apple TV‌. With extended coverage, customers receive three extra years of protection from the ‌AppleCare‌+ purchase date and two additional incidents of accidental damage. Previously, Apple only offered standard ‌AppleCare‌, which offers two years of coverage and no accidental damage.

For both the new generation ‌Apple TV‌ 4K and the older ‌Apple TV‌ HD, ‌AppleCare‌+ will cost an additional $29, or $4.83 per month for 6 months.

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Apple today announced a new podcasts subscription feature that's coming to the Podcasts app. Podcast subscriptions will let podcast publishers sell subscriptions to an individual show or a group of shows, with pricing starting at 49 cents per month.

Apple Podcasts iOS 14 5
Publishers will be able to set their own pricing, but according to Recode, Apple plans to take a cut. Apple will collect 30 percent of subscription revenue that creators generate in their first year on the platform, and after that, Apple will collect 15 percent. This is the same pricing setup that Apple uses for other subscription options.

Apple does not plan to require podcast creators to create content exclusively for Apple, but it is encouraging them to distinguish between content available from Apple Podcasts and content on other platforms, such as ad-free shows, shows with extra content, or early or exclusive access to new content. Those who want to participate will need to sign up for the Apple Podcasters Program, which is priced at $19.99 per year.

Podcast creators will be able to start offering subscriptions as of next month, with subscriptions available to listeners in more than 170 countries and regions. Up to six family members can share a subscription.

Apple has a number of partners on board ready to create premium podcast content, including Tenderfoot TV, Pushkin Industries, Radiotopia from PRX, and QCODE, NPR, the Los Angeles Times, The Athletic, Sony Music Entertainment, and more.

Tag: Podcast

In addition to overhauling the iMac lineup with new M1 ‌iMac‌ options, Apple today quietly added a new feature to the Mac mini. ‌Mac mini‌ buyers can now opt to add a 10 Gigabit Ethernet port to the device for a $100 add-on.

mac mini 10 gigabit
When the ‌Mac mini‌ launched, there was a Gigabit Ethernet option, but no upgrade to 10 Gigabit available.

There was, however, a sign that 10 Gigabit Ethernet was coming. MacRumors discovered a mention of M1-based ‌Mac mini‌ logic boards with 10 Gigabit Ethernet in an internal parts list provided to Apple Authorized Service Providers.

We were not certain why those parts were listed at the time, but with the addition of 10 Gigabit Ethernet to the ‌Mac mini‌, it was clear that Apple was planning to make it a consumer-available feature.

The new ‌Mac mini‌ with 10 Gigabit Ethernet can be ordered starting today.

Related Roundup: Mac mini
Buyer's Guide: Mac Mini (Neutral)
Related Forum: Mac mini

Apple's brand new M1 iPad Pro features drastically improved performance thanks to the new chipset and an improved TrueDepth camera system with a new "Center Stage" mode.

f1618940831
The new 11-inch and 12.9-inch ‌iPad Pro‌ features a 12MP Ultra Wide front-facing camera with a 120° field of view, compared to the standard 7MP wide-angle front-facing camera on the previous generation.

The new TrueDepth camera system enables new capabilities on the ‌iPad Pro‌, including Portrait mode selfies with the ability to adjust bokeh and Depth Control, and Portrait Lighting effects including Natural, Studio, Contour, Stage, Stage Mono, and High-Key Mono.

While notably spec and feature upgrades on paper, the Ultra Wide camera enables a new feature that Apple calls "Center Stage." Thanks to the TrueDepth camera's wide viewing angle, the ‌iPad Pro‌ can now use machine learning to automatically detect people in the frame, and pan and zoom to ensure they’re always visible. As Apple explains:

The all-new Center Stage uses the Ultra Wide camera and machine learning to change the way you participate in video calls. As you move around, it automatically pans to keep you center in the frame. When others join in or leave the call, the view expands or zooms in. Center Stages works with FaceTime and other video conferencing app for an even more engaging experience.

The new iPad Pros were one of a handful of new announcements Apple made during its "Spring Loaded" event.

Related Roundup: iPad Pro
Buyer's Guide: iPad Pro (Buy Now)

Apple today hosted its virtual "Spring Loaded" event, packing several announcements into a fast-paced, one-hour presentation, including a new iPad Pro, a redesigned iMac, a new Apple TV with a redesigned Siri Remote, the AirTag item tracker, and more. The video can be replayed in its entirety on Apple's website and on YouTube.


Apple has also shared introductory videos for the new iPad Pro, iMac, and AirTag shown during the event on its YouTube channel.








For a full recap of Apple's announcements, check out our "Spring Loaded" event news hub and our live blog coverage. We'll also have a condensed version of Apple's event video available later that highlights the major announcements.