While higher-end configurations of Apple's new iMac will ship with the new Magic Keyboard with Touch ID in the box at no additional charge, the Touch ID keyboard is a $50 upgrade option for the new base model.
Apple is also offering an extended version of the Magic Keyboard with both Touch ID and a numeric keypad, which will be available as an $80 upgrade option for the base model iMac and a $30 upgrade option for higher-end configurations. Apple is not offering an extended version of the Magic Keyboard without Touch ID at this time.
MacRumors confirmed with Apple that 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 keyboard will still function, but Touch ID will not work. However, the new Magic Keyboard options will only be available with the new iMac and not sold separately, at least initially.
Customers will be able to choose which type of Magic Keyboard they would like when customizing the new iMac on Apple's online store.
Apple is bringing Apple Music editorial content into Apple News as a way to offer readers even more content about the artists, songs, and more that they love.
Apple has started a new Apple Music channel within Apple News, as first spotted by MacStories, that currently has a limited selection of articles, but seems to be frequently posting. Based on the current posts, Apple plans to publish different interviews with artists about their upcoming or newly released albums and songs and provide insight into the music industry.
As of now, the integration between Apple News and Apple Music is rather limited, in the sense that finding content requires a user to search, and find the Apple Music channel within Apple News manually. In the future, Apple may more tightly integrate the two services to make it easier for subscribers, and non-subscribers to access Apple Music editorial content.
Apple yesterday unveiled a new 12.9-inch iPad Pro with a Liquid Retina XDR display that uses mini-LED backlighting to achieve up to 1,000 nits of full-screen brightness and up to 1,600 nits of peak brightness. With over 10,000 mini‑LEDs grouped into more than 2,500 local dimming zones, the display also has an impressive 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio.
Apple has so far branded its mini-LED displays as "XDR" displays, short for "Extreme Dynamic Range," and rumors suggest the iPad Pro won't be the only Apple device to feature the technology this year.
Taiwanese research firm TrendForce today reported that Apple plans to launch new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with mini-LED displays in the second half of 2021, in line with previous reports. The notebooks are expected to be powered by an Apple silicon chip and feature a new design with the return of an SD card slot and HDMI port.
There is a lot of anticipation for the new high-end MacBook Pro models, as Apple will likely equip the notebooks with an improved iteration of its M1 chip, perhaps with M1X branding or something along those lines. Reputable sources like Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo have also claimed that the Touch Bar will be replaced with physical function keys, and that a MagSafe magnetic power cable will return.
As of this week, Apple has updated four Mac models with Apple silicon, including the iMac, 13-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and Mac mini. Apple previously said that its transition away from Intel processors would be completed by around WWDC 2022.
Apple yesterday announced a completely redesigned 24-inch iMac with the M1 Apple silicon chip. The new iMac, the first major redesign of the Mac desktop computer since 2012, has several changes compared to the previous generation.
In the aftermath of the event, a few new features and tidbits may have slipped under the radar, so we’ve compiled this list of some of the less-talked-about features and changes of the new 24-inch iMac.
First Mac with Built-In Spatial Audio
The 24-inch iMac is the first Mac to feature built-in Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos. This is enabled by six brand new high-fidelity speakers that work in junction with force-canceling woofers. Apple says in tandem, the new speakers and woofers create "the best speakers in any Mac." Spatial Audio is available on compatible iPhone and iPad devices with Dolby Atmos content, and now it's coming to the Mac for the first time.
First iMac with WiFi 6
The M1 Apple silicon MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini released in November were the first Macs to support the new and faster WiFi 6 protocol. With M1 now on the iMac, the 24-inch iMac becomes the first Mac desktop computer to support WiFi 6.
Headphone Jack on The Side
The new 24-inch iMac features a radically thinner design compared to the previous generation. While visually pleasing, this new design did present a challenge for where to place the 3.5mm headphone jack. Typically, the headphone jack would be placed on the back of the iMac, but with the new 24-inch model, the jack is placed on the left side.
Ethernet Port on Power Adapter
Another problem the new thin design of the iMac presented was where to place the Ethernet port. Apple's solution to the dilemma is to place the Ethernet port directly into the power adapter. Apple says this new "cool new innovation" means users can keep their desks less cluttered, while still enjoying the benefits of Ethernet.
No SD Card Slot
Previous generation iMac models featured an SD card slot reader on the rear. The new design of the 24-inch iMac made this a challenge. In theory, Apple could have easily placed the SD card reader on the side, like the headphone jack, but instead, it instead decided to remove it entirely.
Of course, these are just a few of the many new features coming with the 24-inch iMac. You can learn more about the new iMac and everything else Apple announced at its "Spring Loaded" event using our roundup.
In the wake of new iPad Pro models getting announced yesterday, today we're tracking steep discounts on the previous generation 2020 models. These discounts can be found at Amazon and B&H Photo, and at the time of writing we're seeing markdowns for every single 2020 iPad Pro model, including Wi-Fi and cellular versions.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Prices reach up to $102 off these devices, with numerous lowest ever prices on both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro. There are also notable sales on iPad accessories like the Apple Pencil 2 at $114.99 on Amazon, thanks to a $9.99 coupon applied at checkout; and the 11-inch Magic Keyboard at $199.00 on Amazon, down from $299.00.
For even more iPad deals, head to our full Best Deals guide for iPad. In that guide we track the best discounts online for iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro. Additionally, be sure to visit our Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.
The redesigned iMac with the M1 chip is available in three different base configurations that users can upgrade with Build-to-Order options for their specific needs. The new 24-inch iMac starts at $1,299, but it can reach $2,628 through Build-to-Order options.
There are three standard configuration 24-inch iMac models available from Apple:
$1,299 - Apple M1 chip with 8-Core CPU and 7-Core GPU, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports, and Magic Keyboard.
$1,499 - Apple M1 chip with 8-Core CPU and 8-Core GPU, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports and two USB 3 ports, gigabit Ethernet, and Magic Keyboard with Touch ID.
$1,699 - Apple M1 chip with 8-Core CPU and 8-Core GPU, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports and two USB 3 ports, gigabit Ethernet, and Magic Keyboard with Touch ID.
All M1 iMac configurations come with a color-matched Magic Mouse as standard, but users can opt to upgrade to the Magic Trackpad, or purchase both the Magic Mouse and the Magic Trackpad together.
Magic Trackpad - +$50
Magic Mouse + Magic Trackpad - +$129
Apple also notes that it is possible to upgrade from the standard Magic Keyboard with the entry-level iMac to the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID for an additional $50. All base configurations will also offer the option of upgrading to the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad from the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID for an additional $30.
The M1 iMac will be available to pre-order on Friday, April 30, and will begin arriving to customers in the second half of May.
Despite only being released in November, sales of the M1-powered MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini now represent the majority of Mac sales, outperforming Mac computers powered by Intel processors, according to Apple CEO Tim Cook.
Cook made the remarks during Apple's "Spring Loaded" event yesterday, where it introduced a completely redesigned 24-inch iMac powered by the M1 Apple silicon chip. Cook says that the M1 and Apple silicon "isn't just an upgrade, but a breakthrough," while touting Mac's industry-leading customer satisfaction.
Apple announced at WWDC 2020 that it would embark on a two-year-long transition to its own silicon for its entire Mac lineup, breaking away from Intel. With the launch of the first Apple silicon-powered iMac yesterday, Apple now sells four Mac computers powered by Apple silicon. Alongside them, Apple continues to sell a 16 and 13-inch MacBook Pro, 21.5-and 27-inch iMac, and the high-end Mac Pro, all with Intel processors.
According to Cook, the four M1-powered Macs now outperform the five remaining Intel-powered computers in its lineup in terms of sales. During the keynote, Cook's comment went largely unnoticed but is likely to be a key point the CEO makes during Apple's upcoming earnings call, which is being held on April 28.
Apple on Tuesday seeded the release candidate of an upcoming watchOS 7.4 update to developers for testing purposes, and in the process revealed that the Apple Watch ECG feature is coming to additional countries very soon.
Along with iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5, the official public version of watchOS 7.4 is set to be released next week, and Apple Watch users who install it in Australia and Vietnam can expect the built-in ECG function to come online as a result, as per the release notes.
ECG is considered a medical diagnostic, and so it requires approval from regulators in each country where Apple wants to make it made available, a requirement that has slowed the rollout of features.
According to regulatory documents, the Australian government approved ECG functionality on the Apple Watch in early March, giving Apple the all-clear to launch the feature for Apple Watch users in the country.
The ECG app, which is now available in 63 countries for Apple Watch Series 4, 5, and 6, allows users to directly measure electrical heart activity by simply placing their finger on the Digital Crown for 30 seconds.
Alongside iOS 14.5, watchOS 7.4 additionally introduces a new "Unlock with Apple Watch" feature that lets an iPhone with Face ID use an unlocked and authenticated Apple Watch as a secondary authentication measure when you're wearing a mask, alleviating the need to enter a passcode to unlock the iPhone.
For those who use Apple Fitness+, the watchOS 7.4 update combined with iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 enables AirPlay 2 for Apple Fitness+, so workouts can be streamed to an AirPlay 2-enabled TV or set-top box.
Apple's AirTag item trackers can be custom-engraved using text, numbers, and even emoji, but users looking to express some college humor will likely need to look elsewhere, because Apple's online AirTag personalization tool is easily offended.
An AirTag is just big enough to fit up to four characters or up to three emoji. That might seem just enough to get dubiously creative with your diction, but as The Verge points out, Apple puts pretty strict limitations on what you can emblematize on an AirTag.
For instance, a Pile of Poo emoji can't come after a Horse Face emoji, but other animal-poo combinations are fair game. Similar limitations apply to potentially offensive words spelt out with text, although some customers will surely find their own ways around the system.
This isn't the first time Apple has clipped the wings of would-be comedians and toilet humorists – many of the same emoji restrictions are present on AirPods and iPad engravings, for example. However, the ability to engrave several, more affordable AirTags is likely to introduce more people to Apple's guarded funny side.
AirTags start at $29 each or $99 for a four-pack. Online orders open this Friday, April 23, with AirTags shipping April 30. Engraving is free.
As Apple held its "Spring Loaded" event where it unveiled brand new iPad Pros, a redesigned iMac, and the long-awaited release of AirTags, one of its main MacBook suppliers was undergoing a ransomware attack worth $50 million.
As reported by Bloomberg, the ransomware group called REvil, publicly declared early on Tuesday that it had accessed the internal computers of Apple supplier Quanta Computer Inc, based in Taiwan. Through the attack, REvil managed to obtain 15 images/schematics of unreleased MacBooks which include "specific component serial numbers, sizes and capacities detailing the many working parts inside" of a MacBook, per documents and blog posts seen by Bloomberg.
While Quanta Computer, the supplier at the center of attacks, works with HP, Facebook, and other tech companies, the ransomware group is specifically targeting Apple. In its blog, the group is demanding that Apple pay an undisclosed ransom for the images/schematics they obtained via the supplier by May 1.
REvil is now attempting to shake-down Apple in its effort to profit off the stolen data. They've asked Apple to pay their ransom by May 1, as was first reported by Bleeping Computer. Until then, the hackers will continue to post new files every day, REvil said on its blog.
An Apple spokesperson declined to comment. However, Quanta Computer acknowledged the attack and said that it had no "material impact" on its business operations.
Quanta Computer’s information security team has worked with external IT experts in response to cyber attacks on a small number of Quanta servers,” the company said in a statement. “We've reported to and kept seamless communications with the relevant law enforcement and data protection authorities concerning recent abnormal activities observed. There's no material impact on the company’s business operation.
As a response to the ordeal, the supplier is bolstering its cybersecurity infrastructure. Ultimately, REvil, in a chat with Quanta during negotiations for the attack, said it had stolen and encrypted "all local network data" and that it will not give it up until the $50 million ransom is paid.
Apple famously takes the secrecy of unreleased products extremely seriously, and it's still not known how much confidential data the ransom group has obtained, and whether Apple will pay the ransom.
During all the announcements and store updates on Tuesday, Apple quietly reduced the price of optional nano-texture glass on its 27-inch iMac models by $200.
Apple's existing 27-inch iMac range comes with an optional nano-texture glass, which is etched at the nanometer level to cut down on reflectivity and glare for a matte look.
The nano-texture glass was originally available on the 27-inch iMac as a $500 upgrade option, but Apple is now offering it at $300, as spotted by Twitter user Antares. The nano-texture option on Apple's Pro Display XDR remains a cool $1,000.
Apple on Tuesday announced a new, redesigned 24-inch iMac, featuring an M1 chip, a 4.5K display, and a range of color options, as well as an improved cooling system, front-facing camera, speaker system, microphones, power connector, and peripherals.
The new 24-inch iMac comes in green, pink, purple, blue, and silver, with the yellow and orange color options being exclusive to the 8-core model. Orders for the new 24-inch iMac begin on April 30, with devices arriving in the second half of May.
We're still waiting for rumors of a new high-end iMac to come to fruition. When Apple's supplies of iMac Pro run out, it will no longer be available whatsoever, but Apple still recommends the 27-inch iMac, released in August, as an alternative for pro customers.
Apple's AirTag item trackers let you track things like your keys, wallet, purse, backpack, or luggage, and if an AirTag is separated from its owner and out of Bluetooth range, the Find My network can help track it down, thanks to its U1 Wideband chip.
According to Apple, an AirTag that isn't with the person who registered it for an extended period of time will also play a sound when moved, to alert anyone nearby so that it can be found, even without an iOS device.
Apple's documentation doesn't elaborate on what constitutes "an extended period of time," so Daring Fireball's John Gruber asked his sources at Apple for a more exact definition. They informed him that the timeout period is currently three days, but hinted that this could change in future:
I talked to folks from Apple today about some of this. The timeout period for when an AirTag will play a sound if separated from its owner is currently three days — but that's not baked into the AirTags themselves. It's a server-side setting in the Find My network, so Apple can adjust it if real-world use suggests that three days is too long or too short.
If someone finds an AirTag after hearing it make a sound, they can use any device that has NFC, such as an iPhone or Android phone, to see if its owner marked it as lost and help return it.
AirTags start at $29 each or $99 for a four-pack. Online orders open this Friday, April 23, with AirTags shipping April 30.
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.
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, the new iPad Pro feature that uses the front-facing camera to automatically follow the user during video calls, is *not* exclusive to FaceTime. Third-party apps can use Center Stage and there'll be an API available to toggle it on/off. #AppleEvent
— Federico Viticci (@viticci) April 20, 2021
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.
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.
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 M1iMac, 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.
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.
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:
Tap the "AirTag Found Moving With You" message.
Tap on Continue.
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.
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.
Tap and hold the top of your iPhone or other NFC-capable smartphone to the white side of the AirTag.
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.
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.
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.
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 TVthere 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.
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 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 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.
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'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.
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.
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.
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.
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