Apple has been quietly sticking special locator beacon chips into some of its new iPhones that’ll let you unlock your car and find lost items through walls — the latter thanks to the $29 AirTags announced today — but sadly, you won’t find that chip in the new M1-based iPad Pros or the long-awaited new Siri remote for the Apple TV.
Apple confirmed to us that the U1 locator chip, which uses pulses of ultra-wideband (UWB) radio to broadcast its precise location, won’t appear in the Siri remote. We’re waiting on final bulletproof confirmation about the iPad Pros, but it also doesn’t appear in their product page, spec sheet, or press release. Last year’s iPad Pros didn’t include a U1 chip, either.
Is Apple expecting us to stick AirTags to our iPads and TV remotes to escape the jaws of the ever-ravenous couch? Unlikely, but the company has been pretty choosey about which devices get the chip so far. You can find it in the iPhone 11 and newer (but not the iPhone SE) and the Apple Watch Series 6 (but not the Apple Watch SE), but we’re pretty sure it hasn’t made its way to any iPads or MacBooks that have been announced since the chip’s introduction in September 2019.
Theoretically, Apple could build an ecosystem where any Apple device can easily find any other Apple device (not to mention UWB devices from Samsung, which is also deeply invested in the tech and has its own AirTag-like device as well). But for now, you’ll primarily just be using your phone to find AirTags, not other gadgets, except perhaps your future car.
In a press release for Apple’s new Tile-like AirTag tracker, the company has revealed that iOS 14.5 will officially arrive “starting next week” — as spotted by Wall Street Journal’s Joanna Stern. AirTags go on sale April 30th and will only work with devices running iOS 14.5 or higher. Likewise, watchOS 7.4 and macOS 11.3 will also launch next week, as they support new Apple Podcast feature updates.
Apple first launched the 14.5 beta to the public earlier this year in February alongside watchOS 7.4 beta (no word on whether that’s arriving soon, too). Along with AirTag support, it will implement Apple’s new App Tracking Transparency requirement, which mandates that developers ask for permission to track users for ad targeting. The feature was announced last year and met with sharp resistance from Facebook in particular, which argues that the move will harm small businesses that benefit from ad tracking.
iOS 14.5 also introduces some welcome inclusivity features, like the ability to change Siri’s voice and new skin tone options for some emoji. Another feature we’ve appreciated in our testing thus far is Siri’s ability to learn which audio-listening apps you prefer for certain activities. This stops short of letting you select a new default app, like picking Spotify for all of your streaming music requests, but it’s a helpful evolution in any case.
Of course, this feature may or may not make it to the final release, but we do know now when we can expect to find out which features made the final cut. Apple doesn’t say specifically which day we can expect 14.5, but when it does, iPhone users will be able to download the update in their phone’s settings as always.
Apple is continuing its move from Intel to Arm on the desktop, putting its M1 processor new line of iMacs and in the iPad Pro. Both were announced at Apple’s “Spring Loaded” virtual event, and are the first time each of those product lines is using the new chip. Previously, the iPad Pro used Apple’s custom A-series chips, while the iMac used Intel processors.
iMac
The new iMacs come in seven colors: blue, green, pink, silver, yellow, orange and purple, and are somewhat reminiscent of the iMac G3. They are built from the ground up for the new chips, unlike the 13-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air and Mac Mini, which used existing chassis. The new iMac has a redesign with a much-smaller logic board with two tiny fans. Apple says these small fans will keep the computer under 10 decibels, which the human ear shouldn’t be able to hear. It’s just 11.5 millimeters thin. Apple says the iMac is 85% faster than the previous 21-inch model, which used Intel chips. It also says graphics are up to 2x faster than previous models. In Final Cut, Apple is claiming up to four streams of footage in 1080p, or one in 4K. The company took time to focus on iOS apps working on macOS, as well as the broad range of compatible apps that have come to M1 since it launched last year. The new display is 24-inches diagonally and has narrow bezels, with a 4480 x 2520 resolution and 500 nits of brightness. It also uses TrueTone, like the laptops, to change color temperature based on your surroundings.
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The camera, microphones and speakers are also getting upgraded. The camera is a 1080p FaceTime sensor, higher than the 720p we see in the MacBook laptops. The microphones use beam forming to focus on your voice and avoid background noise. This should all help out in work-from-home situations.
The speakers have increased amounts of power, with increased bass response. The full system is six speakers, including tweeters and woofers. With Dolby Atmos, it supports surround sound.
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The M1 iMac has 4 USB-C ports, including 2 Thunderbolt ports, with support for a 6K display. There’s a new magnetic power connector, with a woven cable, that connects to the power adapter. If you want wired connectivity, Ethernet connects to the power adapter and is routed to the system.
The keyboard has new emoji, spotlight, and do not disturb keys. A separate model will have Touch ID on the desktop for the first time. The Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad will also have new color-matched aluminum.
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The new iMac starts at $1,299 and will be available to order on April 30, shipping in May. At that price you get an 8-core CPU, 7-core GPU, 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, as well as two Thunderbolt ports. At $1,499, that bumps up to an 8-core GPU and also adds two USB 3 Type-C ports.
iPad Pro
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iPadOS will take advantage of M1 as well, being the first non-macOS device to use the new design. Apple said it will offer a 50% jump over the previous iPad Pro. The GPU will be a 40% increase over the last model.
This replaces the A-series chips that Apple previously used in the iPad Pro (and currently uses in the iPhone and other iPads).
Additionally, Apple is touting storage access that is twice as fast as its predecessor, as well as a new 2TB configuration. Notably, the new iPads will have the same 8GB and 16GB RAM options as other M1 devices.
The USB-C port has been upgraded to Thunderbolt with USB 4 support, with four times more bandwidth over the the USB-C port on the previous iPad Pro. It supports more displays and storage as well.
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Apple has also added 5G to iPad Pro, making this the first M1 device to feature the technology, and it will support millimeter wave in the United States.
There’s a TrueDepth camera in the front, and the iPad Pro has a LiDAR camera on the back for AR applications. The TrueDepth shooter has a 12MP ultra wide camera, which can keep people in view from a distance on video calls, using machine learning to move the frame.
Apple is changing up the display technology, too. It’s moving the 12.9-inch iPad to the same tech as the Pro Display XDR. It’s called Liquid Retina XDR, with 1,000 nits of brightness and 1,600 nits at its peak. It also has the same 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio.
The 12.9 inch iPad Pro will use a mini-LED display, and the screen is comprised of 10,000 of them. This is Apple’s first time using the technology, which is also rumored to move into MacBooks later in the year. It will also support HDR formats like Dolby Vision and HDR 10. The 11-inch iPad Pro is sticking with an LED “liquid retina” screen.
The 11-inch iPad Pro will start at $799. The 12.9-inch model with the XDR display starts at $1,099. Orders open April 30, with shipments starting in the second half of May.
Apple has taken the wraps off its Apple TV 4K 2021. The latest version of Apple’s video streamer includes a host of new features including high frame rate HDR support at 60 frames per second and an all-new Siri Remote.
It’s powered by a new chip, the A12 Bionic, which debuted in 2018’s iPhone XS, XS Max and XR. Apple boldly claims using the A12 brings “a significant boost in graphics performance, video decoding, and audio processing” to the video streamer.
But the most eye-catching addition is a new colour balance feature that uses your iPhone’s sensors to optimise the video output for your particular TV. More specifically, it uses the light sensor in the iPhone to compare the colour balance to industry standards. The Apple TV 4K then automatically tweaks its picture output to allegedly deliver more accurate colours and better contrast based on the measurements it takes from your TV.
It’s certainly an interesting take on picture calibration, but we’ll have to see it working in the flesh to decide whether Apple’s method does actually make a difference and can actually improve picture quality.
Apple’s Siri Remote has been overhauled and is all-new for the Apple TV 4K 2021. It features a new clickpad control with five-way navigation which is also touch-enabled so you can swipe your way through menus.
Additionally, the outer ring of the new clickpad actually works as a jog wheel, so you can slide your thumb around the edge to skip through video content.
If you already own an Apple TV 4K box you can buy the new Siri Remote separately for £55. It also comes as standard with the Apple TV HD, also known as the fourth-generation Apple TV, which launched way back in 2015. This new combination costs £139.
The 2021 Apple TV 4K is available in 32GB and 64GB variants for £169/$179 and £189/$199 respectively. You’ll be able to pre-order from the 30th April, with the device going on sale during the second half of May.
MORE:
Apple’s new TV calibration feature is coming to older Apple TV models
Apple launches new Apple iPad Pro with Liquid Retina XDR screen and M1 chip
One of the most intriguing features of the just-announced new Apple TV 4K is one that allows the video output to be tailored to you TV’s specific colour balance. Essentially, the Apple TV outputs a test image to your TV that you then measure using an iPhone. The Apple TV then compares the measured colour balance to ‘industry-standard specifications’ and adjusts its output to correct any inaccuracies and improve contrast.
If that sounds like a feature well worth trying out, you might be excited to learn that it’s not exclusive to the new version of the Apple TV 4K: the press release sent out after the live stream includes a small note that says the feature will also be coming to all previous versions of the Apple TV 4K and the Apple TV HD. The feature will be coming with tvOS 14.5 and your iPhone will also need to be running iOS 14.5, and both updates are apparently coming next week.
On top of that, Apple has also stated that the new Siri Remote can be bought separately for £55, making another upgrade available to existing Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD owners.
So why would you buy the new Apple TV 4K? That’s a good question. It’s got a much faster chip – the A12 Bionic – but so far the only new feature this unlocks that’s been mentioned is high frame rate HDR content, which is currently in very short supply.
Of course, there may well be more to it than that. We’re looking forward to getting hands-on with the new Apple TV 4K to find out.
MORE:
New Apple TV 4K: everything we know so far
Check out our list of the best TVs you can buy right now
Apple has unveiled its latest iPad Pro. As predicted, the 12.9-inch version of the top-end tablet boasts a cutting-edge Liquid Retina XDR (Mini LED) display. That’s good news for filmmakers who want to create and edit Dolby Vision HDR video. There’s also Apple’s new M1 processor, which Cupertino claims will deliver a “50%” jump in performance compared to the previous iPad Pro. The new 11in iPad Pro, by contrast, has to make do with a normal Liquid Retina display.
The speed bump should help power the 12.9-inch slate’s Liquid Retina XDR screen, which features 10,000 Mini LEDs for a peak brightness of 1600nits and a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1. Apple says it’s the very same XDR tech featured in the firm’s pricey Pro Display XDR monitors. Nice.
There’s also a new 12MP ultra-wide TrueDepth camera with a 120-degree field of view. The camera uses machine learning for something called ‘Centre Stage’, which follows your position around the room, keeping you centered, and automatically zooming out when others enter the scene.
Talking of which, Apple’s LiDAR camera now supports Smart HDR thanks to that beefy M1 processor. That should make it easier to create Hollywood-style green screen special effects complete with realistic shadowing.
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Design-wise the iPad Pro 2021 looks an awful lot like its predecessor, complete with a “100 percent recycled” flat-sided aluminium enclosure. Four speakers and Apple’s “best-ever” studio quality mic array should ensure you can make yourself heard in noisy environments.
As expected, the iPad Pro 2021 is the first iPad to support 5G. The high-speed connectivity could come in handy for those who work remotely. Apple has also blessed its high-end tablet with support for Thunderbolt and USB-C with USB4. Last but not least, the 12.9-inch model is available with a whopping 2TBs of storage – enough space to stash around 220 hours of 4K HDR video content.
So, when you can buy this “giant leap forward”? Both iPad Pros will be available to preorder from 30th April, and begin shipping from the second half of May.
The 11-inch iPad Pro 2021 costs from £749 ($799, AU$1199) for the Wi-Fi model and £899 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model. The12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at £999 ($1099, AU$1649) for the Wi-Fi model and £1499 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model.
Tuesday’s grand unveiling also saw Apple take the wraps off the Apple TV 4K 2021, Apple Podcast Subscriptions, a new iPhone 12 in purple and AirTags, a location tracker that clips to your rucksack.
MORE:
New Apple TV 4K uses iPhone sensors to boost picture quality
Apple has unveiled its latest iPad Pro. As predicted, the 12.9-inch version of the top-end tablet boasts a cutting-edge Liquid Retina XDR (Mini LED) display. That’s good news for filmmakers who want to create and edit Dolby Vision HDR video. There’s also Apple’s new M1 processor, which Cupertino claims will deliver a “50%” jump in performance compared to the previous iPad Pro. The new 11in iPad Pro, by contrast, has to make do with a normal Liquid Retina display.
The speed bump should help power the 12.9-inch slate’s Liquid Retina XDR screen, which features 10,000 Mini LEDs for a peak brightness of 1600nits and a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1. Apple says it’s the very same XDR tech featured in the firm’s pricey Pro Display XDR monitors. Nice.
There’s also a new 12MP ultra-wide TrueDepth camera with a 120-degree field of view. The camera uses machine learning for something called ‘Centre Stage’, which follows your position around the room, keeping you centered, and automatically zooming out when others enter the scene.
Talking of which, Apple’s LiDAR camera now supports Smart HDR thanks to that beefy M1 processor. That should make it easier to create Hollywood-style green screen special effects complete with realistic shadowing.
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Design-wise the iPad Pro 2021 looks an awful lot like its predecessor, complete with a “100 percent recycled” flat-sided aluminium enclosure. Four speakers and Apple’s “best-ever” studio quality mic array should ensure you can make yourself heard in noisy environments.
As expected, the iPad Pro 2021 is the first iPad to support 5G. The high-speed connectivity could come in handy for those who work remotely. Apple has also blessed its high-end tablet with support for Thunderbolt and USB-C with USB4. Last but not least, the 12.9-inch model is available with a whopping 2TBs of storage – enough space to stash around 220 hours of 4K HDR video content.
So, when you can buy this “giant leap forward”? Both iPad Pros will be available to preorder from 30th April, and begin shipping from the second half of May.
The 11-inch iPad Pro 2021 costs from £749 ($799, AU$1199) for the Wi-Fi model and £899 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model. The12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at £999 ($1099, AU$1649) for the Wi-Fi model and £1499 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model.
Tuesday’s grand unveiling also saw Apple take the wraps off the Apple TV 4K 2021, Apple Podcast Subscriptions, a new iPhone 12 in purple and AirTags, a location tracker that clips to your rucksack.
MORE:
New Apple TV 4K uses iPhone sensors to boost picture quality
Apple has finally excised its much-maligned Apple TV remote with a new iteration that ditches the confusing touchpad for some good old-fashioned buttons. But you won’t need to shell out for Apple’s updated Apple TV 4K to get one. Apple is selling the new remote separately for $59, and customers will be able to use it with any tvOS-based Apple TV.
That means even if you own the first-generation Apple TV 4K or the original fourth-generation Apple TV from 2015 that debuted the Siri remote, you’ll be able to upgrade to the new and improved clicker.
This is great news for anyone who still has an older model since the original Siri remote is terrible, and Apple’s newly refreshed Apple TV 4K models are still on the extremely high end of the spectrum for a new set-top box — especially if you already have the first-generation Apple TV 4K.
The new Siri remote is also replacing the old (bad) model in all new Apple TVs sold going forward, which includes both the 32GB and 64GB versions of the new Apple TV 4K and the inexplicably still-on-sale Apple TV HD (which, at $149 for the six-year-old set-top box, is an extremely hard sell compared to the $179 just-refreshed Apple TV 4K).
Preorders for the new Siri remote will open on April 30th and will start to ship sometime in the second half of May.
By the way, Apple confirms the new Siri Remote does not have a U1 locator chip inside, so it’s still on you to find it when it gets buried in your couch cushions.
Apple just wrapped up its “Spring Loaded” event, announcing new iPads, iMacs, and more. It was jam-packed with news from the company.
If you want to read about what was announced as it happened, check out our live blog with commentary from Nilay Patel, Dieter Bohn, and Chaim Gartenberg. But if you just want the news, read on.
Apple’s new iPad Pro.Image: Apple
Apple’s new iPad Pros have the company’s M1 chip
Apple unveiled its newest iPad Pro tablets, and they’re equipped with the same Apple-designed M1 chip in the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini (and the new iMac, also announced today). 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.
You can order the tablets order on April 30th, and they will be available in the second half of May. The 11-inch model starts at $799, and the 12.9-inch model starts at $1,099.
Apple’s new iMac.Image: Apple
Apple’s totally redesigned iMac has an M1 chip, too
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.
You can buy the new iMac in four colors starting at $1,299, and in seven colors and better specs starting at $1,499. You can order it starting April 30th, and it will be available in the second half of May.
Apple’s AirTags.Image: Apple
Apple finally unveils its Air Tags item trackers
At long last, Apple took the wraps off its long-rumored AirTags item trackers, which you can track in the Find My app. You can customize your AirTag with emoji, too. You’ll be able to pre-order them on Friday for $29, and they’ll be available on April 30th. You can also get a four-pack for $99.
Apple’s Cindy Lin discussing Apple TV.Image: Apple
The Apple TV 4K is getting a A12 Bionic chip
Apple revealed a new Apple TV 4K, which comes equipped with the same A12 Bionic chip found on the iPhone 12. It can now play HDR and high frame rate videos. It will start at $179 for 32GB. It will be available to pre-order on April 30th and will be available in the second half of May.
Apple’s new Apple TV remote.Image: Apple
Apple redesigned the Apple TV remote
Apple revealed a new Apple TV remote, which is made of aluminum and has a click pad at the top. There’s also a Siri button on the side.
Ted Lasso, from Ted Lasso. Image: Apple
Ted Lasso’s second season debuts on July 23rd
Apple debuted a charming new trailer for the second season of its beloved show Ted Lasso. The season debuts on July 23rd.
The new purple iPhone.Image: Apple
The iPhone 12 will soon come in purple
Apple is releasing a new purple iPhone 12. It will be available for pre-order on Friday, and it launches on April 30th.
Apple is launching in-app podcast subscriptions
Apple announced that subscriptions are coming to the Podcasts app, which give you benefits like ad-free listening. The service will launch in 170 regions and countries next month. The company is also redesigning the Podcasts app.
Right on schedule, Apple has launched the next generation of its iPad Pro. As was the case with the recent MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, Apple’s improvements to the iPad Pro are largely on the inside.
The device has a new M1 processor, the same chip that powers the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini. Apple claims this will deliver “a big jump in performance” over the previous generation. The graphics performance is over 1,500 times faster, per the company. Apple also says you can expect all-day battery life from the device.
The iPad Pro now supports Thunderbolt, 5G connectivity, and an improved camera.
Apple says the ISP and LIDAR scanner will capture “incredible details” in low-light conditions. There’s a TrueDepth camera system on the front of the device, which allows users to unlock it with facial recognition. The system includes a new 12MP ultra-wide camera. A new feature called Center Stage, which follows moving subjects during video calls, will take advantage of this camera.
The 12.9-inch iPad models also include a new Mini-LED screen, the Liquid Retina XDR, which Apple says delivers “XDR-level brightness.” The display includes 10,000 Mini LEDs. This component has run Apple into some supply chain issues recently — one manufacturer has reportedly paused production.
The iPad Pro will support the Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard Folio, as well as the Magic Keyboard, which is available in a new white color. Apple says the device uses a 100 percent recycled aluminum enclosure.
The 11-inch model starts at $799 and the 12.9-inch one begins at $1,099. Both will be available in the second half of May, with preorders going live on April 30th.
Developing… we’re adding more to this post, but you can follow along with our Apple “Spring Loaded” live blog to get the news even faster.
Apple introduced a redesigned iMac today with a slimmer display, an Apple Silicon chip, and a case with bright, bold colors that throws back to the classic colorful all-in-one iMacs. Apple said the new iMac was designed from the ground up for the M1 chip.
The new iMac has a 24-inch, 4.5K display with narrower borders around the top and sides. It still has a large chin on the bottom, but the rear of the display is now flat instead of curved — Apple says the volume has been reduced by over 50 percent. The screen also has Apple’s True Tone tech for automatically adjusting the color temperature.
Apple is also promising a much-needed update to the iMac’s camera and mics so that you’ll look better on video calls. It now has a 1080p resolution and a larger sensor.
The new iMac is 11.5mm thin, but Apple says it should stay quieter and cooler than the previous model thanks to the M1 chip. The new model has “two small fans” replacing the “bulky thermal system” of the previous-generation iMac, the company says.
There’s also a new magnetic power cable — it sounds a lot like the old MagSafe cable — that attaches to the back. Ethernet can be connected to the power brick and delivered through the same cable. The entry-level model will come with two USB-C / Thunderbolt ports on the back, and a higher-end model will add an additional two USB-C ports (without Thunderbolt support). Incredibly, there is still a headphone jack.
Alongside the new iMac, Apple is also introducing a keyboard, mouse, and trackpad in colors to match. The keyboard has a Touch ID button for logging in.
The new iMac starts at $1,299, though some of the colors are reserved for the higher-end $1,499 model. It’ll be available in the second half of May, with orders starting April 30th. There are seven color options total. The base model comes with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD; it can be upgraded to include up to 16GB of RAM and 2TB of storage.
This is the first iMac to switch to Apple Silicon, the chips that Apple has been designing in-house. The company first added an Apple Silicon chip to the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini in November. Apple plans to eventually roll out these Arm-based chips to its entire Mac line. While the transition means that macOS software needs to be updated to support the new chips, so far the trade-offs have been worth it. The first generation of M1 Macs have been extremely well received, with the new chips offering improved power and battery life.
Apple’s event today was full of hardware and new products, but the company also took some time to have fun by unveiling a new trailer for Ted Lasso’s second season. The show — which stars Jason Sudeikis as a perpetually positive football coach who takes on a gig helming an English soccer team — has been one of the breakout hits on Apple TV Plus, the company’s fledgling streaming service.
I always hear the question: who let the dogs out (who who who who)? With respect to The Baha Men, I prefer WHEN let the dogs out (when when when when)?
‘Cause guess what, Greyhounds? Our 2nd season starts 7/23! Can I get a Bah Amen!? That’s what I used to think they were called
— Ted Lasso (@TedLasso) April 20, 2021
Season 2 follows Lasso as he leads AFC Richmond during a season of turmoil, with the club recently relegated to a lower league. That said, it looks just as charming as season 1, with plenty of folksy expressions and largely the same cast of beloved characters. Season 2 of Ted Lasso will debut on July 23rd. No word on whether the controversial European Super League will be a plot point.
Developing… we’re adding more to this post, but you can follow along with our Apple “Spring Loaded” live blog to get the news even faster.
The Apple TV remote is one of the weakest parts of the company’s set-top box, and Apple is, at last, addressing it today. The company just unveiled a redesigned Siri remote alongside its new Apple TV 4K. You’ll get the new remote with the new $179 4K set-top box, or it’s available separately for $59. As well as being compatible with the new Apple TV 4K, it also works with the 2017 model and Apple TV HD. Apple will also sell the remote bundled with the Apple TV HD for $149.
The new Siri remote has an iPod-style scroll wheel, a five-way click pad, touch controls, a mute button, and a power button that can turn your TV on and off. Meanwhile, the Siri button is now on the side of the remote, and Apple says that the voice assistant now works on Apple TV in Austria, Ireland, and New Zealand, in addition to the 13 countries where it was already supported. Finally, the new Siri remote’s enclosure is made out of 100 percent recycled aluminum.
The new remote alongside the new Apple TV 4K.Image: Apple
The new remote was unveiled alongside Apple’s updated Apple TV 4K box, which has a more powerful processor that can support high-frame rate HDR content.
Although the build quality and looks of the existing set-top box’s remote have never been lacking, people have had no shortage of complaints about its functionality. For one, its size can be too small to be used comfortably, and it’s also super easy to lose. Design-wise, it’s annoyingly symmetrical, so half the time, you’re likely to pick it up the wrong way if you’re not careful. Many of these issues look like they’ve been addressed with the new remote.
Yes, you’ve always been able to replace the Apple TV’s remote with a universal remote or use an app on your phone to control the set-top box. But for those who just want a better first-party remote, here is that solution.
The new remote will be available alongside the new Apple TV 4K, which can be preordered starting April 30th.
Apple has just announced a new Apple TV streaming box, replacing the Apple TV 4K that came out in 2017. The new model retains the name of the prior model but comes with a more powerful A12 Bionic chip that lets it play HDR video at higher frame rates. It’s also powerful enough to support 60fps Dolby Vision playback over AirPlay from a compatible iPhone.
The old Apple TV 4K, which has been Apple’s flagship set-top box for four years, supports 4K streaming as well as HDR, including Dolby Vision. It also supports Dolby Atmos sound codecs. But it doesn’t support 120Hz refresh rates, which might be important should you ever want to play serious games on an Apple TV. It also has the most notoriously bad remote control.
Fortunately, Apple has completely redesigned the remote for the new Apple TV 4K with an improved, more ergonomic design and more capabilities. The new remote is thicker than the prior model, has a new five-way touch controller in place of the maligned swipe pad of the original, and a proper power button to turn off your TV. The Siri search button has been moved to the side of the remote, under your right thumb.
Apple did not redesign the Apple TV box itself — it remains a squircle-shaped puck that you have to put on a shelf or entertainment center, unlike the dongle designs that many of Apple’s competitors use now. A new feature allows the Apple TV to optimize the colors of your TV screen using the light sensor on an iPhone. Apple says it is working with a number of content providers to produce high frame rate HDR content for the new Apple TV, including Fox Sports, NBCUniversal, Paramount Plus, Red Bull TV, and Canal Plus.
The new Apple TV 4K starts at $179 for 32GB of storage and will be available to purchase starting on April 30th. A 64GB model will also be available for $199. Apple is also selling the older Apple TV HD, which is limited to 1080p resolution, with the new remote for $149.
All of those prices are a lot higher than Apple’s competitors, such as Amazon, Google, and Roku. Apple is betting once again that people will pay for performance and ecosystem in a set-top box and is charging a hefty premium for it.
Demand for PCs in the second quarter continues to be high amid chip shortages, which constrains manufacturers’ ability to fulfill orders. A new report from Taiwan indicates that some vendors are projected to see shipments fall short of orders by 30% to 50% in Q2 2021.
According to an IDC report, sales of PCs increased by over 55% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2021. Large PC makers have increased their unit sales by well over 50% (with Apple’s shipments increasing by 111.5% YoY). In contrast, smaller makers enjoyed ‘only’ 50% growth, which is explainable as it is easier for large PC makers to procure components that are in short supply due to their volume of scale and buying power.
But apparently, demand for PCs is so high that some notebook makers expect their shipments to fall short of orders by 30% to 50% in the second quarter, according to DigiTimes. Manufacturers naturally prioritize higher-end models, so supplies of inexpensive machines, such as entry-level Chromebooks for education customers, will remain constrained in the second quarter. Meanwhile, 43.8% of Japan’s GIGA School project shipments were Chrome OS-based, followed by Apple MacOS and Microsoft Windows-powered machines.
Taiwanese PC makers now expect supply constraints to persist in the second half of the year as the PC industry has to compete against cars and smartphone producers that also need chips and other components, which will naturally increase the prices of computers.
Interestingly, to secure the supply of hard-to-find components, some vendors even acquire stakes in their suppliers. For example, Acer Group recently invested $53 million in display driver IC supplier FocalTech Systems and now holds a 3.58% stake in the company.
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