Apple springs it on us!

April 24, 2021

iMac ... iPad Pro ... Apple TV 4K ... AirTag ...

So much new Apple hardware, so little time!

Jump right into all our coverage of this week's big "Spring Loaded" event for the details. (And if you're already caught up on that, there's plenty of other Apple news, reviews and how-tos below.)

Enjoy your weekend reading!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

'Spring Loaded' event coverage

Apple’s big "Spring Loaded" event was a total trip. The new Mac desktop comes in a rainbow of colors, and the M1 processor in the latest tablet will blow you away. And there’s AirTag, too, at long last. Grab some snacks and get ready to find out what blew our minds.

The world’s most popular all-in-one now runs on Apple Silicon.

Apple’s trackers offer technology that makes finding lost items easier than ever.

Apple built the new tablets around an M1 processor that brings a tremendous speed boost. And the USB-C has been upgraded with Thunderbolt, leading to faster connections to external drives.

It’s an unusual move for Apple, which rarely introduces new colors or finishes mid-cycle.

The upgraded remote packs a new clickpad control system, a touch-sensitive ring that makes it easy to jog video backward and forward, and dedicated power and mute buttons.

Aside from a fresh interface, the update will allow individual creators to easily disseminate paid podcasts.

Adults can share a card, and teens can be allowed limited usage thanks to the upcoming Apple Card Family feature.

More news and opinion

The Apple M1 processor in the 2021 iPad Pro could make it the most productive tablet ever. But only if Apple takes the logical next step and lets iPads run Mac apps.

After a short time using AirTags, reviewers praise the tiny trackers’ design as “classic Apple” and their precise finding capabilities as “utility-driven augmented reality.” But there are some limitations.

The days when Apple’s tablets got an anemic amount of RAM are over.

Thieves reportedly stole plans for two upcoming Apple laptops from Quanta and leaked details. These help confirm earlier reports that Apple’s next notebook will see a return of MagSafe, the HDMI port and an SD card reader.

Get ready for a rush of new capabilities, like unlocking an iPhone with an Apple Watch.

How-tos

Apple just added a brand-new feature to Apple TV that works with your iPhone to color calibrate your TV. It’s really simple to use and the results can be terrific. What’s more, you don’t need the newest Apple TV. The new Color Balance tool is available on Apple TV models released in 2015 or later.

Apple’s latest macOS update ships with a brand-new “Hello” screen saver, inspired by the very first Macintosh, for M1 Macs. Enabling it isn’t quite as simple as just selecting a new screen saver in System Preferences, however.

Deals

The latest iPhone models boast cameras that far exceed most users’ photography skills. Want to get the most out of your device? This smart grip gives you better control

This is your chance to win a brand-new burnt orange Perforated Leather Band from Monowear. Finished with classy, motor-sport-inspired perforations, it will keep your wrist cool. Enter now!

Over-the-ear headphones can make you feel like you’re in an actual music studio, but wireless ones like Skullcandy Push Ultra earbuds offer something no pair of wired headphones can: freedom.

Plus, more hardware deals:

Tweaking colors, shadows and light can be intimidating and overwhelming for the casual photographer who wants the best photos. But this Mac photo app makes it simple.

Plus, more software deals:

Reviews

This tough, portable stand is compatible with a wide range of handsets and small tablets. It can be used in landscape or portrait, and offers multiple viewing angle. Plus, it’s colorful and fun.

The Russians have taken over the moon! The second season of For All Mankind ends with bloody faces, broken marriages, uncertain futures, and a whole boatload of moon crime.

High-quality Milano leather bands from Laut are beautifully made, with a slim and lightweight design that’s great for warm weather. Plus, they’re nicely priced at less than $50.

This cloud-gaming service could be the answer for anyone who wants to play console-quality games on an iPad. There are many big-name titles to choose from, and players can use off-the-shelf game controllers.