A big week for Apple

| Technology

A big week for Apple

Just a few months after the launch of the iPhone 6, Apple has been back on stage for more big announcements.

This has been a big year for Apple, first the release of the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and the Apple Watch and now 6 more big announcements. Here are the 6 big announcements from Apple’s latest launch:

New Devices

The iPad Air 2

The big news from the Apple latest event is the release of the iPad Air 2 which is insanely skinny at 6.1mm thick, 1mm thinner than the iPhone 6 Plus.

But what’s new with the iPad Air 2:

  • Did we tell you that it’s slim? So slim in fact, if you stacked two of them together it would be the same thickness as the original iPad!
  • Better screen – 56% less reflective, 9.7 inch 2048 x 1536 screen resolution and touch sensor.
  • Improved camera – the iPad Air 2 has bumped up its camera spec from 5MP to 8MP and has the ability to record 1080p video.
  • More power – now packing Apple’s new A8X processor, meaning 40% faster overall.
  • Touch ID – old news for Apple products, brand new to the iPad Air which means you can unlock and purchase stuff with your finger.
  • 10 hour battery life – pretty standard for Apple but the more powerful device should last most of the day even with heavy use.
  • Comes in Gold, silver or space grey just like the iPhone 6.
  • Available for pre-order already and prices start from £400.

The iPad Mini 3

iPad mini 3.jpg

Disappointingly, the iPad Mini 3 is practically identical to the iPad Mini 2. The only new feature you will find is the Touch ID fingerprint sensor. 

iMac

imac.jpg

Apple has managed to pack a 5K display with 5120 x 2880 pixels into its new 27 inch iMac. Performance has also been boosted, with processor options starting from 3.5 GHz Intel Core i5 processor going up to 4.0GHz quad-core i7.

Mac Miniimac i.jpg


Apple’s tiny desktop computer includes 4th generation Intel Core processors, integrated Intel Iris and HD graphics 5000. Pricing starts at £400 going up to £800.

Software

OS X Yosemite

Announced back in July, OS X Yosemite can now be downloaded for free. It holds a range of new features including Continuity which allows you to send and receive SMS messages through your Mac as well as make phone calls, Handoff which enables you to access documents and emails across all devices, an update Notification Centre including widgets and an overhauled Spotlight search that collates information from Wikipedia, Maps and Yelp.

iOS 8.1

Apple has been adding Touch ID sensors to all iOS devices to get them ready for Apple Pay which has been launched alongside iOS 8.1. It also brings support for Continuity and Handoff (mentioned above) as well as brings back Camera Roll, which many iOS 8 users have been complaining about.

iOS 8.1 has also fixed a number of bugs ranging from crashes to connectivity issues. 

Luke Stanley