Apple launch 2022: New cheapest 5G iPhone, new Macs and iPad
Gadget lovers are in a spin over a brand new product from Apple as the tech giant reveals its latest hardware stash. Here’s what you need to know.
Technology
Don't miss out on the headlines from Technology. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Apple surprised pundits by unveiling a “game-changing” device at its first launch event of 2022, alongside the company’s cheapest 5G smartphone, an update to its iPad Air, and new iPhone colours.
The tech giant revealed its latest hardware stash at a live-streamed event in the early hours of Wednesday morning, Australia time, after issuing invitations with the hint, “peek performance”.
This is what you need to know about Apple’s latest hardware, which is due to arrive in Australia on March 18.
THE CHEAPEST 5G IPHONE
Apple typically saves its big smartphone launch for September or October each year but March is when a wallet-friendly version arrives.
On Wednesday, the company showed off its first 5G version of the iPhone SE, with most changes made inside the device and the latest iPhone processor, A15, also used by the more expensive iPhone 13.
The iPhone SE remains the only Apple phone left with a Touch ID fingerprint sensor upfront, along with a 4.7-inch LCD touchscreen.
It’s equipped with a 12-megapixel rear camera that can use photographic modes including Smart HDR 4 and portrait mode, and will be available with up to 256GB storage.
The new iPhone SE will cost $719 when it launches in Australia on March 18 — a jump from the $679 price of the last SE model.
Apple CEO Tim Cook said the device would be ideal for people who liked smaller phones.
“iPhone SE has been an incredibly popular choice with our existing users and for new iPhone customers, thanks to its iconic design, exceptional performance and affordable price,” Apple worldwide iPhone product marketing vice-president Kaiann Drance said.
“And with 5G, iPhone SE gives users faster downloads and uploads, higher-quality video streaming, real-time interactivity in apps and much more. Delivering the latest generation of technology and performance at this price is something only Apple can do.”
Telsyte managing director Foad Fadaghi said the additions could make a big difference for potential buyers, as well as setting prices for second-hand iPhone market.
“The iPhone SE does present a lot of values for budget-conscious consumers,” he said. “With 5G ticked off, it will be a lot more attractive.”
Apple currently commands 53 per cent of the Australian smartphone market, according to Gartner, dwarfing rival Samsung’s 26 per cent.
SOME FRESH AIR
The new 10.9-inch iPad Air will receive a power boost from a M1 chip, as well as a 5G connection for the first time.
New cameras will also be a feature for this iPad refresh, with a 12-megapixel camera upfront and support for Centre Stage that is designed to keep users in the frame if they move about during video calls.
The lightweight iPad will keep a similar design to its predecessor after a major overhaul in late 2020 saw it lose its upfront fingerprint sensor and get a colourful metal cover.
The new tablets will cost $929 in Australia when they launch on March 18, and come in various colours including pink, “starlight” and a new blue hue.
FIRST NEW MAC MODEL IN YEARS
Apple introduced the first new Mac model in years at this event with the Mac Studio; a display-free desktop computer.
It’s a cube-shaped aluminium box with USB-C ports and a SD card slot on the front.
The desktop computer sits taller than the existing Mac Mini, with the additional height used to accommodate large fans to keep the computer’s temperature down.
Apple also announced its new Studio Display on Wednesday with a 5K, 27-inch screen, built-in speakers and a camera.
Users can also choose between an all-aluminium enclosure with a tilting stand or a tilt and height-adjustable stand option.
The screen can also be used to fast-charge Apple’s latest MacBook Pros.
High-end models of the computer use a new kind of Apple silicon chip unveiled at the event — the M1 Ultra — that the company promised to deliver more power than existing M1 variants.
“We couldn’t be more excited to introduce an entirely new Mac desktop and display with Mac Studio and Studio Display,” Apple worldwide marketing senior vice-president Greg Joswiak said.
“Mac Studio ushers in a new era for the desktop with unbelievable performance powered by M1 Max and M1 Ultra, an array of connectivity and a compact design that puts everything users need within easy reach.
“And Studio Display — with its stunning 5K Retina screen, along with the best combination of camera and audio ever in a desktop display — is in a class of its own.”
The Mac Studio with M1 Max chip will start at $3099, with the M1 Ultra models costing $6099 or as much as $12,099.
PUTTING THE PRO IN MAC
After announcing the Mac Studio, Apple’s hardware head John Ternus teased the company would release a more powerful new Mac Pro model in the future. “One more product to go: Mac Pro. But that’s for another day,” Ternus said.
It’s been more than a year since Apple launched its own silicon chip inside 13-inch MacBook Pro laptops and some analysts were anticipating an update at this event.
Bloomberg analyst Mark Gurman recently reported that Apple had been “testing multiple Macs with a new chip in recent weeks,” and the M2 was expected to debut inside a 13-inch MacBook Pro first.
Most underrated sport in the world
Sunday’s Phillip Island MotoGP race offered a mix of high-speed racing, drama, luxury and celebrity appeal in one of the most-breathtaking settings in the world.
Read more
‘Ridiculous’ reason bird stuck in Coles for weeks
The plan to remove a wild cockatoo trapped in a Coles supermarket has sparked anger for its ‘lack of common sense’ approach.
Read more