Apple now wants you to pay $19 extra for a polishing cloth

Apple has launched new AirPods and revamped MacBook Pro laptops, but it’s a $19 “innovation” that got tongues wagging.

Apple has announced major upgrades to several of its most beloved products in a huge release event.

The tech giant has ramped up the power on its MacBook Pro, with a brand new set of ultra-fast chips that could make it faster than any other laptop in the world.

It also released a controversial $19 cloth — more on that later.

What makes the new MacBook Pro so powerful is Apple’s M1 Pro and Max chips.

The M1 Pro is supercharged version of the ultra-fast M1 chip that Apple built itself – as a replacement for Intel processors.

The original M1 received rave reviews, but this new chip will give the MacBook Pro a significant edge over rivals.

“It’s our next breakthrough for the Mac,” Apple said.

There’s also a more powerful chip option called M1 Max, which Apple says delivers “higher performance at every power level” versus rival chips.

The new laptop comes in a new 14-inch size as well as the standard 16-inch size, with a screen that runs edge to edge, apart from a notch housing the front-facing camera.

The new model starts at $2,999.

Music buffs will be able to enjoy a new sound system with 80 per cent more bass, which supports Spatial Audio for a “theatre-like” experience.

Spatial audio will also be available on the new and improved AirPods.

The new earbuds have a longer battery life and Spatial Audio for a better listening experience.

Apple promised more control of your music and phone calls with improved sensors.

It said the 3rd Generation AirPods can provide a powerful base and “crisp, clean, high frequencies”.

The AirPods are sweat and water resistant.

They‘ve also got a new contour design that delivers sound directly to your ears.

Sound should be customised for you in real time so you can listen to music as it was intended to be heard.

There’s also a one touch set up, which will automatically pair your AirPods to other devices.

Battery life has increased to six hours.

They will be available in store from October 26.

The case will give you an additional four full charges.MagSafe and wireless charging have been added to the case.

You can order the new AirPods on the Apple website today, for $279, and they will be available in store on October 26.

Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, said: “AirPods forever changed wireless headphones with their groundbreaking design, incredible sound, and magical experience.

“We are excited to introduce the next generation of AirPods, featuring unrivalled sound through Adaptive EQ and spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, along with seamless interaction between Apple devices — making the world’s best-selling headphones even better.”

Spatial audio is a new feature.

‘Most advanced cloth ever made’

Apple was widely mocked for releasing a $19 “polishing cloth”.

The new polishing cloth is soft white material with an embossed Apple logo.

Apple says the product is “made with soft, non-abrasive material, the polishing cloth cleans any Apple display, including nano-texture glass, safely and effectively.”

Apple says it’s “compatible with every single device” it makes.

Mashable quickly published an article with the headline “Apple innovators do it again with $19 ‘Polishing Cloth’ *SLOW CLAP*”.

Twitter of course had a field day. “It’s the most advanced polishing cloth we’ve ever made,” one person wrote.

"Made with soft, nonabrasive material, the Polishing Cloth cleans any Apple display, including nano-texture glass, safely and effectively."

Apple Music Voice Plan

The tech giant also launched Apple Music Voice Plan, a subscription service based around Siri.

The program gives users access to more than 90 million songs – all of which that can be used through speech.

Apple vice president Oliver Schusser said it was a normal progression for the company.

“Apple Music and Siri are natural partners and already work seamlessly together,” he said.

““With Siri actively used on hundreds of millions of devices worldwide, we are thrilled to add this new plan that delivers an effortless music experience just by using your voice and makes Apple Music accessible to even more people around the world.”

Apple users can start a free trial by telling their device ‘Hey Siri, start my Apple Music Voice trial’.

This article was originally published by The Sun and has been reproduced with permission