Overview of Everything Apple Announced Since Its Last Event

Apple has traditionally viewed every public announcement as an event. Its keynotes, often designed for investors and the media, were elaborate performances that captured widespread attention. However, the significant number of new products launched without a formal event since the introduction of the iPhone 16 series six months ago suggests that the days of eagerly anticipating every Apple announcement may have passed.

This shift can partly be attributed to Apple's new approach of using recorded, polished video presentations instead of live showcases. Additionally, since Apple has begun producing the chips that power its smartphones, tablets, and computers, many of the updates can be seen merely as incremental improvements or "spec bumps." Since the launch of the iPhone 16, Apple has introduced eight new products — or nine if we include a new chip featured in one of its updated desktop computers. Below, we summarize some of the latest releases, including the new hardware introduced to conclude 2024.

M4 MacBook Air

The updated MacBook Air is a popular model from Apple, now featuring the powerful M4 chip. Fortunately, this enhanced performance does not come with a higher price tag. The 13-inch MacBook Air starts at $999, while the 15-inch variant is priced at $1,199, a reduction from the previous $1,099 for the M3 model. The new versions also include an upgraded 12MP Center Stage webcam and a new color option called "Sky Blue." Although it's not the most thrilling update, the new laptops deliver double the power compared to the earlier M1 versions at a friendlier cost.

Mac Studio

The Mac Studio has received an update alongside the MacBook Air, which primarily serves as a spec enhancement. Visually, the Mac Studio remains unchanged; it still features USB ports and an SD card reader in front, alongside additional I/O options at the back. The internal upgrades include options for the M4 Max, which boasts a 16-core CPU and a 40-core GPU, or the new M3 Ultra chip, making it suitable for handling demanding professional creative tasks. With the M4 Max, users can opt for up to 128GB of unified memory, while the M3 Ultra can reach 512GB. However, the price reflects this power, with the M4 Max version starting at $1,999 and the M3 Ultra at $3,999.

M3 Ultra Chip

The M3 Ultra chip stands out as the innovative element of the Mac Studio update. This chip features a 32-core CPU (with 24 performance cores), an 80-core GPU, and a 32-core Neural Engine, claiming to be over two times as powerful as the M1 Ultra. This performance surge is largely due to the connection of two M3 Max chips through Apple’s "Ultrafusion" architecture. The M3 Ultra also supports Thunderbolt 5 for enhanced connectivity and enables up to 512GB of unified memory. Currently, it’s exclusive to the Mac Studio, which raises questions about upcoming updates for other high-end Macs.

M3 iPad Air

Along with the Mac updates, the iPad Air received a refresh featuring the M3 chip, now available in 11- and 13-inch models. Additionally, there's an updated Magic Keyboard with a function row and a slightly larger trackpad. Although the iPad Air was already powered by the previous M2 chip, this update maintains its competitiveness, particularly for users interested in advanced features like ray tracing in some console games ported to iPad. The new starting price is $599, while the new Magic Keyboard is available for $260 and oddly comes only in white.

iPad

Apple's changes to the basic iPad are relatively minor. It has been upgraded from the A14 Bionic chip to the A16, resulting in improved speed but still lacking Apple Intelligence. Additionally, the storage has increased from a modest 64GB to a more reasonable starting point of 128GB. This enhancement is notable, especially given the entry price of $349. However, the base model primarily serves as an affordable option for families looking to purchase a tablet for children or elderly users, positioning itself to steer customers toward more premium alternatives.

iPhone 16e

The introduction of the iPhone 16e marks a significant shift for Apple's budget smartphone segment, replacing the 2022 iPhone SE. This new model presents a mix of old and new iPhone traits. It is equipped with the A18 chip, offering capabilities compatible with basic Apple Intelligence features, and resembles the iPhone 14. However, it features a single camera and lacks MagSafe. Priced at $549, the iPhone 16e is an interesting option as it is the first to incorporate Apple’s custom C1 modem.

M4 Mac mini

The new M4 Mac mini, which debuted at the close of 2024, captures attention with its compact design, resembling a taller Apple TV rather than the flat shape of previous models, and now includes front-facing ports. Starting at $599, the updated Mac mini provides access to the M4 chip and options for up to 64GB of unified memory, making it a powerful little machine. The choice to include an M4 Pro also allows it to serve as a capable workhorse, reflecting Apple’s focus on size and specs in its recent updates.

M4 iMac

The iMac also transitioned to the M4 chip, though this update was less transformative than the Mac mini’s. The iMac has seen some new color choices, an upgraded 12MP webcam, and an optional nano-texture finish for the display. Beyond these improvements, another notable change is that Apple has removed the Lightning port from its Magic Mouse and Magic Keyboard, now exclusively featuring USB-C for all devices, a small but meaningful enhancement.

M4 MacBook Pro

The M4 MacBook Pro models were released shortly after the unveiling of the iPhone 16, serving primarily to introduce the M4 chip lineup. The design remains largely unchanged, with enhancements such as increased RAM, additional Thunderbolt ports, and a somewhat brighter display. Available in both 14-inch and 16-inch configurations, customers can choose between the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips. The entry M4 chip includes a 10-core CPU with an 8-core GPU, while the high-end M4 Max offers a 16-core CPU and a 40-core GPU. The M4 MacBook Pros have initiated a series of spec updates from Apple and underline the company's growing emphasis on artificial intelligence, as the M4 chip includes a more advanced Neural Engine for executing AI tasks across all configurations.

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