From AirTags to colorful new iMacs, everything Apple just announced

April 21, 2021

By Kim Komando

Apple puts out new versions of its popular gadgets every year, but you can always find new features and tricks hidden in the tech you already have. And when new gadgets hit the market, some of those features often trickle down to existing and older products.

Take the iPhone. There’s always something new to discover there. Tap or click here to learn how to send hidden messages.

Apple’s latest reveal showcased a handful of cool new products and features we’d like to get our hands on.

Colorful new iMacs

Apple introduced its powerful M1 graphics processor in the Mac Mini and MacBook line last year. Now it’s here in the new smaller, slimmer iMac.

The M1 chip offers 85% faster CPU performance and twice the GPU. Apple says you can easily work with 100-megapixel photos in Lightroom and edit five streams of 4K video or one stream of 8K. That’s a powerful upgrade.

The iMac now has Touch ID for the first time, making it easier to securely log in, use Apple Pay or switch user profiles.

The new iMac models will be available on April 30. The iMac with 7-core GPU starts at $1,299; it comes in green, pink, blue and silver. The iMac with 8-core GPU starts at $1,499 and comes in green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue and silver.

As always, new Macs mean discounts on older models. Tap or click here to order the older generation iMac.

https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2021/04/imac-features-all-new-design-in-vibrant-colors-m1-chip-and-45k-retina-display/

The iPad gets an upgrade

Apple’s flagship tablet also gets the M1 treatment, bumping up speed about 50% and introducing 5G support. A Thunderbolt port means you can connect external monitors, which this thing is powerful enough to handle.

It’s got new camera features, too, including a12-megapixel ultra-wide front camera. The Center Stage feature uses machine learning to keep users centered in the frame even as they move around the room. Sounds like a machine built for video meetings.

Online orders open on April 30. The 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $799 for the Wi-Fi model and $999 for the Wi-Fi and Cellular model. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at $1,099 for the Wi-Fi model and $1,299 for the Wi-Fi and Cellular model.

Want to upgrade to the current generation? Tap or click here to purchase the previous iPad Pro. It’s about $70 off right now.

https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2021/04/apple-unveils-new-ipad-pro-with-m1-chip-and-stunning-liquid-retina-xdr-display/

iPhone 12 in a brand new color

The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini are getting a new purple finish. Not sure what model is right for you? Tap or click here for our iPhone comparison.

Pre-orders start April 23.

Apple TV 4K

The first Apple TV update in years brings 4K to the system. You can use Siri Remote (you’ll have to pay extra for that) to find your favorite shows and movies as well as control your smart home. You can adjust the color balance of your Apple TV using the sensors in your iPhone to improve picture quality.

Apple TV is compatible with Apple Music, Apple Fitness+, Apple Arcade and AirPlay.

The new Apple TV 4K starts at $179, available April 30. Apple TV HD will be available for $149.

For a cheaper alternative, try the Fire TV Stick 4K and the Roku Streaming Stick+.

AirTags

Have you ever used a Tile tracker? They help you keep track of small items that are easy to lose. Apple’s version, AirTags, works with the Apple Find My app. You can attach these small devices to anything you misplace often or don’t want to lose. Think your wallet or keys. A speaker in the AirTag plays sounds to help you locate your missing item.

AirTags will cost $29 for one, or pick up a four-pack for $99. You can personalize AirTags with free engraving, including text and emoji. Order starting April 23.

Apple Card

Changes are coming to Apple’s credit card, too. These changes come in May along with the next iOS update.

Apple Card Family allows up to five people to share their Apple Card, track purchases, manage spending and build credit together. Parents can share Apple Card with their kids and help them with financial responsibility.

Apple Podcast update

Are you a podcast lover? Apple Podcast Subscriptions offers curated content, ad-free listening, and early or exclusive access to shows you love for $19.99 per year.

Tap or click here to check out Kim Komando’s podcasts: Kim Komando Today, Kim Komando Daily Tech Update, and Tech Refresh with Kim Komando & Friends. Subscribe in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Sell your old Apple stuff before upgrading

If any of these things caught your eye, you need to offload your old tech first. The longer you let it sit, the more value it loses. Might as well get some extra cash to pay for that new iMac.

Decluttr makes it super easy to sell your old tech. Right now, the site is offering a 15% bonus when you trade in your iPad with the code IPADBONUS. Get 10% more for a wearable, MacBook or Mac using code APPLETEN.

Visit decluttr.com/start-selling to start selling. Not sure how? Check out our guide that includes everything you need to know.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.