And slimmer iPad Pros.
Apple has introduced a new MacBook Air, boasting a 13-inch Retina display and two slimmed down all-screen iPad Pros.
The MacBook Retina display packs in 48% more colour than the previous display, a Touch ID fingerprint sensor built into the keyboard, the latest processors and a more portable design. The new MacBook Air features an 8th generation Intel Core i5 processor, Intel UHD graphics and faster 2133 MHz system memory, up to 16GB. It also includes a built-in FaceTime HD camera, as well as a three microphone array for better sound quality when making calls and improved voice recognition in Siri.
Each key on the third-generation keyboard is individually backlit using low-power LEDs for more accurate illumination together with a 20% larger trackpad for a quieter trackpad experience. The speakers are louder with twice as much bass as the previous generation, delivering greater dynamic range and fuller sound.
All these new features are packed into a distinctive wedge-shaped design that delivers up to 12 hours of battery life during wireless web use and up to 13 hours of iTunes movie playback. The enclosure is made from 100% recycled aluminium, reducing its carbon footprint by nearly 50%, which Apple said makes it “the greenest Mac ever.” Available in three finishes, gold, silver and space grey with RRPs starting from $1,849.
Apple’s new iPad Pro with an all-screen design pushes 11-inch and 12.9-inch Liquid Retina displays to the edges with integrated Face ID to securely unlock the iPad at a glance. The machines are powered by the A12X Bionic chip with next-generation Neural Engine and supports functionalities including USB-C connector, Gigabit-class LTE, and up to 1TB of storage. The updated Apple Pencil magnetically attaches to the iPad Pros, wirelessly charging at the same time. A new touch sensor built onto the Apple Pencil is able to detect taps for new app interactivity. The new Smart Keyboard Folio features an adjustable streamlined design for added versatility.
The 11-inch model packs a bigger display with more pixels in the same footprint as the 10.5-inch but still weighing less than 500g. The 12.9-inch places the largest display of any iPad into a more portable package with a 25% reduction in volume. Both models are 5.9 mm thin, “the thinnest iPad design ever” according to the company.
Built specifically for iPad Pro, the A12X Bionic is claimed to be the most powerful chip in a tablet, for faster and more responsive computing tasks like editing photos or creating 3D models. The machines are listed with offering up to 10 hours of battery life.
The new 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro will be available in silver and space grey finishes in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB configurations as well as a new 1TB option.