Consumer electronics giant Apple (AAPL) has introduced 5G versions of its low-end iPhone SE and iPad Air tablet, as well as a redesigned Mac desktop computer.
At a product launch event, Apple kicked off what analysts say is likely to be the company’s biggest year ever for new product releases.
Apple unveiled its new devices during a virtual event called “Peek Performance,” looking to keep up its momentum following a record-setting holiday quarter that exceeded Wall Street’s expectations.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tim Cook also announced plans to bring Major League Baseball games to the company’s Apple TV+ streaming service.
The presentation included a new Apple processor named “M1 Ultra” that the company called the most powerful personal-computer chip ever made. The product is part of Apple’s yearslong shift away from using Intel (INTC) processors in favor of its own inhouse made components.
The new desktop computer, called the “Mac Studio,” features the M1 Ultra chip and is aimed at app developers, photo editors and video creators. Apple also unveiled a separate 27-inch monitor that is far cheaper than the current model, coming in at $1,599 U.S.
The event was the first of what’s expected to be several product launches this year, with Apple also expected to launch additional Mac computers and iPads, as well as the iPhone 14 and new smartwatches. And the company may preview its first virtual reality (VR) headset later this year.
The new iPhone is Apple’s first update to the SE line since 2020. The model, which will continue to come in black, white and red colours, will have a slightly higher price of $429 U.S., up from $399 U.S. But it has fifth generation (5G) network capability, a faster A15 processor and other features.
The new 5G enabled iPhone SE and iPad Air, which also sports an M1 chip, will be available for ordering on March 11, before reaching stores a week later.
