Apple's presentation
Apple on Tuesday unveiled its new products, which were, expectedly, the new iPad Pro tablets with the M1 chip, new iMacs, AirTags for finding things, the new Apple TV 4K set-top box, the new purple colour of the previously released iPhone 12, podcast subscriptions and new Apple Card features.
Apple (AAPL) shares were down 1.28% before the company's annual spring presentation on Tuesday (at the close of trading), continuing a 0.6% decline afterwards.
Most analysts' and industry experts' forecasts for Apple's 2021 new products have come true, but investors are still concerned about the impact of the global semiconductor shortage on the company's future deliveries. In addition, Apple will struggle to match last year's sales of tablets and computers in the coming quarters, demand for which surged during the pandemic but may now be reduced as countries lift quarantine measures as they vaccinate against COVID-19.
Apple's launch of new tablets was expected, given the 40% increase in iPad sales in the last reported quarter ended December 2020.
The new iPad Pro with M1 chips, along with 5G and Wi-Fi 6 support, is said by Apple to be the most powerful tablet on the market. The M1's 8-core CPU delivers up to 50 per cent faster performance than the A-series chips.
The cameras in the new iPad Pro have also received topical improvements they now feature 12-megapixel cameras with an ultra-wide lens.
The price for the 11-inch model starts at $799, while the 12.9-inch model costs $1099.
Apple Card Family is the ability to share credit for up to five family members. According to Apple, this will allow for a strong credit history and make it easier to track spending through the iPhone.
Apple TV 4K gets support for 4K HDR format with high frame rates, more realistic colours and improved detail. Also, Apple has introduced new colourful iMacs, their design has become very similar to the large iPad.
Apple was able to achieve this thanks to a proprietary M1 chip, as the company did away with the Intel processor (INTC), and changed the cooling system in the internal design.
