Last week, Apple rolled out a wave of product updates and upgrades—no flashy event, just a steady stream of press releases and videos that brought us everything from new chips to redesigned classics.
The M4 family brings a new level of power to the Mac range, while design upgrades, enhanced displays, and fresh AI capabilities across devices show Apple’s commitment to advancing user experience. It’s a strong signal that Apple’s quiet week might have just reshaped the tech landscape.
Let’s dive into what’s new in Apple’s world.
A Fresh Take on iMac and USB-C Accessories
Apple kicked off the week with a revamped iMac lineup featuring the M4 chip, delivering up to 2.1x faster performance for demanding tasks like photo editing and gaming. The iMac also got a makeover with new colour options and an option for nano-texture glass on its sleek 24-inch 4.5K Retina display, making it as visually stunning as it is powerful.
This update, combined with 16GB of standard memory (upgradable to 32GB) and a neural engine that’s three times faster, makes this iMac Apple’s most capable all-in-one for AI-driven tasks. A 12MP Center Stage camera, up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports, and colour-matched USB-C accessories complete the new design enhancements.
In addition to the iMac, Apple rolled out updated versions of its keyboard, mouse, and trackpad, all upgraded with USB-C ports for better connectivity and future-proofed compatibility.
Apple Intelligence Finally Arrives
Apple also unveiled Apple Intelligence, a new AI-powered assistant across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. First teased at Apple’s September keynote, this assistant introduces tools like generative AI for writing, distraction-filtering photo cleanup, and notification summaries, all designed to boost productivity while respecting privacy. Though Apple Intelligence will debut as a beta feature, it marks Apple’s first official foray into AI, with future enhancements already on the horizon. (Early adopters will need to join a waitlist to access Apple Intelligence.) Siri also has a fresh look, though its biggest upgrades—like in-app action-taking—are slated for 2025.
Mac Mini Gets a Redesign and a Major Performance Boost
After over a decade, the Mac Mini has finally been redesigned. Now a compact 5-by-5-inch powerhouse, the new Mac Mini is less than half the size of its predecessor, thanks to the energy efficiency of Apple silicon and a re-engineered thermal system. Equipped with either the M4 or the all-new M4 Pro chip, this sleeker model brings a serious performance boost, appealing to those who need a robust desktop in a space-saving design.
MacBook Pro, Now Even More “Pro”
The MacBook Pro now features the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips, delivering unprecedented speeds. Available in 14- and 16-inch models with striking space black and silver finishes, the new MacBook Pro starts with 16GB of memory and offers Thunderbolt 4 (M4 models) or Thunderbolt 5 (M4 Pro/Max models). The M4 Max variant, designed for the most demanding professional tasks, boasts a 16-core CPU and up to a 40-core GPU—ideal for 3D rendering, data modelling, and machine learning. All models now include a Liquid Retina XDR display with up to 1,000 nits of brightness, a 12MP Center Stage camera, and studio-quality microphones for premium video-call quality.
The experience is further enhanced by macOS Sequoia, which debuts new features like iPhone mirroring, an advanced passwords app, and distraction control in Safari. New video-call backgrounds and improved window tiling will definitely help you keep organised and enhance productivity.
MacBook Air Gets a Memory Boost
While the spotlight might be on the M4 chips, Apple hasn’t neglected its most popular laptop. MacBook Air models with M2 and M3 chips now start with 16GB of memory, offering more value without an increase in price.
A New Era for AirPods Pro 2: Hearing Health Features
Apple didn’t stop at computers—AirPods Pro 2 also got a valuable update. With a free software upgrade, users can now access features like a Hearing Test and Hearing Assistance. These tools allow users to track hearing health, reduce loud noise exposure, and even use the AirPods Pro 2 as clinical-grade hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss.
This story first appeared on GRAZIA Singapore.
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