Apple overhauls iPad, bolsters entry-level Mac line-up

Brooklyn, New York - Face ID comes to iPad; entry-level computers receive significant upgrades.

Apple on Tuesday unveiled a new line of iPads and Macs, capping a busy year that saw the tech giant hold four major events to drive home its point of putting more creativity into the hands of more people. 
Speculation was rife that Apple would be unveiling a refresh to its other hardware in last month's iPhone and Watch event in California. Ultimately, and despite numerous rumours and leaks, they were left out, setting the stage for a 2018 finale starring the iPad and Mac.
"It's such a great honour for us to be a part of what people create every day all around the world," CEO Tim Cook said at the event held at the Howard Gilman Opera House in Brooklyn.
He kicked off the event by unveiling the new MacBook Air. Apple's entry-level laptop finally received a Retina display and Touch ID, which also brings with it Apple Pay.
While the MacBook Air received token upgrades last year, its last major refresh was in 2015; the 2018 edition is seen to be a welcome development for users of the device, who have long clamored for improvements to the device that is at a more affordable price point.
The company added that the new MacBook Air is made of 100 per cent recycled aluminium, making it the 'greenest' Mac ever.
Apple also revealed a more powerful version of the Mac mini, again answering calls that the device cater to more professional users. The new Mac mini now comes with up to 64GB of memory, up to a 2TB SSD of storage and up to five times faster performance.
The biggest star of the show, however, was the new iPad Pro. As long rumoured, Apple removed the home button from its premium tablet line -bringing Face ID to it in the process - completing the design transition inspired by last year's iPhone X. They now also come with a USB Type-C port, allowing it to not only be compatible with more devices, but also serve as a charger.
The new iPad Pros, which comes in 11- and 12.9-inch models, have lesser bezels, practically giving them an edge-to-edge display. It's also smaller in overall volume.
Its accompanying stylus, the Apple Pencil, was also given significant upgrades: aside from new gestures and controls, it can now magnetically latch onto the side of the iPad Pro and charge wirelessly.
All announced devices are now available for pre-order on Apple's UAE website. Starting prices for the new MacBook Air, Mac mini and iPad Pro start at Dh5,099, Dh3,399 and Dh3,199, respectively. They will be on shelves on November 7.
- alvin@khaleejtimes.com
 

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