October 13, 2015
By Max Buondonno
The rumors are true! Apple has finally released their highly-anticipated 4K 21.5 inch iMac today alongside brand new versions of their accessories; the Magic Mouse 2, Magic Trackpad 2, and new Magic Keyboard. Rumors for the new iMac started way back when the first OS X El Capitan beta came out when someone noticed code inside the OS X build stating that there was support for an iMac with a 4K display. Whispers about the new accessories started when the FCC leaked some patents Apple filed back in August for a new "Magic Mouse 2" and an updated Wireless Keyboard, which has been renamed to "Magic Keyboard".
Let's do a quick run down of all the new products Apple released today.
Let's do a quick run down of all the new products Apple released today.
21.5 inch 4K iMac
The new 4K iMac features a 4096x2304 display, the same resolution as the rumors. This gives you 9.4 million pixels to do your work on. The display features a P3 color gamut, which features a 25% larger color space for more detailed and more life-like image reproduction.
Apple also says that this is the perfect display to view your 4K video you shot on your iPhone 6S:
Apple also says that this is the perfect display to view your 4K video you shot on your iPhone 6S:
This is one of very few ways to view 4K video in the Apple ecosystem, considering the new Apple TV 4 doesn't support 4K content.
On the inside of the new iMac, you'll find a fifth-generation Intel Core processor with updated Intel Iris Pro graphics. The new iMac is priced from $1499.
Apple also made some updates with the 27 inch 5K iMac. Now, you'll find the computer with the latest AMD Radeon R9 graphics cards and sixth-generation Intel processors, starting at $1799. That's only $300 more than the base line 4K model, so if you need more screen real-estate, just invest another $300.
(Note the distinction between fifth and sixth-generation processor architecture. This means that only the 27 inch iMacs feature the latest Skylake Intel chips.)
On the inside of the new iMac, you'll find a fifth-generation Intel Core processor with updated Intel Iris Pro graphics. The new iMac is priced from $1499.
Apple also made some updates with the 27 inch 5K iMac. Now, you'll find the computer with the latest AMD Radeon R9 graphics cards and sixth-generation Intel processors, starting at $1799. That's only $300 more than the base line 4K model, so if you need more screen real-estate, just invest another $300.
(Note the distinction between fifth and sixth-generation processor architecture. This means that only the 27 inch iMacs feature the latest Skylake Intel chips.)
Apple is also changing up the Fusion Drive configuration options to make it more affordable. You can choose a Fusion Drive that pairs a 1 TB hard drive with 24 GB of flash memory for fast application and data cache. A higher end 2TB and 3TB HDD with 128 GB SSD is also available.
The new Retina 4K iMac is available online and at Apple retail stores today. The new 27 inch 5K iMac with updated specs is also available at the same locations.
Wanna take a walk down memory lane? Apple has published a new page on their site titled "Then and Now", displaying the differences between the very first iMac and the brand new one released today. You can visit the page here.
Below is a gallery of screenshots from the webpage linked above.
Below is a gallery of screenshots from the webpage linked above.
Magic Mouse 2
The new Magic Mouse 2 is practically identical to it's predecessor. All the changes are mainly internal other than the lightning port on the bottom to charge the mouse since the battery is rechargeable and the slightly longer design.
Featuring a new design, Magic Mouse 2 is completely rechargeable, so you’ll eliminate the use of traditional batteries. It’s lighter, has fewer moving parts thanks to its built-in battery and continuous bottom shell, and has an optimized foot design — all helping Magic Mouse 2 track easier and move with less resistance across your desk. And the Multi-Touch surface allows you to perform simple gestures such as swiping between web pages and scrolling through documents. Magic Mouse 2 is ready to go right out of the box and pairs automatically with your Mac.
The new Magic Mouse 2 requires a Bluetooth-enabled Mac with OS X 10.11 or newer to operate, so if you've got the previous Magic Mouse and your Mac doesn't support OS X El Capitan, don't think about buying this mouse unless you're gonna upgrade your Mac as well.
The price has gone up for this new model to $79 as opposed to the previous price of $69 for the older model.
The price has gone up for this new model to $79 as opposed to the previous price of $69 for the older model.
Magic Trackpad 2
The new Magic Trackpad 2 is slightly bigger than it's predecessor, with plenty of new features to go around.
Redesigned and rechargeable, Magic Trackpad 2 includes a built-in battery and brings Force Touch to the desktop for the first time. Four force sensors underneath the trackpad surface allow you to click anywhere, and detect subtle differences in the amount of pressure you apply, bringing increased functionality to your fingertips and enabling a deeper connection to your content. Magic Trackpad 2 also features an edge-to-edge glass surface area that is nearly 30 percent larger than the previous trackpad. This design, along with a lower profile, makes scrolling and swiping through your favorite content more productive and comfortable than ever.
Magic Trackpad 2 pairs automatically with your Mac, so you can get to work right away. And the battery will power your Magic Trackpad 2 for about a month or more before needing a recharge.
Magic Trackpad 2 pairs automatically with your Mac, so you can get to work right away. And the battery will power your Magic Trackpad 2 for about a month or more before needing a recharge.
The Magic Trackpad 2 requires a Bluetooth-enabled Mac with OS X 10.11 or newer running, so it's basically the same story as the Magic Mouse 2: if you're thinking about buying this trackpad but your Mac can't run El Capitan, forget about it.
The trackpad is available from Apple retail stores and online for $129, up from the previous $69 price point of the previous model.
The trackpad is available from Apple retail stores and online for $129, up from the previous $69 price point of the previous model.
Magic Keyboard
I guess the old Wireless Keyboard wasn't magical?
The new Magic Keyboard has gotten most of the changes wen compared to the two previous products listed here, especially the name and the keys themselves.
The new Magic Keyboard has gotten most of the changes wen compared to the two previous products listed here, especially the name and the keys themselves.
The Magic Keyboard combines a sleek new design with a built-in rechargeable battery and enhanced key features. With an improved scissor mechanism beneath each key for increased stability, as well as optimized key travel and a lower profile, the Magic Keyboard provides a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience. It pairs automatically with your Mac, so you can get to work right away. And the battery is incredibly long-lasting — it will power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges.
The Magic Keyboard requires a Bluetooth-enabled Mac with OS X 10.11 or newer, so if you need a new keyboard for that 8 year old Mac, you're out of luck (at least in this department).
The keyboard will run you $99, which isn't exactly cheap for a Bluetooth keyboard.
The keyboard will run you $99, which isn't exactly cheap for a Bluetooth keyboard.
Leave a comment down below with your thoughts on the new products from the major tech company known to the world by the name of a fruit!
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