Apple’s Recycled Ideas + Most Powerful Devices
The first quarter of a new year means one thing, new Apple releases of tech. The new Spring Event 2022 was released and there was quite a buzz over Apple’s new “recycled ideas” with their new phones and computers. Apple seems to be listening to customer feedback more these days with the amount of options available with this release.
NEW iPhone SE (2nd gen)
Apple decided to bring back the iPhone SE but with a new look, or rather, an old look with new parts. This 2nd generation iPhone SE runs on the A15 Bionic Chip, claims to have a longer battery life and a better camera than the previous iPhone SE. They also brought back the physical Home button for this version of the SE…why? Nostalgia? Accessibility seems to be their reasoning. “An iPhone for those just getting into the Apple community”. This version, however, looks more like the iPhone X than the iPhone SE 1st generation.
The original release of the iPhone SE in 2016 promised more power and longer battery life, as does this one. I had the privilege of owning the 1st generation SE and it did live up to its claims. With this new generation of SE, Apple hopes to market to and convert new customers into the Apple environment. The return of the afore-mentioned physical Home button proves that Apple is living up to it’s recycling initiative of reusing old hardware. With the chip shortage heard around the worls, this looks to be a smart release for Apple. At a starting price of $429 for the 64GB version, the SE is still the most cost-effective iPhone in the lineup. A good starter phone or secondary work phone for most who do not want to break the bank.
A MAC Studio?
Apple also released a new desktop computer, the previous one being the MAC Pro desktop in 2006. This new computer, poignantly called the MAC Studio, boasts alot of power within a small device. A bigger version of the MAC mini, standing at 3.7"H x 7.7"W x 7.7" L with a sleek design. This wouldn’t be Apple without options (and accessories but we’ll get to that) especially options of power and performance.
The launch of this new computer, after the infamous meme of the previous one, showcases two different power chips. One version contains the new M1 MAX chip while the other has the new M1 ULTRA (basically two M1 chips fused together).
This ultimate computer is marketed towards studios and creators of all sizes. Apple is seeking to fill the gap in the market by providing a powerful machine without compromises to released constrains on creativity in the creative field of video, film and design.
Everyone had this expectation of the 24" iMac (released last year) to offer this level of performance and connectivity, sadly it fell a bit short as did the design. The Mac Studio claims to provide all the connectivity and power regardless of the M1 chip. A computer every studio needs and should have.
Apple’s Accessories + Connectivity
This wouldn’t be Apple if they didn’t charge for their accessories, including the monitor these days. The new Studio Display monitor, yes even the monitor is sold separately, was created for the Mac Studio with it’s improved accessibility options.
There are two versions of this display, no doubt a result of grievances made about the recent iMac. The main difference is the amount of connectivity ports (a never-ending complaint of Mac users) and the adjustable stand options. These new monitors come with different stand options (at differing price points) depending on the adjustment level you require. There’s even a VESA mount option if the stands are not your taste.
These displays feature 27" 5K Retina display with True Tone, Anti-Reflective Coating and their Nano-textured glass (extra feature). It contains a 12 MP camera utilizing their new Canter Stage feature that keeps you in focus and the background slightly blurred for your Zoom, Skype or FaceTime meetings. This display can pair with any Apple computer you own from the Pro to the Mini. The adjustable stands allows for a 30 degree tilt and the pricier version allows for vertical height adjustment of about 4 inches.
Connectivity has remained an issue until now. This computer features 4 connectivity ports on both monitor and modem. The Studio has 4 ports on the back, with 2 ports in the front followed by an SD card slot. The Studio Display also has 4 ports on the back, one being a faster Thunderbolt port. Apple is really trying to give the people what they want with this powerhouse computer at a price that is achievable.
This setup works with previous Apple accessories like the Magic Keyboard, Trackpad and Mouse. If you own these already then you don’t need new ones, however if you don’t these can add up quickly to the cost of your new setup.
Apple has provided the ultimate creative studio setup complete with connectivity, power and accessibility with this launch. From recycled ideas and materials to an ultimate powerhouse machine, what will they come out with next to top this?