What to expect at the presentation of the new iPad? What new items should we expect at Apple's spring presentation? The main announcement of the exhibition: HomePod smart speaker.

There was no official presentation of Apple in March 2017. But that doesn't mean the company has skipped updating some product lines. As expected, the tech giant released several new products, and for this it was not necessary to hold a separate event. Right now we will introduce you to all the changes and innovations. What's New Showed Corporation Cook?

Apple product update in March: results

Especially for those readers who value their time and do not have the opportunity to view all the news of it resources, we publish a short but informative list of all the changes and a video showing all the new products that Apple launched in March 2017.

What's new?

• Inch output instead of iPad Air. Price from 24 990 rubles.
• Launch.
• The iPad mini 4 32 GB has been discontinued and replaced by a 128 GB model at a price of 29,990 rubles.
• Launch of an updated collection of straps for Apple Watch. Nike Sport straps are now sold separately.
• iPhone SE is now available in 32GB and 128GB versions instead of 16GB and 64GB. The price of the smartphone has not changed.
• Apple has announced a new Clips app for creating expressive videos. Launch as soon as possible.
• The free Swift Playgrounds app gets support for 5 new languages, MapKit and more.
• iPhone 7 silicone and leather cases are now available in six new colors.
• Apple has discontinued the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini.

There have been a lot of rumors lately that the Cupertians are making an answer to Google Home and Amazon Echo. Now it's official: Apple has introduced a speaker with voice assistant features and great sound.

The device consists of seven tweeters and one subwoofer. The A8 processor is responsible for processing information - the same as in the iPhone. With it, HomePod adjusts the flow of acoustic waves to the room.

Six microphones are also installed in the column - especially for the built-in Siri to distinguish the user's voice as accurately as possible. HomePod is activated by the already familiar “Hey Siri” command.

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The assistant can answer complex musical questions, such as the names of the band members, what was the hit song in May 2011, and who is playing the drums now. All this is largely due to tight integration with Apple Music.

Siri in the company column can be used to ask about the weather, traffic and sports events, as well as set reminders using it. If you have a HomeKit smart home system configured, then HomePod can control curtains, air conditioners, and lighting.

The device will go on sale for $349 in black and white. In December, it will appear in the US, Canada, UK, Australia and Hong Kong, and in 2018 it will reach Russia and other countries.

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Another confirmed rumor is the 10.5-inch iPad Pro. The dimensions of the case remained the same as they were, but the display has increased due to the reduction of the frames. The tablet weighs 450 grams.

The screen of the new device is made using ProMotion technology. Its refresh rate is twice the normal 120Hz. It changes depending on what content the user is viewing. For example, for static images, the mode is turned on at 24 Hz. Thanks to this, the tablet still withstands 10 hours in active mode.

Due to the 6-core A10X processor, the new iPad Pro has become 30% more productive. It handles graphics 40% better thanks to the 12-core GPU. According to Apple representatives, the overall performance has increased 500 times since the release of the first iPad. The resolution of the main camera is 12 megapixels.

The company also updated the larger iPad Pro model. Both 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch models now include 64GB of storage as standard. The cost of the cheapest option is $649, the most expensive is $1,099.

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The new version of the mobile operating system is another joy for fans of Apple devices. The update actively uses machine learning capabilities.

The company has given Siri a lot of attention on iOS as well. Now the assistant supports 21 languages ​​in 36 countries and works with new voices - not only with female, but also with male. The assistant learned to translate from one language to another in real time. And new intonations make Siri even more human-like.

The control center began to occupy not two, but one page. It supports new widgets and features.

Another important news is the first App Store design update in nine years. The app store has become more like digital magazines like Pinterest and Flipboard. It has a "Today" tab with new applications, as well as a separate tab with games. The pages of the apps themselves have also changed a lot: now they have a lot of new information, such as tips and help materials.

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On the iPad, the operating system also includes a bottom panel with running applications - just like on macOS.

But most of all, fans should rejoice because in iOS 11, thanks to the Files app, there will be an almost full-fledged file system. The application acts as a single interface for cloud storage like Box and iCloud and allows you to create folders, rename them and add files to them.

The drag and drop feature has been greatly improved. Now, for example, you can select pictures in "Photos" and drag them into the mail to attach to the letter.

The updated OS will be released in the fall. The first beta version of iOS 11 will appear at the end of June.

macOS High Sierra, iMac and MacBook

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The new desktop operating system of the Cupertino Corporation is called High Sierra. An improved browser has appeared in it: it works faster and consumes less energy. Moreover, the program has learned to block automatic videos and has got improved settings against surveillance. According to Apple, Safari is 80% faster than Chrome.

The beta version of High Sierra is already available to developers. Others will be able to download it for free later.

The main iron novelty - iMac Pro - the most powerful computer that Apple has ever released. It has an 8-, 10- or 18-core Xeon processor and a Radeon Vega graphics card with 16 GB of memory. This provides performance at the level of 22 teraflops. RAM - up to 128 GB, SSD - up to 4 TB.

Among the new computers is an iMac with a screen 43% brighter than the previous model and an Intel Core i7 (Kaby Lake) processor. The maximum amount of RAM in the 21-inch model is 32 GB. In 27-inch this figure reaches 64 GB. SSDs up to 2TB are 50% faster.

MacBooks, MacBook Airs, and MacBook Pros are also moving to Kaby Lake.

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The operating system for the Apple Watch has new desktops. Thanks to them and machine learning technologies, the selection of information for display on the main screen occurs automatically.

Also, the watch will learn to exchange data via NFC with exercise machines in fitness centers. It will work in the fall, however, not everywhere.

Other useful innovations include a flashlight app and Bluetooth communication with other wearable devices.

tvOS

The company has announced the Amazon Prime Video app for tvOS. Apple TV owners will soon be able to watch movies and series on the streaming service.

It so happened that Apple's spring presentations do not have a certain cyclicality, therefore, it is difficult to say what exactly is being prepared in Cupertino this time. However, the company has enough products to update, so something interesting will definitely see the light of day. We have collected all the forecasts and leaks about what the "apple" giant can show this month.

What products did Apple showcase earlier in the spring? Last year, the iPhone SE, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro and the new Apple Watch bands were the main premieres. A year earlier, the company showed the world the 12-inch MacBook, the third generation of Apple TV, the updated MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, and also revealed details about the first Apple Watch. In 2014 and 2013, Apple did not hold presentations in the spring.

Rumors traditionally draw a lot of attention to an event. What can the "apple" company present this month? There are several products that have been waiting for updates for a long time.

iPad

The iPad series currently includes the iPad Mini 2, iPad Mini 4, iPad Air 2, 9.7-inch iPad Pro, and 12-inch iPad Pro. The latest iPad was released almost a year ago and in terms of technical characteristics it is not much different from its predecessor, presented in the fall of 2015. For comparison, the oldest iPad mini 2 runs on the Apple A7 processor, which is also found in the iPhone 5s.

Apple's new 10.5-inch tablet is expected to get rid of the frames around the screen, which will allow the display to be larger while maintaining the dimensions of the case. 9.7-inch and 12-inch iPad models are also expected to be updated.

According to the latest rumors, the 10.5- and 12-inch iPads won't be available until May or even June. Recall that the supply of the first iPad Pro began a few months after the presentation, so it is likely that this time the tablet in a new form factor will debut with a delay.

iPhone

Apple's plans for the iPhone for the spring presentation are easier to reveal. A flagship smartphone usually comes out in the fall, and 2017 is likely to be no different. However, last year in March, the 4-inch iPhone SE was announced, which received the same “stuffing” as the iPhone 6s and the design of the iPhone 5s. At the moment, the device is available with 16 or 64 GB of internal memory. Apple is rumored to be adding a 128GB model to the iPhone SE lineup.

For the first time in history, the update may also affect the current flagship. The web has information about Apple's plans to release the iPhone 7 in a new red color. As conceived by the manufacturer, this will help support sales of smartphones in the II and III quarters.

Mac

If we talk about computers, then, most likely, Apple will introduce new iMacs with a Retina display.

In the fall of 2016, the company announced the new MacBook Pro, the key feature of which was the Touch Bar and USB-C ports. The emergence of new interface connectors should be expected in the next generation of monoblocks.

April 19 will be exactly one year since the release of the 12-inch MacBook, so the update to this line will not come as a surprise. As for the Mac Pro and Mac mini, both devices are quite old (2013 and 2014), but there are no rumors of an update yet. Most likely, Apple will focus on more powerful iMac.

The presence of USB-C connectors in the new iMac is indicated by the fact that Apple has extended the price reduction promotion for USB-C accessories from December 31 to March 31.

Apple Watch

Although there are a lot of rumors about the next generation of Apple Watch, expect only new straps for smart watches and, possibly, new case materials at the presentation. But Apple Watch Series 3 will not be released until this fall.

What is the likelihood that Apple will hold a spring event at all? It depends on how ready for the announcement of the new iPad or iMac. Minor updates to the iPhone 7 or iPhone SE may come in the form of a press release, as was the case with the pink MacBook last year.

The Apple Park headquarters could be another factor. The opening of a new office in the middle of the Santa Clara Valley is scheduled for April this year, but the Steve Jobs Theater, where the company will be presented, will open its doors "later this year." Most likely, the iPhone 8 will be presented already at Apple Park.

Be that as it may, if Apple has something to present to the public, the event will take place, and the readiness of Apple Park is not as important as updating the same iPad.

Finally officially confirmed the date of the presentation of the new iPhone 8. The gala event will take place on Thursday, September 12, and for the first time will be held at the new Apple Park campus, namely the convention center that can accommodate a thousand people and is called "theater".

Invitations to the presentation have already been sent to representatives of specialized publications, who shared the postcards on their social networks. They are made in a minimalist style and share a minimum of information.

Apple Official Invitation

On the invitation there is a well-known "apple" logo, as well as the phrase: "Meet me at our house. We invite you to the first event at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino. September 12, 2017 at 10 am.

Apple fans immediately began to look for hidden meaning in the card, as well as hints of what awaits them at the presentation.

Cook's presidency, credit card and spoilers

The most speculative cause is the three-color Apple logo on the postcard. It includes white, blue and red colors. Portal Mashable joked that the chosen tricolor reflects the company's desire to produce its devices "at home" in the United States of America.

Earlier it became known that Apple is preparing to introduce three iPhone models at once - the new "anniversary" iPhone 8 and two improved iPhone 7, first introduced last year. Confirmation of this rumor was seen in the invitation by journalist Joanna Stern, who saw the outlines of three smartphones in multi-colored silhouettes inside the “apple”.

Indeed, the white spot on the right is somewhat reminiscent of the iPhone, as well as any other rectangular object with rounded edges. Last week it became known that the iPhone 8 will cost users $ 1 thousand, so the user @BagnoliMD decided that the logo calls for preparing money for the purchase in advance.

There are those who did not dwell on just one version and considered as many as six important messages in the invitation. @tylerschnabel believes that the logo contains a nod to the shape of the iPhone 8, the new white color of the gadget, as well as confirmation of the rumor that the new device will have wireless charging.

Other Twitter users decided to find confirmation of the old rumors. One of them turned to color theory and from the first letters of the names (Orange, Light Blue, Ecru and Dark Blue) formed the word OLED, which may indicate that the iPhone 8 will receive a high-definition organic light-emitting diode display.

There were some crazy theories out there as well. Continuing the theme of the colors of the American flag, some users have decided that the head of Apple is going to run for US President in 2020. It would be interesting to watch his confrontation with the head of Facebook, who is also rumored to someday qualify for a high position.

User @iamrohit_a decided that iPhones and other Apple devices had nothing to do with it, and the invitation from the Cupertians contains spoilers for the upcoming season of the Game of Thrones series, including a grandiose battle between two dragons.

What to expect from the event

After the presentation in 2016 in a hall with a capacity of 7 thousand people, this year's Apple event looks more modest, but clearly emphasizes the exclusivity of the moment. At the moment, one can only guess what exactly Tim Cook's company will present, but most experts agree that in addition to the three new iPhones, a new model of smart Apple Watch will also be presented.

It is likely that the event will also announce the date of the start of sales of the HomePod speaker with built-in Siri voice assistant and the launch of the new iOS 11 operating system. The announcement of the Apple TV set-top box is also possible.

Of course, most of all fans of Apple products are waiting for the new iPhone. The legendary smartphone turns 10 this year, so you should expect something truly revolutionary. According to rumors, the iPhone 8 will have a face scanner and “recognize” its owner, charge wirelessly, and also come with an augmented reality headset.

Here's a special edition of our Apple News, where we take a look back at Apple's March presentation, which featured several noteworthy new products.

1. The first of the devices in line were smart watches, which were discussed after a rather voluminous report on Apple's contribution to environmental protection and health care. For smartwatches, the company introduced new nylon straps, which Tim Cook called the "spring series". Thanks to them, the Apple Watch has become cheaper - now the price for them starts at $ 299.

There are several new straps to choose from in new colors - turquoise, pink and orange. There is also a black version.

After smartwatches, Tim Cook touched on the topic of the set-top box, which, along with the tvOS update, received several new features: in particular, the ability to dictate text using Siri and create folders on the home screen, the new App Switcher interface, iCloud Photo Library and much more. The new tvOS 9.2 is now available for download.

2. And then Greg Jozwiak appeared on the scene and introduced a new one to the public. As expected, he inherited his appearance from the five, but got the stuffing from the iPhone 6s.

At the heart of iPhone SE is the A9 processor, a 64-bit architecture that Apple says delivers amazing performance and responsiveness. So, the new product is already 2 times more powerful than the iPhone 5s, and the performance of the iPhone SE is 3 times higher than its predecessor.

The camera of the novelty has 12 megapixels and is equipped with a TrueTone flash. Support for 4K video recording is also available. In addition, 4G LTE and Wi-Fi have become faster, support for Apple Pay has been added, and "Hey Siri" is now always working.

As for prices, the 16 GB version will cost $299, or 38 thousand rubles, in the official Apple online store, and the 64 GB model will cost $499, or 48 thousand in Russian national currency.

You can pre-order the iPhone SE from March 24th. And from March 31, it will be possible to purchase a novelty in the “countries of the first wave”. The launch is scheduled for the end of May in 110 countries around the world.

3. Along with the announcement of the 4-inch iPhone, Apple finally released after seven beta versions. The update is available for download to all users and, among the main innovations, it has the ability to set a password for notes, Night Shift night mode, quick access to work with 3D Touch and improved integration with the CarPlay system.

4. And finally, Apple showed the world a new one. It is equipped with a very bright display with improved anti-glare protection and a resolution of 2048 by 1536 pixels. At the same time, the display itself works in the same color space that is used in the digital cinema industry. With a wider color gamut, colors on iPad Pro are up to 25% brighter than previous iPad models. Therefore, the colors on it look more vibrant, bright and natural.

The new iPad Pro also uses quad-channel ambient light sensors that automatically adjust display colors to match ambient light. Thanks to this, according to Apple, reading becomes a more comfortable experience, comparable to reading a regular book.

The 9.7-inch iPad Pro features an embedded Apple SIM, quad speakers, 12-megapixel iSight main camera and 5-megapixel FaceTime front camera, A9X processor, M9X co-processor, and up to 10 hours of battery life.

Prices for the new iPad start at $599 for the smaller model with 32GB of onboard storage. In Russia, the cost of this version will be 53,000 rubles. As for the model with 256 GB and an LTE module on board, it will cost $ 1029, or 88 thousand rubles. Pre-orders for the new tablet will start on March 24, and the 9.7-inch iPad Pro will go on sale on March 31.