Apple’s Peek Performance Event: Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPad Air and iPhone SE
Apple has introduced Mac Studio and Studio Display, an M1 iPad Air, a 5G iPhone SE and new colours for iPhone 13 across Mac, iPad and iPhone.
Apple’s Peek Performance event introduced an entirely new desktop Mac called Mac Studio, a matching 27-inch Studio Display, an iPad Air with M1 and a third-generation iPhone SE with 5G. The iPhone 13 and 13 Pro also gain new green finishes.
Mac Studio
Mac Studio is a compact desktop aimed at creative and technical professionals who need more performance and ports than a Mac mini. It can be configured with M1 Max or the new M1 Ultra, which joins two M1 Max dies into one system.
The machine includes front and rear ports and supports multiple displays. It fills the gap between Mac mini and Mac Pro, although buyers need to budget for a display, keyboard and mouse.
Studio Display
Studio Display is a 27-inch 5K Retina display with a built-in 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera, Center Stage, microphones and a six-speaker sound system. It connects over Thunderbolt and can charge a compatible Mac notebook.
It is designed as a polished all-in-one screen and audio setup rather than the least expensive way to add a 5K display.
iPad Air with M1
The new iPad Air keeps its current design but moves to the M1 chip. It also gains a 12-megapixel ultra-wide front camera with Center Stage, faster USB-C transfers and 5G on cellular models.
This narrows the performance gap with iPad Pro. The Pro still offers features such as ProMotion and, on the larger model, the mini-LED display, so the Air may be the better value for people who do not need those extras.
iPhone SE adds A15 and 5G
The third-generation iPhone SE keeps the 4.7-inch design, Home button and Touch ID. Inside, it gains the A15 Bionic chip used in iPhone 13, 5G, improved battery life and stronger computational photography.
It is the straightforward choice for people who want a smaller, familiar iPhone with Touch ID. The trade-off is an older screen and camera design compared with the main iPhone range.
Availability
The new products open for order this week and are due later this month. Mac Studio buyers should check display, storage and memory needs carefully because the internal configuration cannot be upgraded later.
Mac Studio is the significant new category. The iPad Air and iPhone SE are more familiar products with stronger internals and clearer value choices.
