'Spring Loaded' Event Recap: AirTag, 24-inch M1 iMac, and new iPad Pro on the AppleInsider podcast

Apple launches its long-rumored AirTag tracking accessory, a redesigned 24-inch iMac powered by the M1 that comes in seven colors, and new iPad Pro models.

Tim Cook kicked off Apple's "Spring Loaded" event announcing updates to the Apple Card program. Users can now add up to five family members including children age 13 and over to share the credit line.

A new podcast subscription service will be available inside Apple's Podcasts app that allows creators to charge for ad-free episodes and other bonus content. Current podcast creators can sign up for the "Apple Podcasters Program" inside Podcasts Connect for $19.99 per year.

The long-rumored AirTag was announced at $29 for a single AirTag or $99 for a four-pack. Integration with the Find My app and utilizing the U1 chip in iPhone will give users a new feature called "Precision Finding" where an arrow on screen will point in the direction of the AirTag. Various accessories will also be available and notably the battery is user-replaceable.

Apple TV 4K received a hardware upgrade and now uses the A12 Bionic CPU. The new Apple TV 4K will support HDR videos at high frame rates and there is a new color balancing tool that utilizes sensors on your iPhone to calibrate your TV.

The iMac has been redesigned with a 24-inch screen and is now powered by the M1 chip. This new model comes in seven colors, boasts a new speaker system with Spatial Audio, a much thinner screen, and a new magnetic power cable.

Concluding the event, Apple unveiled new iPad Pro models now powered by the M1. While the physical design remains the same, the larger 12.9-inch iPad Pro has a "Liquid Retina XDR" display powered by mini LED technology. In addition, these new models are equipped with 5G cellular connectivity and can be upgraded to 2TB of storage.

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Links from the show

• Apple Card Family expands availability to spouses, children over 13
• Apple reveals program for podcasters to make subscription shows
• Apple's AirTag helps you keep track of your things for $29 each, $99 in a four-pack
• Apple launches new Apple TV 4K with A12 Bionic CPU, redesigned Siri remote
• New 2nd-gen Siri Remote backward compatible with older Apple TVs, available for $59
• Apple debuts colorful 24-inch iMac with M1, upgraded camera and audio
• Apple unveils new 12.9-inch iPad Pro with mini LED Liquid Retina XDR display
• M1 chip and Thunderbolt come to Apple's 11-inch iPad Pro
• The Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro now comes in white
• Apple launches new wireless Magic Keyboard for Mac with Touch ID

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