Apple announces new iPhone SE, Mac Studio, and more at March event

Apple announced a new iPhone SE, Mac Studio, iPad Air, M1 Ultra chip, and a few other gadgets at its March 8 keynote.

This marks the third generation of the iPhone version, marketed as a more affordable option for consumers.

Meanwhile, the M1 Ultra is the latest iteration of Apple’s series of silicon chips, which will be included in its Mac Studio desktop system.

Other devices announced at the event include a new iPad Air, a new green variant of the iPhone 13 series, and the Studio Display alongside the Mac Studio.

Here’s a brief overview of the announcements…

New Apple iPhone SE 5G for 2022

For those looking for a more affordable way to enter the iPhone ecosystem, the third-generation iPhone SE may be the most exciting announcement of the night.

The smartphone includes an A15 Bionic chip, 5G support, and the Smart HDR 4 technology seen in the iPhone 13’s camera.

With prices starting at $429 in the US, the phone will launch in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB versions.

It includes a 4.7-inch HD display, a 12MP main camera, and 7MP front-facing camera.

According to Apple, the new iPhone SE also features a battery that provides 2 hours more video playback than the previous generation. It also supports 20W fast charging.

While we are still waiting on news on availability and pricing for South Africa, it will launch globally on 18 March.

Apple M1 Ultra

Apple’s M1 Ultra is the company’s new system on a chip (SOC) that connects two M1 Max chips using Apple’s UltraFusion technology.

“By connecting two M1 Max die with our UltraFusion packaging architecture, we’re able to scale Apple silicon to unprecedented new heights,” Johny Srouji, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Technologies, said in a statement.

According to the company, the tech used to connect the M1 Max components allows the M1 Ultra to act as a single chip without the drawbacks of high latency or reduced bandwidth.

New iPad Air

The new iPad Air comes with an Apple M1 chip, a new range of colours, 5G and Wi-Fi 6 support, and a 12MP ultrawide front-facing camera.

The device can also be used with the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard for enhanced productivity.

The new iPad Air will come in 64GB and 256GB versions, as well as Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + SIM models.

It features a 10.9-inch IPS display, with a 2360 x 1640 resolution.

Meanwhile, its battery supports up to 10 hours of web browsing or watching video.

The Wi-Fi + Cellular models last up to nine hours when browsing the web on mobile data.

The device will also launch on 18 March, with prices starting at $599 (Wi-Fi) and $749 (Wi-Fi + Cellular).

Green iPhone 13

If you were hoping for more colour variants for the iPhone 13 series, Apple has announced a green version of its iPhone 13.

Two shades of green have been introduced to the range.

The iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max will be available in the new “alpine green” colour. This appears to be the lighter of the two green shades.

Meanwhile, the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini will have new darker green versions.

Apple Mac Studio and Studio Display

Apple also announced its new Mac Studio and Studio Display. The Mac Studio is the new desktop product from Apple, with M1 Max and M1 Ultra versions available.

The product is aimed at designers and creatives thanks to its rendering performance and graphics memory. It runs macOS Monterey.

Meanwhile, the Studio Display provides a 27-inch 5K resolution screen. It also has a built-in 12MP camera and audio system.

Like the other products announced at the keynote, both products will be available from 18 March. The Mac Studio’s price will start at $1 999, while the Studio Display starts at $1 599.

Read more: iPhone 13 series price and contracts announced for South Africa

Image credits: Apple