Apple has unveiled the M3 iPad Air, boasting increased storage and the A16 chip. New accessories, like a sleek Magic Keyboard and Smart Folio, are also in the spotlight. Anticipation builds for refreshed MacBook Air and Mac Studio models. The discussion touches on the UK government's troubling request for iCloud encryption access, sparking privacy concerns. Additionally, Apple faces legal challenges with the dismissal of a class-action suit and updates on public beta releases for their software.
Apple's M3 iPad Air features enhanced capabilities while maintaining its pricing and design continuity, emphasizing strategic market positioning without AI features.
Amid legal challenges regarding privacy and security, Apple's response to the UK's demand for iCloud backdoor access illustrates the ongoing regulatory scrutiny it faces.
Deep dives
iPad Air Updates and New Accessories
Apple has unveiled the latest updates for the iPad Air, featuring the new M3 processor which introduces advanced capabilities such as hardware-accelerated ray tracing and video encoding for ProRes formats. Despite these enhancements, the overall design remains unchanged, and prices for the iPad Air start at $599, maintaining the same cost as its predecessor. A new Magic Keyboard for the iPad Air has also been introduced, offering a larger trackpad and a 14-key function row, priced lower than last year's model, making it a more appealing accessory for buyers. The iPad Air and the accompanying Magic Keyboard will be available starting on March 12th, 2025.
Entry-Level iPad Performance Boost
The entry-level iPad has received a significant performance upgrade, moving from the A14 processor to the A16, along with an increase in storage capacity from 64GB to 128GB. Notably, the starting price remains at $349 despite this improvement, which has raised eyebrows among industry observers regarding Apple's decision to omit advanced AI features. This lack of Apple intelligence may appeal to specific markets, such as businesses using iPads for essential functions or schools opting for simpler devices. The new entry-level iPad will also be available in various colors and with new Smartfolio covers that offer protection and convenience.
Lawsuits and Legal Challenges
Apple is facing legal scrutiny over the UK's demand for backdoor access to encrypted iCloud data, leading to the company's decision to withdraw its Advanced Data Protection Service from the UK. In response, Apple has initiated a legal challenge against the UK government's order, which seeks to compel compliance despite the withdrawal. Meanwhile, a class action lawsuit concerning Apple's iCloud storage practices has been dismissed by a judge, who found that the company did not violate antitrust laws, leaving open the possibility for plaintiffs to amend their case. These legal challenges highlight ongoing tensions between Apple and regulatory bodies regarding user privacy and market practices.
- Apple Announces M3 iPad Air - Apple Updates iPad with More Storage, A16 (So, No Apple Intelligence) - Apple Releases New Magic Keyboard for iPad Air, Smart Folio for iPad - Gurman Says Expect New MacBook Air Units Today - Gurman: New Mac Studio Units Could Also Hit This Week - Apple Outs New Cases for iPhone 16 and Bands for Apple Watch - Apple Reportedly Sues Over UK iCloud Backdoor Demand - Judge Dismisses Class Action iCloud Monopoly Suit - Public Betas Out for Next Round of Apple OS Updates - Sponsored by Factor: Get 50% off your first box plus free shipping with code FACTORPODCAST at FACTORMEALS.com/FACTORPODCAST - Google's making a couple of notable user privacy and security moves. We hit them both on Checklist No. 413 - online at checklist.libsyn.com - Catch Ken on Mastodon - @macosken@mastodon.social - Chat with us in Patreon for as little as $1 a month. Support the show at Patreon.com/macosken - Send me an email: info@macosken.com or call (716)780-4080!
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