Apple has launched what it claims is its most powerful iPad Air to date with a new all-screen 10.9-inch display in addition to camera and audio upgrades. It is also the most colourful, wrapped in five different finishes – silver, space grey, rose gold, green and sky blue. 

A next- generation Touch ID sensor is integrated into the top button, for a fast, easy, and secure way to unlock iPad Air, log in to apps or use Apple Pay.

According to Apple, the iPad Air delivers a massive boost in performance with its most advanced chip yet, A14 Bionic, for easier editing of 4K videos, creating art, playing immersive games and more. The A-series chip features a new 6-core design for a 40% boost in CPU performance. Camera upgrades include a 7MP front-facing FaceTime HD camera, featuring the same 12MP rear camera used in the iPad Pro for higher resolution photos and 4K video capture. There are new stereo speakers in landscape mode, elevating the audio experience so users can enjoy wider stereo sound while watching video. 

The iPad Air a USB-C port for up to 5Gbps data transfer, which is 10 times faster for connecting to cameras,hard drives and external monitors up to 4K. The device supports Apple’s plan to become carbon neutral by 2030, using a 100% recycled aluminium enclosure, remains free of harmful substances and uses recycled wood fibre packaging.

It is available at a starting price of RRP $899.

Apple Watch Series 6

Apple has also announced improvements to its Apple Watch Series 6 that “completely redefines what a watch can do,” COO Jeff Williams said. “With a Blood Oxygen sensor and app it becomes even more indispensable by providing further insight into overall well-being.”

It expands the health capabilities of previous Apple Watch models with this new feature that measures the oxygen saturation of user’s blood, so they can better understand their overall fitness and wellness. Oxygen saturation, or SpO2, represents the percentage of oxygen being carried by red blood cells from the lungs to the rest of the body, and indicates how well this oxygenated blood is being delivered throughout the body, according to the company. 

Apple Watch Series 6 improves performance through redesigned hardware that packs even more features and power into the same small design. Using a new dual-core processor based on A13 Bionic in iPhone11 the upgraded S6 SiP runs up to 20% faster while maintaining the same all-day 18-hour battery life.  Additionally, it features the U1 chip and Ultra-Wideband antennas, that enables short-range wireless location to support new experiences, such as next-generation digital car keys. It also offers faster charging, completing a full charge in under 1.5 hours, and improved battery life for tracking certain workouts, such as indoor and outdoor runs.   The enhanced Always-On Retina display is up to 2.5 times brighter than Apple Watch Series 5 outdoors.

Apple is joining forces with researchers to conduct three health studies that include using Apple Watch to explore how blood oxygen levels can be used in future health applications such as management of asthma and heart failure. Investigators with the Seattle Flu Study too will seek to learn how signals from apps on Apple Watch, such as heart rate and Blood Oxygen, could serve as early signs of respiratory conditions like influenza and Covid-19.

The Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS) is $599 RRP.