Apple's promises and the new MacBook Neo

      Apple's head promised fans a "big week" of announcements and kept his word. The company introduced updates across nearly all key product lines, from iPhones to professional monitors.

      iPhone 17e

      The main hit for those who are not chasing three cameras and a titanium frame is the iPhone 17e. Essentially, this is a slightly trimmed version of the flagship, which impresses not with design but with its internals. Inside, it has the same powerful A19 processor as the base iPhone 17, but now it has double the memory - 256 gigabytes instead of 128 in its predecessor. Image: apple_com

      The camera has also been upgraded to 48 megapixels, and the new modem should provide excellent speed in cellular networks. Of course, the screen here is a bit simpler, it has a smaller diagonal and not the highest refresh rate. But it's still the same Super Retina XDR with ceramic protection. MagSafe wireless charging has also been added, which many have been waiting for in "budget" devices.

      iPad Air M4

      The iPad Air has also been updated. It received the M4 processor. Of course, this is not the latest M5, which is installed in top iPad Pro models, but for most tasks, this power will be more than enough for years to come. Streaming, email, video editing - it will handle everything easily. The RAM has been increased from 8 to 12 gigabytes, while the price remains the same. In a world where prices are only rising, this looks like a small victory of reason over greed. Image: apple_com

      Chips and Laptops

      Let's start with the professionals. Apple introduced new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, which are now installed in MacBook Pro. In creating the new processors, engineers took an unexpected step and instead of simply increasing the number of cores, they redesigned the chip architecture. The new processors have 18 cores, divided into "super" and just "performance." According to Apple, this provides the best single-threaded performance in the world and a huge leap in graphics for working with artificial intelligence technologies. The laptops have become more powerful, but also more expensive.

      For those who don't need such power but really want a Mac, the MacBook Neo was created. This is not just another update to the Air; it is a completely new, the most affordable Mac in history. And it is built on the processor from the iPhone - A18 Pro (the same one that is in the iPhone 16 Pro).

      Apple compares it to mass-market PCs on Intel and claims a twofold or even threefold superiority in a number of tasks. The Neo has a 13-inch screen, neat bezels like the iPad, and a very light weight - just 2.7 pounds. It is available in four cheerful colors: silver, blue, pink, and yellow.

      Of course, for a relatively low price, some compromises must be accepted. The device has only 8 gigabytes of RAM and different USB-C ports (one fast, the other slower). But 16 hours of battery life and the signature design make it a decent choice for brand enthusiasts. Image: apple_com

      By the way, the MacBook Air has also been updated. It has simply been "transplanted" to the base M5 chip, doubled the storage to 512 gigabytes, and added Wi-Fi 7 with Bluetooth 6. The price, however, has increased by a hundred dollars, but it is still a very solid "work laptop."

      Monitors You’ll Want to Look At

      At the end of the week, Apple pleased both geeks and professionals by updating its monitors. Now there are two models: the regular Studio Display and the new flagship version, Studio Display XDR. Both monitors are 27 inches, with 5K resolution and excellent cameras. But the XDR is a real monster. It features mini-LED backlighting, peak brightness up to 2000 nits for HDR, and a refresh rate of 120 Hz, which is critical for gamers and those working with video. The regular version is limited to 60 Hz but has also improved. Image: apple_com The prices for the new products are quite high, with the regular display costing $1599, while the XDR version is priced at $3299. But if you spend all day in front of a monitor and do color correction, this LED "light at the end of the tunnel" may be justified.

      In the end, the "big week" for Apple turned out to be very indicative. The company not only updated its hardware but also clearly divided its audience. Want the best - pay more for the M5 Max and Studio Display XDR. Need just a workhorse - get the new iPad Air or iPhone 17e. And if you are a student or just want to enter the ecosystem for a reasonable price - a bright MacBook awaits you.