Spring Loaded: What to expect from Apple’s April 20 event

Apple is set to host its first product launch of the year on April 20.

The online event, titled Spring Loaded, will be held at the Apple Park headquarters in Cupertino, California, and will be live streamed on the company’s website due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Here is what the iPhone maker is expected to introduce to the market, according to industry chatter:

AirTag

This small disc can help users track products such as electronics, luggage, wallets or keys. It can be attached to personal belongings and users will receive regular notifications about the whereabouts of their items.

Users can locate their products through the Find My app on Apple devices.

Market chatter about the disc surfaced in 2019 but Apple has not officially disclosed information about the device.

Apple Glasses

The technology company is reportedly working on its first augmented and virtual reality device called Apple Glasses.

The new product will be synchronised with a user’s iPhone and smartwatch and give them access to maps, texts, emails and games.

Future augmented reality exchanges could influence various fields such as health, education, gaming and retail, according to the company's chief executive Tim Cook.

Apple's iOS 14.5 is expected to introduce a new feature that will let users unlock their iPhones using face recognition while wearing a mask. Bloomberg

Apple TV

Currently, Apple lags behind competitors such as Google, Amazon and Samsung in the smart home business.

To claw back market share in the segment, the company is reportedly working on a new TV that comes with inbuilt HomePod speakers, an integrated camera for video chats and other smart home functions.

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iPad Pro

Apple is expected to release a new iPad Pro that features mini-LED display technology, a new form of backlighting usually used in LED screens.

The technology will increase the product’s lifespan, reduce the screen's in-burn rate and enhance battery performance.

New iPad Pros will come with a Thunderbolt connector, the same port on the latest Macs, which will enable connectivity with additional external monitors, hard drives and other peripherals, according to a Bloomberg report.

Update on upcoming iOS 14.5

Apple released the beta, or test, version of its latest iOS 14.5 operating system in February. The company is expected to announce the software's release date during the event.

The iOS 14.5 will allow users to unlock their iPhones using facial recognition while wearing a mask. The company has said it is testing the feasibility of this technology.

It is also expected to introduce a new feature that allows several people to use the same Apple Card account.

App developers will also need to ask users for permission to track their activity when the software is released. This will restrict how technology companies such as Facebook and Google gather data about users for advertising purposes.