Apple Is Clearing The Decks For Something Huge

Apple has announced an update to their wireless headphones, the AirPods. In a week of announcements – the iMac received a speed bump yesterday after some new iPads were announced on Tuesday – it seems Apple is clearing the desks for something big next week when they host an event that is widely tipped to be the launch of its new streaming service.

Apple said the updated AirPods get a new Apple-designed H1 chip that delivers performance efficiencies, faster connect times, more talk time and hands-free “Hey Siri.”

The AirPods come with either a standard charging case or a new Wireless Charging Case, that works with Qi and not some proprietary protocol so you can sit them on whatever charging pad you have handy.

The new AirPods and AirPods with Wireless Charging Case are available to order on apple.com/au and the Apple Store app starting today, and in Apple Stores beginning next week.

AirPods with standard charging case will be available for $249 while the AirPods with Wireless Charging Case will be available for $319. The case can be ordered separately for $129.

Yesterday, Apple also gave the iMac a speed bump. The iMac can now be ordered with the 8-core Intel 9th-generation processors for the first time and powerful Vega graphics options,

The 21.5-inch iMac now features 8th-generation quad-core, and for the first time 6-core processors, delivering up to 60 percent faster performance. The 27-inch iMac now features up to 9th-generation 6-core and 8-core processors, delivering up to 2.4 times faster performance.

With the MacBook Air and Mac mini getting updated late last year, new iPads, upgraded iMacs and new AirPods, it seems Apple is refreshing most of its major products.

Next Tuesday, Apple is hosting an event at the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park with the tagline “It’s show time”. Thats a strong hint that the streaming service that’s been rumoured for some time will be revealed and, I’m tipping, a new Apple TV that will somehow make the streaming service better will also be announced.

And given Apple’s focus on media production with the Mac mini update last year, I’m thinking the long awaited Mac Pro could also be finally revealed.

While most streaming services are focussed on entertainment, I wonder if Apple’s acquisition of digital magazine subscription service Texture last year will signal a different type of service with news and education, rather than pure entertainment, a focus.

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