Apple Collection

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iPad mini (Generation 7, A17 Pro, Wi-Fi, 128GB, Blue, 2024)

Soon after Apple updated most of its hardware for use with Apple Intelligence, the Smart Folio for iPad mini was updated to Generation 7 with the A17 Pro chip—the bare minimum processor to allow Apple Intelligence features. At the time, Apple described Apple Intelligence as “the easy-to-use personal intelligence system that understands personal context to deliver intelligence that is helpful and relevant while protecting user privacy.”

This iPad mini had an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display (2266 x 1488 at 326 ppi, 500 nits brightness). Apple described the A17 Pro chip as offering “a huge performance boost for even the most demanding tasks, with a faster CPU and GPU, [and] a 2x faster Neural Engine than the previous-generation iPad mini.” This iPad mini also added support for the Apple Pencil Pro.

The iPad mini front camera was 12MP and included Center Stage: “as you move around, the camera automatically pans to keep you centered in the frame.” Apple described the back camera: “The 12MP wide back camera supports Smart HDR 4 for natural-looking photos with increased dynamic range, and uses machine learning to detect and scan documents right in the Camera app.” In addition, the back camera could record 4K video.

This iPad mini was available in three muted tones including Blue, Purple, and Starlight—and Space Gray. This example is Blue.

This iPad mini was 7.69 inches tall, 5.3 inches wide, and 0.25 inch thick. It weighed 0.65 pound. All buttons were along the top on the short side opposite the USB-C port, including the 2 volume buttons and the Top button with Touch ID. Each of the short sides also had speakers that allowed stereo sound output. Unlike other iPad models of the time, the front camera was placed on the short side.

Sources: Apple (press release, product page, specs)

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Smart Folio for iPad mini (Generation 7, A17 Pro, Charcoal Gray, 2024)

Like other iPad Smart Folio designs, the Smart Folio for iPad mini Generation 7 offers front and back protection. It was released along with the iPad mini Generation 7 on October 15, 2024.

According to Apple, the Smart Folio for iPad mini (A17 Pro) “automatically wakes your iPad when opened and puts it to sleep when closed. The Smart Folio attaches magnetically, and you can easily fold it into different positions to create a stand for reading, viewing, typing, or making FaceTime calls.”

This Smart Folio was available in charcoal gray, light violet, denim, and sage. This example is charcoal gray.

Source: Apple

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Titanium Milanese Loop (Black Titanium, 49 mm, 2024)

On September 9, 2024, Apple announced they updated the Apple Watch Ultra 2 line by adding a black titanium version. At the same time, a new set of Titanium Milanese Loop bands were introduced. According to Apple’s press release:

“The new Titanium Milanese Loop is the first metal band for Apple Watch Ultra, inspired by mesh historically used by divers and stylish enough for any occasion. Woven from the same aerospace-grade titanium as the case, the band is lightweight and corrosion-resistant. A custom process of weaving, flattening, laser-welding, grinding, and finely polishing the titanium wire results in precise, interlinking lozenge shapes that provide a luxurious drape, complete with a dual-button, parachute-style buckle secure enough for all water sports. The Titanium Milanese Loop will be available in both natural and black titanium.”

The original Milanese Loop was described by Apple as “a flexible magnetic stainless steel mesh” and was introduced as one of the original Apple Watch band styles in 2018 when the original Apple Watch was unveiled. The original Milanese Loop, offered only in a (silver) stainless steel color, has a considerably finer mesh than this Titanium version. Further, the Titanium version costs US$199, while the original Milanese Loop is US$99.

The Titanium Milanese Loop is offered in three sizes: Small (130–160 mm), Medium (155–185 mm), and Large (180–210 mm); while the original Milanese Loop (46 mm) is available in just 2 sizes: S/M (130–180 mm) and M/L (150–200 mm).

Sources: Apple (Newsroom: Black Ultra 2, Original Apple Watch; Product: Titanium Milanese Loop, Milanese Loop)

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Beats Studio Pro Wireless Headphones (black, 2023)

Beats by Dr. Dre (“Beats”) was founded in 2006 by Dr. Dre and Jimmy lovine. Beats makes a collection of headphones, earphones, and speakers, and aims to “bring the energy, emotion and excitement of playback in the recording studio back to the listening experience for music lovers worldwide.” Beats was acquired by Apple in July 2014.

As a company owned by Apple, Beats have many of the same features found in Apple-branded audio products, but Beats seems to more prominently feature Android compatibility in product specifications (compared to Apple’s AirPods products). The Beats product overview notes:

“The Beats Studio Pro custom acoustic platform delivers an immersive listening experience. Each custom 40mm driver has been engineered for optimal clarity, with near-zero distortion even at high volume – an improvement of up to 80% compared to Beats Studio3, providing increased audio fidelity. An integrated digital processor optimizes the final frequency response for a powerful, yet balanced sound profile crafted to bring out the subtle details of whatever you’re listening to.”

The product packaging touts the following features:

  • Sound that surrounds you with Personalized Spatial Audio and dynamic head tracking
  • Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) for immersive listening
  • Transparency mode blends your listening experience with the world around you
  • Two additional EQ-optimized sound profiles while using USB-C audio
  • Voice targeting mics for clear call performance
  • UltraPlush engineered leather cushions for extended comfort and durability

The “Enhanced Apple Compatibility” features of Beats Studio Pro Wireless Headphones include one-touch pairing with every device in your iCloud account, “Hey Siri” compatibility, Find My suport, and Over-the-air updates.

“Enhanced Android Compatibility” features include Google Fast Pair to all Android or Chrome devices registered to a Gmail account, Audio Switch between Android and Chromebook devices, Google Find My Device support, and a Beats app for Android to “unlock access to product customization, software updates, and new features to get the most out of your headphones.”

The headphones measure 7.125 inches high, by 7 inches long, by 3.1 inches wide, and weigh 9.17 ounces. They include a custom-fitted carrying case, USB-C-to-USB-C cable (charging and audio), and a 3.5 mm analog audio cable. Bluetooth (version 5.3) delivers up to 40 hours of listening time and offers a “Fast Fuel” charge that delivers up to 4 hours of playback from a 10-minute charge.

Sources: Beats, Apple

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iPod nano (Generation 3, light blue, 8GB, 2007)

The iPod nano Generation 3 used a design unique to the iPod family with “squat” proportions in a thin case. It was available in 4 GB or 8 GB versions, with the 4 GB model offered only in silver, and the 8 GB models offered in silver, light blue, light green, black, and (PRODUCT)RED Special Edition. A pink option was added later. All models had a chrome stainless steel back.

Compared to the iPod nano Generation 2, the Generation 3 added a larger 2-inch (diagonal) color LCD display at 320×240 resolution, support for video on the internal display, and video-out via the dock.

In a press release, Apple noted:

“The new iPod nano features a larger two-inch display with 204 pixels per inch, which lets users watch their favorite movies, TV shows and music videos in the same resolution they currently enjoy on the video iPod… iPod nano delivers up to 24 hours of audio playback or five hours of video playback on a single charge, and is encased in a beautiful new all-metal design made with anodized aluminum and polished stainless steel…”

The iPod nano software was greatly improved from previous versions with enhancements including a Cover Flow option for selecting albums. Three games were pre-loaded: iQuiz, an entertainment trivia game; Vortex, a fast-paced 360 degree brick-bashing game; and Klondike, a popular solitaire card game.

Sources: EveryMac.com, Apple

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Trail Loop (Blue, Black Titanium, L, 49 mm, 2024)

The Apple Watch Trail Loop was released along with the Apple Watch Ultra on September 7, 2022. Apple reported that the Apple Watch Ultra “brings a new bold design and a wide range of features built for endurance, exploration, and adventure.”

In the original press release, Apple described the Trail Loop as one of its “New Bands Designed for the Great Outdoors.” Apple added:

“Designed specifically for endurance athletes and runners, the Trail Loop band is the thinnest Apple Watch band to date. The lightweight woven textile is both soft and flexible, allowing it to cinch to the optimal fit, and the convenient tab is designed for quick and easy adjustment.”

Apple’s product page described the Trail Loop:

“The thin, lightweight Trail Loop is made from a nylon weave creating a soft band with increased elasticity for a comfortable fit. The band is infinitely adjustable with a convenient pull tab for quick adjustments on the go.”

This Trail Loop is Blue. The band is primarily dark blue with a dark blue pull-tab. The inside of the band uses accent thread colors in dark blue, magenta, and dark green. With the announcement of the black Apple Watch Ultra 2 in September 2024, Apple began offering Alpine Loop bands with black titanium connector hardware to match the black titanium finish of the Black Titanium Apple Watch Ultra 2. A press release explained:

“To complement the new black finish, the popular Trail Loop, Alpine Loop, and Ocean Band have all been updated to offer a black hardware option in addition to natural titanium. Both black and natural finishes of Apple Watch Ultra 2 are made from 95 percent recycled titanium, and are carbon neutral with any Titanium Milanese Loop, Trail Loop, or Alpine Loop.”

All Apple Watch Ultra models fit the single-size 49mm case. The Trail Loop is made primarily of nylon.

Source: Apple (Product, Newsroom, Titanium black option)

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Apple Watch Solo Loop (Eucalyptus, 45 mm, Size 12, Spring 2022)

The Solo Loop Apple Watch band was released in 2020 along with the Apple Watch Series 6. The packaging describes this product as a “Silicone Fitted Band.” According to Apple’s website:

“Made from liquid silicone rubber, the Solo Loop features a unique, stretchable design with no clasps, buckles, or overlapping parts that’s ultracomfortable to wear and easy to slip on and off your wrist. Each band is specially treated with UV to give the band a silky, smooth finish. It’s also swim proof and sweat proof so it can go just about anywhere you want to wear it.”

The color of this band is Eucalyptus, a shade of dark green. It was available in 41 mm and 45 mm widths, and was sold in specific wrist sizes. The 41 mm Solo Loop was sold in wrist sizes 1–9, and the 45 mm Solo Loop was sold in wrist sizes 4–12.

According to Apple’s website, “This band comes in custom sizes because it’s designed for an ultracomfortable fit. An accurate measurement will help you get the size that’s right for you.” The website allowed buyers to download a PDF and cut out a “tool” that wrapped around the wrist to designate the band size needed.

This snug-fitting design allowed Apple Watch sensors to retain constant and consistent skin contact, allowing accurate measurements such as blood oxygen and heart rate to be maintained.

Source: Apple, Bandbreit app

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Magnetic Link (Evergreen, 45 mm, M/L, 2023)

When Apple launched the Apple Watch Series 9, the company also discontinued their use of leather in all their products and introduced a new material they called FineWoven. In a press release, Apple announced:

“Apple is introducing FineWoven, a luxurious and durable microtwill made of 68 percent post-consumer recycled content that has significantly lower carbon emissions compared to leather. FineWoven has a suedelike feel, and is available with the Magnetic Link and Modern Buckle bands.”

The Magnetic Link design closely resembled the Leather Link design. Apple described the band:

“The Magnetic Link with FineWoven elegantly wraps around the wrist and magically attaches with molded magnets that gently flex to help maintain security and comfort throughout the day…”

The product specifications indicate that the Magnetic Link is made from “68% post-consumer recycled polyester” and “100% recycled rare earth elements in magnets.” The 41 mm Magnetic Link is offered in a S/M size (130–160 mm) and a M/L size (140–180 mm), while the 45 mm size is offered in S/M (140–180 mm) and M/L (165–205 mm) options.

This Magnetic Link is Evergreen, a shade of dark green, and fits 45 mm Apple Watch devices.

Sources: Apple (Newsroom, Product)

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Magnetic Link (Taupe, 45 mm, M/L, 2023)

When Apple launched the Apple Watch Series 9, the company also discontinued their use of leather in all their products and introduced a new material they called FineWoven. In a press release, Apple announced:

“Apple is introducing FineWoven, a luxurious and durable microtwill made of 68 percent post-consumer recycled content that has significantly lower carbon emissions compared to leather. FineWoven has a suedelike feel, and is available with the Magnetic Link and Modern Buckle bands.”

The Magnetic Link design closely resembled the Leather Link design. Apple described the band:

“The Magnetic Link with FineWoven elegantly wraps around the wrist and magically attaches with molded magnets that gently flex to help maintain security and comfort throughout the day…”

The product specifications indicate that the Magnetic Link is made from “68% post-consumer recycled polyester” and “100% recycled rare earth elements in magnets.” The 41 mm Magnetic Link is offered in a S/M size (130–160 mm) and a M/L size (140–180 mm), while the 45 mm size is offered in S/M (140–180 mm) and M/L (165–205 mm) options.

This Magnetic Link is Taupe, a shade of medium brown, and fits 45 mm Apple Watch devices.

Sources: Apple (Newsroom, Product)