Tag: A13

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iPad (Generation 9, 64 GB, W-Fi, silver, 2021)

Apple released the iPad Generation 9 on September 14, 2021. The headline in Apple’s Press Release read, “Apple’s most popular iPad delivers even more performance and advanced features,” and listed its features as including “A13 Bionic, Center Stage, True Tone, and now starts with double the storage.”

Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, reported:

“iPad has never been more essential for working, learning, and communicating, and we’re excited to bring one of the biggest updates ever to our most popular iPad… With the powerful A13 Bionic, more engaging video calls with Center Stage, and double the storage, the new iPad delivers advanced capabilities, versatility, and simplicity at an incredible value.”

The A13 Bionic chip with Neural Engine not only boosted performance compared to the previous iPad by 20%, it also allowed “next-level machine learning capabilities, including Live Text…which uses on-device intelligence to recognize text in a photo that users can take action on.” Thus, this iPad was able to use an early version of Apple’s on-device “Artificial Intelligence” capabilities—even if Apple chose not to use the term “AI.”

Apple also touted the iPad Generation 9’s Center Stage capabilities, a feature that enhanced video calls that was on the minds of many users after the worldwide COVID pandemic. The iPad was equipped with a new 12MP Ultra Wide front camera that used the Neural Engine: “Center Stage automatically pans the camera to keep [the user] in view. When others join in, the camera detects them too, and smoothly zooms out to include them in the conversation.” Center Stage worked in FaceTime and third-party video-calling apps such as Zoom.

The iPad Generation 9 was offered in Silver and Space Gray, and in two storage capacities, 64 GB and 256 GB. It measured 9.8 inches (250.6 mm) x 6.8 inches (174.1 mm), and was 0.29 inch (7.5 mm) thick. The Wi-Fi model weighed 1.07 pounds (487 grams), and the Wi-Fi + Cellular model weighed 1.09 pounds (498 grams).

The iPad Generation 9 was the last iPad to use a physical Home button, and it also had Touch ID.

It used a 10.2-inch (diagonal) Retina display that was 2160 x 1620 pixels at 264 pixels per inch. It used a True Tone display that could deliver up to 500 nits brightness. This iPad had both stereo speakers and dual microphones for calls, video recording, and audio recording.

Uncharacteristically, the back camera had lower resolution than the front camera. The back camera was an 8 MP Wide camera with digital zoom up to 5x using a 5-element lens. It could capture Panoramic photos (up to 43MP), and featured HDR, photo geotagging, auto image stabilization, and burst mode. The back camera could record 1080p HD video at 25 and 30 fps.

The front camera was a 12MP Ultra Wide camera with 122° field of view. It could record 1080p HD video at 25, 30, or 60 fps.

Wireless connectivity included Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2. Its 5 sensors included Touch ID, 3‐axis gyro, accelerometer, barometer, and an ambient light sensor. The iPad Generation 9 charged and transferred data using a Lightning connector and shipped with a Lightning-to-USB-C Cable that connected to its included 20W USB-C Power Adapter.

Interestingly, Apple continued manufacturing and selling the iPad Generation 9 even after they announced the iPad Generation 10 13 months later. The iPad Generation 10 was released with a considerable price increase at $459 for a base iPad—from the iPad Generation 9 base price of $329. Apple noted in the “fine print” of the iPad Generation 10 press release: “iPad (9th generation) will remain in the iPad lineup. Wi-Fi models of iPad (9th generation) are available with a starting price of $329 (US), and Wi-Fi + Cellular models start at $459 (US), in silver and space gray finishes.”

Sources: Apple (Newsroom: Generation 9, Generation 10; Technical Specifications)

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iPhone 11 (64GB, Purple, with iPhone 11 Clear Case, 2019)

When Phil Schiller introduced the iPhone 11 at a special event on September 10, 2019, he described the device:

“iPhone 11 is the next generation of iPhone, packed with great new capabilities in an incredible design, including new Ultra Wide and Wide cameras for gorgeous videos and photos, the power and ease of use of iOS 13, and A13 Bionic—the fastest chip ever in a smartphone that quickly handles the tasks that matter most to people every day.”

The iPhone 11 was the first of Apple’s base model phones to include a dual-camera system. Apple described the cameras in a press release:

“iPhone 11 introduces a dual-camera system with all-new Ultra Wide and Wide cameras that are deeply integrated into iOS 13, offering the highest quality video in a smartphone and major advancements in photography for the ultimate camera experience.”

Compared to previous models, the camera system was a major leap forward for iPhone. The camera system had two 12MP cameras (Ultra Wide and Wide). The A13 chip allowed Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control, and Portrait Lighting included six effects: Natural, Studio, Contour, Stage, Stage Mono, and High-Key Mono. Panorama mode allowed photos of up to 63MP. Videos could be recorded at up to 4K (at 24, 25, 30, or 60 fps). Machine learning capabilities allowed Cinematic video stabilization (4K, 1080p, and 720p) and continuous autofocus video.

iPhone 11 was available in six “stunning colors” including purple, green, yellow, black, white and PRODUCT(RED). This example is purple, a lighter shade of purple sometimes referred to as “lilac.”

This phone had a Liquid Retina HD display that measured 6.1‑inch (diagonal) display at 1792 x 828‑pixel resolution (326 ppi). The A13 Bionic chip allowed for “the best machine learning platform in a smartphone” at the time of its release. It used a 6-core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores, a 4-core GPU, and an 8-core Neural Engine.

The iPhone 11 was also the first base iPhone to lack a Home button. Its six sensors included Face ID, barometer, 3‑axis gyro, accelerometer, proximity sensor, and an ambient light sensor.

The design of the iPhone 11 included rounded edges and the front and back were made of glass. Apple noted, “With a back design that is precision milled and sculpted from a single piece of glass, iPhone 11 features the toughest glass ever in a smartphone.”

This iPhone is shown in an iPhone 11 Clear Case. Apple described the case as “Thin, light, and easy to grip.” According to Apple’s website:

“Made from a blend of optically clear polycarbonate and flexible TPU materials, the iPhone 11 Clear Case provides a solid, comfortable feel. The back is designed to be sturdy, while the sides are made from a softer, more flexible material that fits right over the buttons for an improved grip. And when it’s time to wirelessly charge, just leave the case on and set your iPhone on your Qi-certified charger. On the surface, a scratch-resistant coating has been applied to both the interior and exterior. And all materials and coatings are optimized to prevent yellowing over time.”

Sources: Apple (specs, Newsroom)

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iPhone SE packaging (Generation 2, (PRODUCT)RED, 64GB, 2020)

Apple says that iPhone SE Generation 2 is “The Most Affordable iPhone Features A13 Bionic, the Fastest Chip in a Smartphone, and the Best Single-Camera System in an iPhone.”

According to Apple’s press release, the iPhone SE Generation 2 is:

“a powerful new iPhone featuring a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, paired with Touch ID for industry-leading security. iPhone SE comes in a compact design, reinvented from the inside out…The new iPhone SE is powered by the Apple-designed A13 Bionic, the fastest chip in a smartphone, to handle the most demanding tasks. iPhone SE also features the best single-camera system ever in an iPhone, which unlocks the benefits of computational photography including Portrait mode, and is designed to withstand the elements with dust and water resistance.”

This iPhone SE was offered in three colors: black, white, and (PRODUCT)RED. This product packaging is from the (PRODUCT)RED model.

Source: Apple (Newsroom)

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iPad packaging (Generation 9, 2021)

The iPad Generation 9 was released on September 14, 2021. Apple described the device: “The 10.2-inch iPad features A13 Bionic, Center Stage, True Tone, and now starts with double the storage, all at an incredible value.”

This packaging is from a 10-pack education purchase. It is the same envelope-like container that is included with a single iPad in retail packaging, but only one is included in a bulk 10-pack purchase. The items include the following (all measuring 4 3/16 x 6.75 inches):

  • Cardboard envelope
  • 4-color pamphlet (the inside briefly describes features including Apple Pencil, Top Button, Touch ID, Lightning Connector, Control Center, and Dock and App Switcher; the back describes the Smart Connector and Tips app)
  • 2-sided regulatory sheet
  • Apple stickers (2 white stickers on one sheet)

Sources: Apple (Newsroom)

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Apple Studio Display internal packaging (2022)

This version of the Apple Studio Display was announced on March 8, 2022, along with the Mac Studio. Apple described the display: “A big, beautiful window into new worlds, Studio Display draws you in from the moment you turn it on. It has a slim, all-screen design. And it’s packed with a phenomenal set of features so everything you do springs to life with gorgeous color and spectacular detail.”

The 27-inch display featured a 5K Retina display at 5120×2880 resolution (218 pixels per inch), a built-in 12MP Ultra Wide camera, a high-fidelity six-speaker system, and was powered by the A13 Bionic chip.

This packaging was included inside the Apple Studio Display and housed an included all-black Thunderbolt cable and a selection of paperwork, including:

  • Regulatory notes and safety information (two 2-sided sheets)
  • A color booklet explaining the display’s basic features
  • Apple stickers (2 black stickers on one page)

Please note that the all-black Apple logo stickers were considered somewhat rare in 2022 and were general only included with “Pro” Apple hardware.

This cardboard package measures 95 x 165 x 37 mm. Inside, it includes a pocket for the paperwork and a unique, all-cardboard structure to neatly pack the 1-meter Thunderbolt braided black cable.

Apple (Newsroom, product page)