This holiday season looks to be a competitive one in terms of new tech releases, and Apple aims to be a part as it announced its newest operating system and a continuation of its line of popular products.
Apple's first step was to offer its customers something free. Reuters reports that Apple announced that software upgrades will now be free, that includes their latest OS, dubbed Mavericks, along with iWork.
Some analysts believe the move comes as Apple seeks increase its share in the computer market where it remains unable to take the throne from the PC. Apple CEO Tim Cook waved away suggestions simply saying the reason was "We want our customers to have our latest software."
After announcing a change to their software upgrades, Apple brought out its latest iPad, called the iPad Air, CNN reports. The Air, which is now the fifth gen of the iPad line, will be both 20 percent thinner and lighter, down to only 1 pound. The screen size will remain the same at 9.7 inches and will feature the A7 processor that Apple uses for its iPhone 5S.
Though competition for expensive gadgetry will be tight with new video game consoles about to splash down, Apple remains committed to its higher price point. With cheaper tablet options out there, Apple has decided to price its 16 GB Wi-Fi model for $499 and the 4G LTE 16 GB model for $629. The iPad 2 remains alive and costs $399. The newest iPads go on sale Nov. 1.
The iPad Mini also got an update with the new A7 processor and now has the "Retina display" that iPad has had and will cost a pretty penny at $399. For those looking for a cheaper option comes the holidays, the older model will still be available and cost $299.
Apple also updated its MacBook line, according to USA Today. The 13-inch MacBook Pro will feature the new OS, the new Intel Haswell processing chips and boast a battery life of up to nine hours. The new model is priced at $1,299 and up and also features Apple's Thunderbolt 2 connectors. A larger screened model, at 15 inches and $1,999 will only offer up an eight hour battery life, but has Intel's quad-core processor.
Their Mac Pro desktop models also got a slight revamp for those with really expensive tastes and a need for a beefed up computer, and will cost $2,999.
And finally, Newsday reports that there are rumors that Apple will likely start offering ulta-high definition TV's beginning late next year. These TVs will be 65 and 55 inches, and likely cost a pretty penny.
image: Amazon