App watch

We report on the latest developments in phone and tablet music making

iPad Air

App-related hardware news: Apple has updated both its standard full-size iPad (now eighth generation) and the iPad Air. The Air is the big news as, with the inclusion of the all-new A14 Bionic processor, it’s now the most powerful iPad you can buy (yep, more powerful than the more expensive iPad Pro). At $599/£579 it isn’t cheap, but looks like a great option. The cheaper, standard iPad also has a few advantages. It’s now powered by the pacy A12 Bionic chip, and it’s also the only fullsize iPad to offer a headphone socket. The 32GB of storage in the entry-level model is a passion killer, but at $329, worth a look. apple.com

Grand Piano

There are excellent grand piano instrument options on iOS, but some demand a fair bit of storage space and CPU power, and can also be pricey. Pablo Lopez’s Grand Piano is none of these. Operating either standalone or as an AUv3 plugin, it’s said to contain high-quality samples and deliver a clean piano sound. What’s more, it can be yours for just $2.99, so you’ve got very little to lose. zzsound.net/grand-piano-auv3

Sequence Groovebox

Over on Android and talk about Sequence Groovebox, an app that’s becoming too good to ignore. Responsive and clean, this lets you create patterns with a 16-pad sampler, a 2-oscillator virtual analogue synth and a selection of sampled melodic instruments. These can then be edited and triggered in a session view-style launcher, with parameter automation also an option. Great fun and perfectly suited to a small touch interface. Free with a £5.99 IAP. seqvence.co