On October 18th, Apple held its second fall “Unleashed” event, which focused on the MacBook Pro and the AirPods. In just about an hour, the tech giant went through the updates and upgrades, which also included new colors for the HomePod Mini and the introduction of the Apple Music “Voice” service. The brief wrap up is below.
MacBook Pro
MacBook Pros got their biggest upgrade in years. Apple announced its next generation of computers Monday, new 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros powered by its new M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, which Apple says are much faster and may go further to replace the “Pro” performance computers powered by Intel chips. Out is the Touch Bar, but returning are an HDMI port, an SD card slot and a MagSafe connector. The 14-inch MacBook Pro starts at $1,999 (£1,899, AU$2,999); the 16-inch model at $2,499 (£2,399, AU$3,749).
The new devices follow last year’s M1-powered Macs, which were the first Apple lineup not powered by a chip made by Intel. Instead, Apple is using ones similar to the chips that power the iPhone, and so far has been getting positive reviews.
AirPods 3
Apple redesigned its entry-level AirPods, complete with a free case engraving — to be a kind of in-between of earlier AirPods (still available) and the AirPods Pro. Gone are the Q-Tip looking stems, which now have AirPods Pro-like shortness and sensor controls. The design for your ear has a “contour” that Apple said will fit many ears, and it has smarts that can change how audio sounds based on what it believes your ear is hearing.
The new AirPods offer six hours of listening time and up to 30 hours total after four recharges from their carrying case, which comes with wireless charging for $179 (£169, AU$279).
HomePod Mini
Apple didn’t change last year’s popular $99 (£89, AU$149) HomePod Mini so much as it introduced colorful new design options. Much like it did with the redesigned M1 iMacs earlier this year, Apple introduced “bold” and “fun” colors to its lineup, offering a “pop of color and personality.” Those new hues — blue, yellow and orange — join space gray and white.
Apple Music ‘Voice’
Apple is taking on Amazon’s $4 per month single-device music plan by offering its own take, called Apple Music Voice. This service, which is $5 per month, is “designed exclusively for Siri.” Think of it as Apple Music, but only on Siri. Apple also added “hundreds” of new “mood and activity playlists” to compete better with Amazon and Spotify.
According to macrumors.com, the new MacBook Pro models and the AirPods 3 are available for pre-order right now, and are set to launch on Tuesday, October 26. But you’d better not be in a rush: shipping estimates on the Apple Store for new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro pre-orders have started sliding into late November and early December.
As of Sunday morning, estimates for the standard configurations of the 14-inch MacBook Pro were showing delivery dates between November 16th and 23rd. Customizing a 14-inch Pro could push the estimated delivery into mid-December.
For the 16-inch MacBook Pro, standard configurations are showing estimated shipping times between November 23rd and December 1st, with customized options also showing mid-December ship dates depending what you choose.
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