During the October 2021 event, Apple made several disclosures. The main role was reserved for the MacBook Pro 2021, but Apple made more announcements. We put it all together in this October event round-up.
Apple October event round-up
The October 18 ‘Unleashed’ event focused mainly on the new MacBook Pro models, but that was not all Apple presented on Monday. In this article, we’ll update you on the revelations!
1. M1 Pro and M1 Max
Before Apple unveiled its latest MacBook Pro models, the spotlight was on the new Apple Silicon chips: the M1 Pro and M1 Max. They are new versions of the M1 chip that debuted last year in the 13-inch MacBook Pro, Mac mini and MacBook Air.
The new M1 Pro processor is a chip with ten CPU cores (the M1 has eight) and is up to 70 percent faster than the M1 according to Apple. Of the ten cores, eight are high-performance cores and two efficiency cores. There is also a 16-core GPU, which is up to 2 times faster than the M1.
The best and largest chip is the M1 Max. It also has a 10-core design, but can be configured up to 32 GB of RAM. The current M1 doesn’t go beyond 16GB. The M1 Pro can also drive two external displays with a resolution of up to 6K at 60Hz.
2. MacBook Pro 2021
The biggest spectacle came from the MacBook Pro 2021, which has been renewed on all fronts. First of all, the design: just like the iPhone, the MacBook is equipped with a notch, so that the edges around the screen are much narrower. Furthermore, the device is somewhat more angular, thicker and heavier.
They come in two sizes: 14 inch and 16 inch. In many ways, Apple harks back to the past. The HDMI port returns, the SD card reader is back and charging is back with MagSafe, a magnetic charging connector. Also, the Touch Bar is gone and the traditional F keys are back.
Still, the MacBook Pro models make a big step forward. The screen has been spectacularly renewed. This display has mini LED technology (a kind of OLED) and a brightness of up to 1000 nits. The screen also supports ProMotion, which allows the image to be refreshed up to two times faster: up to 120Hz.
Read more about the MacBook Pro 2021
3. AirPods 3
Much of the focus on Monday evening was on music. For example, the company announced the third-generation AirPods, with a new design that resembles the AirPods Pro like two drops. However, the AirPods 3 do not have replaceable earplugs.
The battery life has improved with the AirPods 3. You can listen to music for six hours on a full charge. You can fully charge the AirPods four times via the charging box. The box also supports both MagSafe and wireless charging via Qi. The new AirPods have a suggested retail price of 199 euros.
Read more about the AirPods 3
4. HomePod mini
The HomePod mini also got some attention. Apple has announced that the smart speaker will be available next month in three new colors: yellow, orange and blue. Earlier there were already a white and space gray variant. The new shades are not of much use to us, because the HomePod mini is still not available in the Netherlands.
5. macOS Monterey release
Apple also announced the release date of macOS Monterey. on Monday October 25 is the big Mac update for everyone to install. The release brings nice improvements to the Mac, including Universal Controls, a Commands app, all-new Safari, and more.
Read more about the macOS Monterey release
6. Apple Music Voice Plan
Apple also introduced a new type of subscription for Apple Music: Voice. This is a cheaper plan that only works with Siri. You can play the music on your AirPods, iPhone or HomePod mini via the voice assistant. It also works with CarPlay. The service costs € 4.99 per month, but is not yet available in the Netherlands.