By Samantha Murphy Kelly, CNN Business
Apple to launch its second product event of the season, a month after presenting its new iPhone 13 line up.
At a virtual event Monday at 1 p.m. ET, the company is expected to unveil two high-end MacBook Pro laptops powered by its next-generation silicon chip. It may also introduce an update to its entry-level AirPods that is more in line with the features of the AirPods Pro line.
Apple event kicks off off what promises to be a busy week in tech product launches, with several companies pushing back new gadgets ahead of the all-important holiday season. Later this week, Google will unveil its Pixel 6 smartphone and Samsung is hosting a mysterious press event that the rumor mill didn’t even see coming.
But these products are launched against a backdrop of lingering concerns about global component shortages and logistics challenges. Apple, in particular, faced supply constraints earlier this year, mainly impacting the iPad and Mac. The snow would have plans to cut its iPhone production targets for the year due to the chip shortage. Apple declined to comment on the report.
However, the demand for PCs continues to increase despite the shortages. Shipments of PCs, including desktops and laptops, reached 83.6 million units in the second quarter, up 13.2% from the same period last year, according to the company IDC market research.
Dan Ives, analyst at Wedbush, said Apple’s decision to go ahead with new product launches was a testament to the company’s “confidence” in putting its devices “in the hands of customers. by the holiday season despite doomsday supply chain skeptics. “
MacBook M1X
The centerpiece of Monday’s event is expected to be the MacBook. According to a Bloomberg report, the MacBook Pro is expected to receive its first major update in five years.
If the event’s “Unleashed” slogan and invitation artwork – which features a hyperspace version of the Apple logo – is any indication, Apple will have a good time touting the MacBook’s speed and performance improvements. Pro. In 2020, the company has grown to a Powerful internal M1 silicon chip for its range of computers. Now, its MacBook Pro range should receive the so-called M1X processor which will probably be even faster and more efficient than its M1 chip.
New laptops, which are rumored to be available in two sizes (14in and 16in), would have thinner bezels, improved screens, longer lasting batteries and more memory options. According to TF International Securities analyst Ming-chi Kuo, who has a strong track record of predicting Apple specifications, the company is also expected to drop one of the MacBook features that divide the most: the touch bar. This small rectangular OLED touchscreen, introduced in 2016, replaced the row of function keys at the top of the keyboard with text prediction and shortcuts.
Other rumors about the MacBook Pro include the return of the HDMI port, SD card slot, and a MagSafe charger, the latter of which was removed when Apple introduced USB-C ports to the line.
AirPod 3
Apple could also present its first AirPod update in two years. Since their For their debut in 2016, the wireless headphones became a surprise status symbol and a smash hit for the company.
The third generation AirPods will likely borrow some features from the higher-end AirPods Pro line, including shorter rods and a case with longer battery life. (The entry-level version currently costs $ 159 and the Pro is $ 259.)
Apple has long looked at offering multiple tiers for products like its iPhones and Apple Watches, often referred to as the Good, the Best, and the Best Model. For this reason, it is possible that the the latest AirPods will be come without active noise cancellation or spatial audio support so the Pro range can always stand out. (Apple’s on-ear headphones, the AirPods Max, are its most expensive option at $ 550).
Some October surprises
Apple could also unveil a Mac mini Pro desktop computer with the M1X chip. But there are rumors that a slimmer, redesigned model could be postponed until next year.
As the company teased news macOS Monterrey features for their Mac computers when they World Developer Conference in June, it has yet to announce a launch date. Apple will probably reveal Monday when users can download the next-gen software, which includes updates to FaceTime, support for AirPlay, a low-power mode and a tab grouping feature in Safari.
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