In his latest "Power On" newsletter, Gurman explained that Apple has considered launching a cloud-based game streaming service like its competitors (emphasis our own):
Apple's gaming service is somewhat unique, relying on games that run on its devices natively rather than from the cloud. Microsoft Corp., Nvidia Corp., Google and others have launched gaming services that run from the cloud. That allows support for a wider range of games and creates a "Netflix for games"-like experience. Oddly, Apple doesn't allow those rivals to join Apple Arcade on the App Store. The company says that's not because they're competitors, but simply because it doesn't allow all-you-can-eat cloud gaming services on its devices. Despite that, the company in the past has internally discussed the prospects of launching such a service, I'm told. I just hope that if Apple does, it then greenlights its rivals' participation too.
Thus far, Apple has focused on games that have to be downloaded and run natively, rather than games that stream from the cloud. The company launched Apple Arcade in September of 2019 as an ad-free mobile game subscription service with no in-app purchases. Apple Arcade is available across the iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple TV, and Mac for $4.99 per month, or as part of the Apple One bundle.
One explanation for why Apple has not moved forward with cloud gaming as far as we know may be because it seems to prefer using powerful local hardware rather than depending on an internet connection to stream games being processed elsewhere. It also seems unlikely that the company would risk an obligation to allow competing cloud gaming services by Microsoft, Nvidia, Google, Amazon, and Netflix onto the App Store, which have otherwise been forced to use browser-based solutions. Nevertheless, the company may have been sensitive to the growing interest in cloud gaming from its rivals.
As with Apple's events throughout 2020 and 2021, today's media event kicking off at 10:00 am Pacific Time will be entirely online and likely a pre-recorded stream from Apple Park. Still, some MacRumors readers who can't follow the event as it's being broadcast are interested in avoiding all of the announcements and waiting until the event has ended and is available for on-demand viewing so as to experience it without already knowing the outcome.
For those individuals, we've posted this news story, which will be updated with a direct link to the presentation once it becomes available from Apple. No other news stories or announcements will be displayed alongside this story.
Apple's recent virtual events have been made available to view almost immediately following the conclusion of the broadcasts, and we expect similar timing for today's event.
Users waiting for the video to be posted are welcome to gather in the thread associated with this news story, and we ask that those who follow the events as they occur refrain from making any posts about Apple's announcements in this thread.
With Apple's "Unleashed" event just hours away, the focus has understandably been on the new MacBook Pro models that are expected to debut, but rumors suggest we could also see the company unveil a new Mac mini with a new design and a faster Apple silicon processor. Here's what we've heard from sources over the past year.
Kicking things off, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman in May said that Apple was working on a high-end version of the Mac mini, featuring a more powerful Apple silicon chip than the M1 and extra ports. Then, in August, Gurman followed up that report by saying that the refreshed Mac mini would be coming in the "next several months," which lines up well with this month's event.
Gurman's specific expectations about the new Mac mini are as follows:
The new Mac mini is expected to use the M1X, the same chip as the next-generation MacBook Pro.
The next-generation MacBook Pro models are expected to feature an improved version of the M1 chip with a 10-core CPU, containing eight high-performance cores and two energy-efficient cores, and 16-core or 32-core GPU options, meaning this is also what we can expect from the new Mac mini. The processor they share however could yet have another name.
Support for up to 64GB of memory.
This is believed to be a benefit of the M1X chip, which is said to support up to 64GB RAM, up from the 16GB maximum RAM supported by the M1.
Four Thunderbolt ports will be included at the rear.
This would be up from the two Thunderbolt ports that are available on the rear of the current Mac mini with an M1 chip, and is also said to be a change supported by the M1X processor.
The high-end Mac mini will replace the Intel Mac mini that Apple is still selling.
When Apple introduced the M1 Mac mini last year, it retained the Intel Mac minis with two additional ports in the product lineup as a high-end option. Apple did the same with the MacBook Pro and iMac, where the M1 option replaced the entry-level version of the machine, and kept the high-end Intel models with more ports on sale. Gurman expects that the new high-end Mac mini will be sold alongside the current M1 Mac mini.
Shortly after Gurman's initial report, leaker Jon Prossershared renders allegedly giving us a first look at the upcoming Mac mini.
According to Prosser, who has a mixed track record when it comes to Apple rumors, the new high-end Mac mini will have the following features:
A mostly similar design to the existing Mac mini but a smaller overall size.
The same ports currently available on the Intel-based Mac mini, which includes four Thunderbolt, two USB-A, Ethernet, and HDMI.
A "plexiglass-like" top, which will sit above the aluminum enclosure.
Two possible "two-tone" color options, similar to the 24-inch iMac.
The same magnetic power port that debuted in the 24-inch iMac.
Bear in mind that there's no guarantee we'll see a Mac mini announcement at Apple's upcoming "Unleashed" event, and Bloomberg originally said Apple could scrap its plans to release this new high-end Mac mini anytime soon. Regardless, Apple will eventually replace the current Intel models with ones featuring Apple silicon chips. It's just a matter of when.
Apple will live stream its event later today, Monday, October 18 on its website and on YouTube. For those unable to watch, MacRumors will have live coverage of the event both on MacRumors.com and through our MacRumorsLive Twitter account.
Apple's online storefront has gone down ahead of the "Unleashed" event taking place later today, where brand new MacBook Pros are expected to be announced.
The new MacBook Pros will be the first major redesign to the most high-end MacBooks in years. Featuring the next-generation Apple silicon, a brand new design, additional I/O, and a mini-LED display, the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros are expected to be high in demand, with equally high expectations from customers.
Alongside the new MacBook Pros, Apple may also announce the third-generation AirPods, rumored to feature a new and updated design, improved sound quality, and make use of new features in iOS 15, such as Conversation Boost. Less likely, Apple could announce a larger Apple silicon iMac and possibly even an updated high-end Mac mini.
MacRumors will have in-depth coverage of Apple's event, which kicks off at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, including a live blog on our website and tweets via @MacRumorsLive on Twitter. For a full rundown of everything we expect to see, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide.
Apple's new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models will feature a redesigned row of function keys that replaces the Touch Bar, and each modifier key will have the same width and height as the alphanumeric keys on the rest of the keyboard, according to rumors and leaked schematics seen by MacRumors.
Full-size function keys and Touch ID button on iMac Magic Keyboard
It's been a hectic few days for the Apple rumor mill, which has seen multiple last-minute MacBook Pro leaks concerning a possible notch on the top of the display. We don't yet know whether the notch rumor will turn out to be true, but what we do have high confidence in, and what may have thus far been overlooked by some, is the layout of the redesigned keyboard.
Before Apple introduced the Touch Bar in October 2016, the MacBook Pro featured a narrow row of function keys that individually had a smaller profile than the alphanumeric keys. However, in lieu of a Touch Bar, the new MacBook Pro models are expected to have a full-size complementary row of function keys, similar to Apple's Magic Keyboard that comes with the 24-inch iMac.
The first suggestion that function keys would return to the MacBook Pro came from reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo in January, when he reported that Apple was working on two new MacBook Pro models featuring significant design changes. Since then, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has consistently stopped short of saying that the Touch Bar will be removed this year. Instead, Gurman states that Apple has "tested" versions of the MacBook Pro without the Touch Bar, implying that it may choose to remove it. Given the accumulation of evidence since, summarized below, we're almost certain the OLED touchscreen strip above the keyboard will not be returning.
The first real evidence of the change appeared in April, when schematics of an unreleased MacBook Pro were stolen from Taiwanese Apple supplier Quanta Computer by the ransomware group known as REvil. Despite demanding payment in exchange for keeping the information private, some of the schematics still leaked on the dark web, and subsequently corroborated the lack of Touch Bar, the return of an HDMI port, SD card slot, and MagSafe, and in hindsight, potentially a notched display.
The schematics showed a full keyboard layout, including a top row of function keys and a Touch ID button, all individually diagrammed to the same height and width as the alphanumeric keys, and as a result of the larger keyboard area, a smaller trackpad below it.
One month after the REvil leak, the new keyboard layout was also seen in renders, supposedly based on leaked images, of Apple's next MacBook Air, courtesy of Jon Prosser. As in the stolen schematics, the larger function keys were shown to have forced the entire keyboard down, thereby reducing the size of the trackpad.
Render of rumored new MacBook Air by RendersByIan
The most recent rumor about the new MacBook Pro keyboard is that the area surrounding the keys is black, rather than just the keys themselves, in what is "probably the biggest visual change on the keyboard since the Unibody redesigns over a decade ago," according to details leaked by a Weibo account last week.
The Touch Bar has been a divisive feature among users, with some decrying the lack of physical controls for functions such as volume or brightness. Apple already made a slight concession when it re-introduced a physical Escape key on the latest 13-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, after users complained about the virtual Escape key on the Touch Bar from previous models.
The return of function keys, in full-size implementation, appears to be just one indication that, after some perceived missteps in recent years, Apple is all-in on making the MacBook Pro a true professional's machine once again. We'll know for sure in a few hours.
The new MacBook Pro models are widely expected to be announced later today, Monday, 18 October at Apple's "Unleashed" event. Apple will live stream the event on its website and on YouTube. For those unable to watch, MacRumors will have live coverage of the event both on MacRumors.com and through our MacRumorsLive Twitter account. Be sure to stay tuned.
In a new episode of Axios on HBOshared by MarketWatch, Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger sat down with Axios' Chief Technology Correspondent Ina Fried to discuss various topics, including Apple's transition to its own custom-designed silicon chips across its Mac lineup.
When asked if Intel has given up on the idea of the Mac running on Intel processors in the future, Gelsinger said that he hopes to win back this segment of Apple's business over time by outcompeting the company in chipmaking.
In the interview, Gelsinger acknowledged Intel's "stumbles" and said the company will "fight hard" to win back Apple's business by making better chips than Apple:
Fried: Recently Apple said they're moving from Intel chips on the Mac to homegrown processors. Have you given up on the idea of the Mac running on Intel chips?
Gelsinger: I never give up on the idea of anything not running on Intel chips. And, you know, hey, you know, our stumbles, you know, Apple decided they could do a better chip themselves than we could. And, you know, they did a pretty good job. So what I have to do is create a better chip than they can do themselves. I would hope to win back this piece of their business, as well as many other pieces of business, over time. And in the meantime, I got to make sure that our products are better than theirs, that my ecosystem is more open and vibrant than theirs, and we create more compelling reason for developers and users to land on Intel-based products. So, I'm going to fight hard to win Tim's business in this area.
In June 2020, Apple announced that it would be transitioning the Mac from Intel processors to its own custom-designed silicon chips, promising industry-leading performance per watt and improved graphics. The transition to Apple silicon began with the M1 chip in the MacBook Air, lower-end 13-inch MacBook Pro, and lower-end Mac mini in November 2020, and Apple said the transition would take around two years to be completed.
Intel has a lot of catching up to do if it aims to outclass Apple silicon, as benchmarks revealed that the MacBook Air with an M1 chip and a starting price of $999 outperforms a maxed-out Intel-based 16-inch MacBook Pro priced at $2,999.
The transition to Apple silicon is set to continue at Apple's virtual "Unleashed" event tomorrow, with the company widely expected to unveil redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with a faster version of the M1 chip. The notebooks are also rumored to feature brighter mini-LED displays, an HDMI port and SD card slot, and a magnetic power cable, while the Touch Bar is expected to be removed in favor of physical Fn keys.
Intel still supplies processors for some other Macs, including the 27-inch iMac and the Mac Pro, but those models are expected to adopt Apple silicon by next year.
The next-generation MacBook Air that's set to be released in 2022 will also feature a notch, according to the same leaker who was first to mention the notch coming to the 2021 MacBook Pro models.
In a forum post from August discussing the new MacBook Pro models, leaker Ty98 said that the next-generation MacBook Air will include the same notch that Apple is introducing for the MacBook Pro.
He also said that the MacBook Air will "look much better" as Apple plans to eliminate the current wedge design. The MacBook Air has long had a design that transitions from thicker at the back to thinner at the front. The leaker claims that the next MacBook Air will have a "very round and light" design.
Other MacBook Air rumors have indeed suggested that Apple is designing a thinner and lighter version of the machine with thinner bezels than the current model. It is expected to feature a 13-inch mini-LED display, several color options, and an updated version of the M1 chip.
Last minute rumors that came out just days ago suggest that the MacBook Pro will feature a notch at the top for the 1080p webcam and ambient light sensor, but it turns out information about a notch was shared months ago by a Chinese leaker that may have been the source for several other rumors about the upcoming 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.
In a forum post shared in August, "ty98" said that both MacBook Pro models will have a notch. He went on to provide several other details about the machines, including a mention of the 1080p webcams and the lack of Face ID, which we have previously heard from other leakers.
The leaker claims to have intimate knowledge of the new machines, and at one point, he said that he saw both the case of the MacBook Pro and its packaging. Apple apparently plans to obscure the design of the notch in its marketing materials for the upcoming device.
"Today, I saw the packaging shell," he wrote. "Sure enough, it was the kind of wallpaper with a dark top. If you don't look carefully, you can't see the [notch] at all."
We don't know much about this leaker, but he shared the MacBook Pro notch details months ago, and it's looking like that information is accurate. Since the news of the notch leaked, there has been mounting evidence that it's real, including Apple's own display resolutions, which we outlined in our original article.
Apple has also published patents on notch implementations in the MacBook Pros, and yesterday, a photo of a MacBook Pro display unit with a notch surfaced. We've recently learned that the REvil leak that saw stolen MacBook Pro schematics released back in April also included photos of a MacBook Pro with a notch, lending more evidence to the possibility that Apple has settled on a notched design.
In light of that, we thought we'd share the rest of the information that Ty98 provided in his original August forum post and in the comments that followed.
There is no Face ID, with the notch to house a 1080p webcam, an ambient light sensor, and an indicator light.
There will be a mini-LED display.
The MacBook Pro is "very thick, thick and heavy."
The maximum configuration of "32+4T" will be its biggest selling point.
Apple will add two large fans to the new chip.
"Don't expect too much on narrow borders. It is indeed narrow, but it is not much narrow."
Touch Bar is gone.
MacBook Pro models will feature MagSafe, HDMI Port, and SD Card slot.
No "MacBook Pro" logo on the bottom bezel.
Bezel width remains at the current size, with the bezels at the three sides basically the same width with the bottom bezel thicker.
The MacBook Pro "has various curves" to give people an "intuitive feeling that it is a large rectangle."
Not all of what Ty98 says makes sense, especially in regard to the thicker bezels, so there may be details here that are just lost in translation. The leaked schematics and a notch design seem to suggest the inclusion of very thin bezels. Just today, the leaker shared a look at the "M1X" chip variations that he says are representative of the Apple silicon chips set to be used in the new MacBook Pro models, complete with pin counts.
It's worth noting that because this forum post is from August and the leaked schematics are from April, there's a chance that Apple changed design directions and does not plan to release MacBook Pro models that feature a notch, but there is overwhelming evidence that it was at least considered.
We don't have long to wait to find out if the notched design is happening as Apple's event is set to take place at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time tomorrow and will provide us with all of the details about the new machines.
Following a last-minute rumor that upcoming 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models could feature a notch at the top of the display, it has come to our attention that this design was potentially leaked in stolen schematics months ago.
Back in April, a ransomware group known as REvil publicly stated that it had gained access to internal information from Apple supplier Quanta Computer in Taiwan, and the group demanded payment in exchange for keeping the information private. Some of the information still leaked, including alleged schematics for unreleased MacBook Pro models that corroborated the return of an HDMI port, SD card slot, and MagSafe.
Now, we have learned that one of the schematics that leaked back in April shows a MacBook Pro display with a notch. In fact, the alleged photo of a MacBook Pro with a notch that surfaced earlier this weekend is overlaid with the schematic of the notch. We've elected not to share an image of the schematic itself since it is stolen material.
It wasn't obvious from the schematic on its own that it represented a notched display instead of a standard FaceTime camera module, but when paired with the new photo that leaked, the situation becomes clearer. Nevertheless, there is no guarantee that Apple settled on a notched display as the final design for the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, so we'll have to wait until Apple's event to find out for certain.
A close-up view of the alleged notch in yesterday's leaked image appears to show a FaceTime camera, microphone, and an ambient light sensor for True Tone. Earlier this week, a Reddit user claimed that the next MacBook Pro will not feature Face ID despite having a notch, with a Touch ID sensor expected to remain above the keyboard for authentication.
Last month, in the macOS Monterey beta, MacRumors discovered potential display resolutions of 3024x1964 and 3456x2234 for the rumored 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro, respectively. When subtracting 74 pixels from the height of both, the resulting 3024x1890 and 3456x2160 resolutions work out to an aspect ratio of 16:10. All of Apple's current MacBooks feature a 16:10 aspect ratio, leading to speculation that the extra 74 pixels could be for a notch.
Apple's virtual "Unleashed" event begins on Monday at 10 a.m. Pacific Time. The redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models are also rumored to feature a faster version of the M1 chip and brighter mini-LED backlit displays, while the Touch Bar is expected to be discontinued in favor of a return to physical Fn keys.
A little more than 24 hours until Apple's much-awaited launch of redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros, new evidence has emerged suggesting that Apple may be calling the chips that power the upcoming Macs "M1 Pro" and "M1 Max."
The new MacBook Pros will be powered by the next generation of Apple silicon, featuring up to 10 CPU cores, with eight high-performance and two energy-efficient cores. In graphics, Apple is expected to include two variations of its upcoming chip, including 16 and 32 GPU cores.
There's been an ongoing debate regarding the name of Apple's next-generation Mac silicon. Some have speculated that the chip may be called "M1X," while others believe it could jump to "M2" to signify the more considerable leap in performance compared to the M1. However, in a new twist to the plot, the new chips could be called "M1 Pro" and "M1 Max."
In his latest Power On newsletter, Bloomberg'sMark Gurman notes that a Mac developer informed him that in their app logs, the chip names "M1 Pro" and "M1 Max" have appeared, alongside the same screen resolutions for the upcoming MacBook Pros that MacRumorsdiscovered in the macOS Monterey beta last month. While the names have appeared in app logs, Gurman says Apple may ultimately not take that potentially confusing naming approach.
The aforementioned developer tells me that new MacBook Pro chips have appeared in logs under the names "M1 Pro" and "M1 Max." I'm not saying Apple will take that direction with its actual marketing names, but that's another—albeit more confusing—possibility. We'll know for sure in just about 24 hours.
In the past, Apple has added "X" and "Z" to its chip names to represent upgraded iterations of the baseline chip. For example, with the 2018 iPad Pro, Apple labeled the chip "A12X," based on the A12 chip for the iPhone XS.
Apple is widely expected to be introducing the new MacBook Pros during its digital event on Monday, with the tagline "Unleashed." Alongside the new MacBook Pros, Apple could be planning to announce a high-end Mac mini, the third-generation AirPods, and could surprise with a larger Apple silicon iMac, although that is less likely. MacRumors will have in-depth coverage of Apple's event, including a live blog on our website and tweets via @MacRumorsLive on Twitter.
Following the last-minute rumor that Apple's upcoming new MacBook Pro models could feature a notch at the top of the display, much of the online discussion has involved concerns that such a notch would encroach on the active screen area, potentially eating into the macOS menu bar.
MacRumors concept render of notched MacBook Pro display
However, it's worth noting that Apple has explored ways of including a notch in a MacBook Pro display that would avoid ingression into the main screen area, make the notch appear seamless against a black strip, and potentially allow for additional information to be displayed to the user that would also free up menu bar space in the main 16:10 display.
For example, an Apple patent filed in 2019 with the U.S. patent office, titled "Electronic Device Display With Extended Active Area," describes, among various embodiments, a laptop computer featuring a main rectangular screen and two "extended regions" between the screen and an inactive border, wherein "the first and second rectangular extended regions are on opposing sides of the camera."
Specifically, the laptop's "first and second rectangular extended regions display icons on a black background while the main rectangular region displays a rectangular picture."
"The first and second extended regions may be located on opposing sides of a camera or other electrical component in a protruding portion or island-shaped portion of the inactive region. Icons or other information may be displayed on a black background in the extended regions, giving the display a continuous unbroken appearance."
Such an implementation could potentially add system status information in a black strip above the macOS menu bar, but that would of course require a significant adjustment to the way the menu bar operates on these new Mac models in the final release of macOS Monterey, and there's been no evidence of that so far.
The notch rumor, while seemingly sketchy on its own, has gained some traction since Friday, initially due to a discovery by MacRumors of screen resolutions that will feature in the redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.
In the macOS Monterey beta, MacRumors uncovered potential display resolutions of 3024x1964 and 3456x2234 for the rumored 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. When subtracting 74 pixels from the height of both, the resulting 3024x1890 and 3456x2160 resolutions work out to an aspect ratio of 16:10. All of Apple's current MacBooks feature a 16:10 aspect ratio, leading to speculation that the extra 74 pixels could be for a notch.
Apple is hosting a virtual event on Monday at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, with rumors widely suggesting the event will be focused on redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with a faster version of the M1 chip, brighter mini-LED displays, MagSafe, and additional connectivity.
A close-up view of the alleged notch at the top of the image appears to show a FaceTime camera and an ambient light sensor for True Tone. Earlier this week, a Reddit user claimed that the next MacBook Pro will not feature Face ID despite having a notch, with a Touch ID sensor expected to remain above the keyboard for authentication.
The photo is blurry and it's unclear if it's authentic, so some skepticism is warranted here. If the photo proves to be real, however, it suggests that the next MacBook Pro models could feature very thin bezels around the display.
In the macOS Monterey beta, MacRumors discovered potential display resolutions of 3024x1964 and 3456x2234 for the rumored 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. When subtracting 74 pixels from the height of both, the resulting 3024x1890 and 3456x2160 resolutions work out to an aspect ratio of 16:10. All of Apple's current MacBooks feature a 16:10 aspect ratio, leading to speculation that the extra 74 pixels could be for a notch.
Apple is hosting a virtual event on Monday at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, with rumors widely suggesting the event will be focused on redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with a faster version of the M1 chip and brighter mini-LED displays. The notebooks are also expected to feature an HDMI port, an SD card reader, and a magnetic power cable, while ditching the Touch Bar in favor of a return to physical Fn keys.
It feels like Apple's iPhone event just ended, but it's already time to do it all over again as Apple has announced a virtual media event for this Monday, October 18.
Even at this late date, rumors about the MacBook Pro are still coming in one after another, and we're also hearing from sources claiming the third-generation AirPods will be making an appearance at the event, so read on below for all of the latest details!
What to Expect From October 18 'Unleashed' Apple Event: New MacBook Pros, AirPods 3 and More
Upcoming MacBook Pro Models Could Feature 120Hz Mini-LED Displays
While it has been rumored for several months that the next MacBook Pro models will feature mini-LED backlit displays with higher brightness and improved contrast, just this week we learned from display industry consultant Ross Young that the next MacBook Pros will likely also support up to a 120Hz refresh rate.
Young has a good track record, and if this rumor proves to be accurate, perhaps Apple will use ProMotion branding for the displays like it did for iPhone 13 Pro models, which also support up to a 120Hz refresh rate.
Another display-related rumor that seems incredibly sketchy at first glance claims that the MacBook Pro displays will have a notch similar to recent iPhones. A closer look at previously leaked display resolutions for the upcoming MacBook Pro models suggests there may actually be something to this rumor.
AirPods 3 Ready to Launch and Likely to Be Announced at Apple Event Next Week, Analyst Says
We've been hearing about updated AirPods for quite some time now, with rumors originally stating they would debut earlier in 2021. Multiple sources are reporting that Apple is ready to launch them at any moment, and Monday's event is a prime opportunity.
First Apple Watch Series 7 Orders Arriving to Customers
The Apple Watch Series 7 has officially launched, with the first orders making their way into customers' hands. Supplies remain extremely tight as expected, thanks to early production difficulties, with most new orders not shipping until November or even December.
Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.
Apple's first fall event of 2021 focused on the iPhone and the Apple Watch, but the second, set to be held on Monday, October 18, is expected to be Mac-centric. The upcoming event will see the debut of the highly anticipated 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, plus we could also get refreshed AirPods and a new Mac mini.
This guide highlights everything that we might see at the October event based on the rumors that we've heard so far.
14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro Models
It's been two years since the 16-inch MacBook Pro models last saw a refresh, and we're long overdue for an update. We've been hearing rumors about significantly redesigned 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models for many months now, making this one of the most anticipated refreshes of the year.
Apple is expected to introduce new 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with a design update that features the same flat-edged look we've seen introduced for the iPhone 13, iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini, but on the MacBook Pro, don't expect the new machines to look too wildly different.
The new MacBooks will have slimmer bezels and will lack "MacBook Pro" wording at the bottom to save space. In a callback to the MacBook Pros of yore, Apple is planning to reintroduce ports that have been missing since the 2016 refresh. We're expecting an SD card slot and an HDMI port, which will join the USB-C ports and headphone jack.
The 2021 machines will also see the return of MagSafe, and will feature a breakaway MagSafe charging port that's not too different from the MagSafe port that Apple used for pre-2016 machines. MagSafe technology may bring faster charging speeds than are available with USB-C, but specific details aren't known yet. As expected, MagSafe will require a new charging cable design and an updated power adapter.
Continuing on with the return to a classic design, the 2021 MacBook Pro models will not have an interactive OLED Touch Bar, with Apple instead opting for a standard row of function keys.
A last minute rumor from Weibo has suggested the upcoming MacBook Pro models will feature a notch at the top that houses the webcam, which could suggest very thin bezels. This notch, says the leaker, will be similar in size to the notch on the iPhone 12.
This rumor might sound implausible, but looking at the resolutions of the two machines, it's not out of the realm of possibility. The MacBook Pro models feature resolutions of 3024 by 1964 and 3456 by 2234, and if you subtract 74 pixels from the height of both for the alleged notch, the resulting 3024 by 1890 and 3456 by 2160 resolutions are equivalent to a 16:10 aspect ratio.
All of Apple's existing MacBooks feature a 16:10 aspect ratio, so a 74 pixel notch could theoretically happen, but it's not clear how that would work with the macOS interface. The 74 pixel bar at the top could be used for some other purpose than a notch, but we don't know what. A follow-up alleged photo leak of a MacBook Pro display indeed shows a notch, along with almost non-existent bezels.
Along with the notch, the original rumor claims that the entire keyboard area of the new MacBook Pro is black rather than just the keys, and that the new machines will be thicker with larger fans.
As for display technology, Apple is expected to use mini-LED, and the MacBook Pro models will be the second Apple devices to feature mini-LED displays after the 2021 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Mini-LED technology will allow for a thinner and lighter design, while offering many OLED-like benefits such as improved wide color gamut, high contrast and dynamic range, and truer blacks.
Rumors suggest that 120Hz "ProMotion" refresh rates are also a possibility, though this isn't a sure thing just yet. With ProMotion, the MacBook Pro models would offer a variable refresh rate. The maximum 120Hz refresh rate would bring smoother scrolling, gameplay, and other benefits, while at the lower end, a slower refresh rate would conserve energy when high frame rates are not required, preserving battery life.
True 2x retina resolutions also appear to be coming based on display details that leaked in a recent macOS Monterey update. The 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pros are expected to feature a display resolution of 3024 x 1964 and 3456 x 2234, respectively.
With the updated 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, Apple will eliminate Intel chips from the MacBook lineup. The new machines will be equipped with a faster and more powerful "M1X" chip that builds on the technology introduced with the M1. The M1X is expected to The M1X could feature a 10-core CPU with eight high-performance cores and two energy-efficient cores, along with 16-core or 32-core GPU options.
The new MacBook Pro models are expected to support up to 64GB RAM, and both may have feature parity due to Apple's plans to use the same M1X chip for the 14 and 16-inch sizes. Because both machines will be similar, pricing differences between the two sizes will be less pronounced than prior generations. Base models are expected to feature 16GB RAM and 512GB storage with upgrades available at higher price points.
There's one other notable feature that Mac users will be pleased to hear about - webcam improvements. The new machines are rumored to feature an updated 1080p webcam, which would be the first significant webcam improvement introduced in a MacBook. Current models use years-old 720p technology, but the need for improved video quality has increased due to the prevalence of online work over the past two years.
For more on what to expect from the MacBook Pro, we have a dedicated MacBook Pro guide that aggregates all of the rumors that we've heard about the upcoming machines.
AirPods 3
Apple is developing a new version of the AirPods and rumors say they're ready to go, so it's possible we'll see an announcement at the October event. That said, we also expected to see the AirPods introduced in September alongside new iPhones, which did not happen, so Apple could also hold the launch until later in the year.
The AirPods 3 are expected to feature a more AirPods Pro-like design with shorter stems and a redesigned charging case, but they'll continue to be available at a more affordable price point and won't have high-end features like Active Noise Cancellation. More about what to expect from the AirPods 3 can be found in our dedicated guide.
Mac mini
Apple is working on a high-end version of the Mac mini with an updated design and the same "M1X" chip that's expected to be used in the MacBook Pro, so it's possible we'll see a new Mac mini at the event.
The new machine is rumored to have a design similar to the current Mac mini, but with a smaller footprint and a "plexiglass-like top" that sits over the aluminum enclosure. It will feature four Thunderbolt ports, two USB-A ports, an Ethernet port, and an HDMI port, much like current models, but it is expected to swap to the same magnetic power power port that Apple first introduced for the 24-inch iMac.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said in August that the refreshed Mac mini would be coming in the "next several months," which lines up well with August. The Mac mini is expected to replace the Intel Mac mini that Apple is still selling, and it will be sold alongside the current M1 Mac mini.
macOS Monterey Launch Date
iOS 15, iPadOS 15, watchOS 8, and tvOS 15 all launched in September, but we're still waiting on macOS Monterey, which Apple continues to beta test.
New versions of macOS often come later than other software updates, and at the October event, we're expecting to hear a release date. Apple's upcoming 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models will presumably ship with macOS Monterey, so the software needs to launch before they do.
In the Works But Not Expected Yet
There are also several other devices that are in development, but most of these are rumored for 2022. That said, Apple could surprise us or do pre-announcements, so we thought these upcoming devices might also be worth mentioning.
MacBook Air - Rumored to have a mini-LED display, a new Apple silicon chip, and multiple color options, the MacBook Air refresh is expected in 2022.
iPad Air - The next-generation iPad Air may feature an OLED display and Pro-level features like 5G connectivity, LiDAR, and new cameras and speakers, but it's not rumored to be coming until 2022.
AirPods Pro - Apple is working on a new version of the AirPods Pro with a stemless design and a new wireless chip, and these could come in 2022.
Larger iMac - There's another iMac in the works that has a larger display and a faster Apple silicon chip, but little is known about it and it's not expected in 2021.
Mac Pro - Apple is developing two versions of the Mac Pro, one of which will feature a redesigned chassis that's smaller in size. The new Mac Pro models will feature high-end Apple silicon chip options with 20 or 40 computing cores, made up of 6 high-performance or 32 high-performance cores and four or eight high-efficiency cores. We don't yet know when the new Mac Pro models are coming.
How to Watch
The 'Unleashed' event will kick off on Monday, October 18 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Apple will live stream the event on its website and on YouTube.
For those unable to watch, MacRumors will have live coverage of the event both on MacRumors.com and through our MacRumorsLive Twitter account.
Update 8:30 a.m. October 16: Added mention of alleged MacBook Pro display photo leak.
With the launch of the iPhone 12 models last year, Apple introduced a $129 MagSafe Duo Charger that's able to charge an iPhone and an Apple Watch at the same time, but it's unfortunately already outdated.
The Apple Watch Series 7 has a new fast charging feature that requires an updated charging puck, and that means the Apple Watch Series 7 does not fast charge when connected to the MagSafe Duo as it uses a standard non-fast charge puck.
Apple confirmed that the MagSafe Duo is not able to fast charge an Apple Watch Series 7 in a support document updated this afternoon.
MagSafe Duo Charger doesn't support fast charging with Apple Watch Series 7. To fast charge your Apple Watch Series 7, use the Apple USB-C Magnetic Fast Charging Cable.
Apple may have an updated version of the MagSafe Duo that supports Apple Watch fast charging coming in the future, but Apple Watch Series 7 owners who already own the current version will need to settle for standard charging speeds.
It's Apple Watch Series 7 launch day, which means customers who pre-ordered last Friday are receiving their deliveries. We picked up one of the new Series 7 models and thought we'd go over the features and compare it to the Series 6 for those who are still awaiting their own devices or who are on the fence about purchasing.
Compared to the Series 6, there's not a whole lot new with the Series 7. You're not getting new health features, and even the design is largely the same. The casing sizes are larger, though, coming in at 41mm and 45mm, and there's a noticeably larger display.
Apple has cut down on the size of the display bezels and it's a change that looks nice, plus the expanded size allows for features like new watch faces and a full keyboard for the first time.
The always-on display is brighter than before, and Apple says it's using more durable glass that's more resistant to cracking. There's also IP6X dust resistance certification, which is new and joins the WR50 water resistance rating.
Most people are going to enjoy the larger display, but it could be an issue for those who have smaller wrists and were content with the prior sizing, especially with the 44mm to 45mm jump.
Other than the changes to sizing, the slightly more rounded body, and the tweaked color options, there's not much else new. The Series 7 has all of the same features as the Series 6, like blood oxygen monitoring, ECG, heart rate monitoring, fall detection, and more, with the one other standout feature being a faster charging speed.
Using the new charging puck that comes in the box, the Series 7 can charge at up to 33 percent faster than the Series 6, as long as you have an 18W+ USB-C Apple charger or 5W or greater USB-C PD adapter.
If you're coming from an Apple Watch Series 6, there's no compelling reason to upgrade to the Series 7 unless you want that display increase, but those who have a Series 3, Series 4, or Series 5 will find this a much more notable upgrade that's worth the money. Did you upgrade to a Series 7? Let us know what you think of it in the comments.
For this week's giveaway, we've teamed up with Woolnut to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win a Leather Tech Organizer, which is perfect for wrangling all kinds of accessories like power adapters, cables, power banks, AirPods, AirTags, SD cards, Apple Pencil, and anything else you might like to carry alongside an iPad or a MacBook.
Priced at 105 euros (~$121), the Tech Organizer comes in Black, Cognac, Green, and Blue leather options, and it uses full-grain leather from Scandinavia that will age over time and develop a unique patina. The Tech Organizer opens up folio style, and both halves are rife with straps and pockets for holding various accessories.
There are two main stretch mesh straps that can hold a power adapter big enough for the 16-inch MacBook Pro along with smaller accessories like AirPods and flash drives. A small loop at the bottom is able to hold an Apple Pencil or a regular writing implement, and there's a little zip pouch that can be used for smaller items. Inside the zip pouch, there's a slot for an AirTag or an SD card.
A strap in the middle is able to wrangle cords, and then the other side houses two pockets that are big enough to hold large cables, mice, and other similar-sized products. The inside is all lined with a recycled taffeta polyester material, and the whole thing zips up with a smooth, high-quality YKK zipper to keep everything enclosed and protected.
The Leather Tech Organizer is the ideal size to tuck into a backpack or a bag, and it can also be carried on its own. It measures in at 8.5 inches long, 5.3 inches wide, and 2 inches tall, and it weighs 8.8 ounces.
We have five of the Leather Tech Organizers from Woolnut to give away to MacRumors readers. To enter to win, use the Gleam.io widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winners and send the prizes. You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, following us on Instagram, or visiting the MacRumorsFacebook page.
Due to the complexities of international laws regarding giveaways, only U.S. residents who are 18 years or older and Canadian residents (excluding Quebec) who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory are eligible to enter. To offer feedback or get more information on the giveaway restrictions, please refer to our Site Feedback section, as that is where discussion of the rules will be redirected.
The contest will run from today (October 15) at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time on October 22. The winners will be chosen randomly on October 22 and will be contacted by email. The winners will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before new winners are chosen.
The Apple Watch Series 7 models lack a diagnostic port under the band, which means Apple has to use another means to troubleshoot and restore Apple Watches that come in for repair.
Apple Watch Series 7 models are equipped with a module that enables 60.5GHz wireless data transfer as we discovered in FCC documents in September, with that data transfer capability designed to be used with a proprietary magnetic dock.
The dock was mentioned in one of the FCC filings, but we didn't have a clear visual of it until now. Brazilian regulatory agency Anatel has approved the Apple Watch Series 7 models and provided photos of the dock that Apple is using internally, with the information shared by Brazilian site MacMagazine.
The Apple Watch Series 7 dock is clearly designed for diagnostics, and it has a two piece construction. An Apple Watch charging puck fits into the bottom piece, and then a second piece housing the Apple Watch itself fits over that and aligns with bolts.
Prior to the Apple Watch Series 7, Apple included a diagnostic port on Apple Watch models, with the port hidden under the band. It's not clear why Apple has shifted to wireless diagnostics, and it's also not known how fast the wireless data transfer is. It likely uses USB 2.0 with speeds up to 480Mb/s.
The diagnostic port on Apple Watch Series 6 models and older
There is no word on whether the wireless data module added to the Apple Watch Series 7 could ever have a consumer-facing application, but for now, it's for Apple's internal use only.
