Europe will ask for USB-C chargers, does it complicate Apple?
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(CNN Business) -
Apple is set to kick off its second product event of the season, a month after unveiling its new iPhone 13 line.
At a virtual event this Monday at 1 p.m. ET, the company is expected to unveil two high-end MacBook Pro notebooks powered by its next-generation silicon chip.
It could also present an update to its entry-level AirPods more in line with the characteristics of the AirPods Pro line.
Apple's event marks the start of what promises to be a busy week for tech product launches, with several companies introducing new gadgets ahead of the big holiday season.
Later this week, Google will unveil its Pixel 6 smartphone and Samsung will host a mysterious press event that was never even seen coming.
They estimate that problems in the supply chain will continue until 2022
But these products are launched amid ongoing concerns about global component shortages and logistical problems.
Apple, in particular, faced supply problems earlier in the year that mainly affected the iPad and Mac. Now it appears to be considering cutting its iPhone production targets for this year due to chip shortages.
Apple declined to comment on the report.
However, despite the shortage, the demand for computers continues to grow.
PC shipments, including desktops and laptops, reached 83.6 million units in the second quarter, up 13.2% from the same period last year, according to market research firm IDC.
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Check out the new Apple Watch Series 7 that Apple introduced 1:43
Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush, said Apple's decision to go ahead with new product launches speaks to "the company's confidence" in getting its devices "into the hands of customers for the holiday season despite supply chain skeptics. "
MacBooks M1X
The centerpiece of Monday's event is expected to be the MacBook.
According to a Bloomberg report, the MacBook Pro will receive its first major update in five years.
If the event slogan "Unleashed" and the invitation design - which includes a hyperspace version of the Apple logo - are any indication, Apple will spend some time promoting the MacBook Pro's speed and performance improvements. The company switched to a powerful M1 silicon chip of its own for its line of computers.
Now, its MacBook Pro line is expected to receive the so-called M1X processor which will likely be even faster and more efficient than its M1 chip.
Europe will require USB-C chargers to be a standard.
Apple is not happy
The new notebooks, which are rumored to come in two sizes (14-inch and 16-inch), are said to have thinner bezels, improved displays, longer-lasting batteries, and more memory options.
According to TF International Securities analyst Ming-chi Kuo, who has a good track record of predicting Apple's specs, the company is also expected to ditch one of the MacBook's most controversial features: the Touch Bar.
That little rectangular OLED touchscreen, which was introduced in 2016, replaced the row of function keys on top of the keyboard with text prediction and shortcuts.
Other rumors of the MacBook Pro include bringing back the HDMI port, SD card slot, and a MagSafe charger, the latter of which was dropped when Apple introduced USB-C ports on the line.
AirPods 3
Apple could also show its first AirPods update in two years.
Since their debut in 2016, wireless headphones have become a surprise status symbol and a runaway success for the company.
The third generation AirPods will likely borrow some features from the more premium AirPods Pro line, including shorter stems and a case with a longer battery life.
(The basic version currently costs US $ 159 and the Pro, US $ 259).
See what's new in the latest version of the Apple iPad 1:43
Apple has long relied on offering multiple tiers for products like its iPhones and Apple Watches.
For that reason, the latest AirPods may come without active noise cancellation or spatial audio support so the Pro line can continue to differentiate itself.
(The AirPods Max are your most expensive option at $ 550).
Some October Apple surprises
Apple could also introduce a Mac mini Pro desktop computer with the M1X chip.
But some rumors indicate that a slimmer and redesigned model could be delayed until next year.
Although the company teased new macOS Monterrey features for its Macs at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June, it has yet to announce a release date.
Apple is likely to reveal on Monday when users will be able to download the next generation of software, which includes FaceTime updates, AirPlay support, a low-power mode and a tab grouping feature in Safari.
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