(CNN Business) -
Apple unveiled its second batch of new products for 2021, with the holiday shopping season close to hand.
At a virtual event on Monday, the company displayed high-end MacBook Pro latptops equipped with its next-generation silicon chip.
It also introduced the AirPods 3, its basic wireless earbuds that take some features from the higher-end models, the AirPods Pro.
Apple's event took place amid concerns over global component shortages and logistics issues plaguing the entire tech industry.
Still, Google will unveil its Pixel 6 smartphone on Tuesday, and Samsung is preparing a mysterious press event the next day.
Here's a look at Apple's announcements:
Macbook pro
Apple introduced MacBook Pro laptops that use its new internal M1 Pro and M1 Max processors, which promise to be 70% faster and more efficient than its previous M1 chip.
The Pro comes in two sizes - 16-inch and, for the first time, a 14-inch model - and features thinner bezels and improved displays, with a higher refresh rate.
Other improvements include longer-lasting batteries and an advanced front-facing camera that can record 1080p video.
Apple also got rid of its digital Touch Bar, which replaced the row of function keys at the top of the keyboard with predicting text and shortcuts.
But the Pro does include a fingerprint sensor located on the power button.
The company also brings back the HDMI port, SD card slot, and a MagSafe charger, which it had removed when Apple introduced USB-C ports.
The new 14-inch MacBook Pro starts at $ 1,999, and the 16-inch model starts at $ 2,499.
AirPods 3
Apple introduced its third generation AirPods, which borrows some of the best features from its high-end AirPods Pro.
AirPods 3 feature spatial audio, better sound quality - providing more powerful bass and clearer highs - and are sweat and water resistant for workouts.
It also includes a new contour design and an adaptive equalizer, a feature that the AirPods Pro already had.
Wireless headphones personalize sound in real time by adjusting frequencies based on what your ear hears.
The latest model offers longer battery life, promising up to 6 hours of battery life, and 5 minutes of charging for one hour of use.
In addition, Apple adds the MagSafe function and wireless charging to the case.
The AirPods 3, which are available to pre-order starting this Monday, cost US $ 179, while the AirPods 2, US $ 129. The AirPods Pro will remain at US $ 249 and its AirPods Max, US $ 549.
These are Apple's new and expensive AirPods Max 1:17
Some surprises
The company added a pop of color to its HomePod mini line.
In addition to black and white, from November the HomePod mini will be available in orange, yellow and dark blue for $ 99.
In addition, Apple Music adds a voice plan with Siri integration.
For about $ 5 a month, subscribers can ask Siri to pull out playlists, songs, and radio stations.
The voice-only option is cheaper than its current plan at $ 9.99 per month and the family plan at $ 14.99 per month.
MacOS Monterrey release date
Although Apple had already announced the arrival of new features to macOS Monterrey in June, it had never formally revealed a release date.
The latest Mac software, including FaceTime updates, AirPlay support, a low-power mode, and a tab grouping feature in Safari, will be available for download starting October 25.
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5 hours ago
Apple introduced its new MacBook Pro
Apple announced a new design for the MacBook Pro that will be available in 16-inch and, for the first time, in a 14-inch model.
The new design is thinner and lighter and includes thermal capabilities with fans that move 50% more air.
The 120 Hz display will automatically adapt to take advantage of the battery.
Apple increased the active area to 16.2 inches on its 16-inch laptop.
It has also increased its pixel density to 7.7 million pixels, which is the highest ever provided on a Mac notebook.
The 14-inch laptop will have a 14.2-inch active area with 5.9 million pixels.
The new 14-inch MacBook costs $ 1999, while the 16-inch one costs $ 2499.
5 hours ago
Two new chips to improve MacBook performance: M1 Pro and M1 Max
Apple introduced two new chips to improve the performance of its MacBooks and consume less battery.
M1 Pro
The next chip in the M1 family for the MacBook has 32GB of memory and promises 72% better performance than the M1 chip that currently powers MacBooks.
Video production and streaming are promised to improve with this chip.
M1 Max
The M1 Max goes one step further than the M1 Pro and offers 64GB of unified memory.
It is the largest chip Apple has ever built.
5 hours ago
Apple announced third generation AirPods
Apple introduced its third generation AirPods, which borrows some of the best features from its high-end AirPods Pro.
AirPods 3 feature spatial audio, better sound quality - providing more powerful bass and clearer highs - and are sweat and water resistant for workouts.
It also includes a new contour design and an adaptive equalizer, a feature that the AirPods Pro already had.
Wireless headphones personalize sound in real time by adjusting frequencies based on what your ear hears.
The latest model offers longer battery life, promising up to 6 hours of battery life, and 5 minutes of charging for one hour of use.
In addition, Apple adds the MagSafe function and wireless charging to the case.
The AirPods 3, which are available for pre-order starting this Monday, cost $ 179, while the AirPods 2, $ 129.
The AirPods Pro will remain at $ 249 and its over-the-ear headphones, the AirPods Max, cost $ 549.
5 hours ago
The HomePod mini will be available in new colors
Apple announced that its HomePod mini speaker system will be available in new colors starting this fall.
In addition to black and white, the HomePod mini will soon be available in orange, yellow and dark blue, the company has reported.
The new HomePod minis will be available for $ 99 starting in November.
5 hours ago
Apple Music to introduce cheaper "Voice Plan"
Apple introduced a Voice Plan in its music app.
Priced at $ 4.99 per month, this is a cheaper Apple Music subscription that integrates voice operations.
This new plan is in addition to the existing Individual Plan of $ 9.99 per month and the Family Plan of $ 14.99 per month.
5 hours ago
Apple event started
Apple's second fall product launch event kicked off.
This comes a month after the new iPhone 13 line was unveiled.
The company is expected to unveil two high-end MacBook Pro notebooks, marking its first major design update in five years.
Apple may also introduce the third generation of AirPods.
You can watch the event on Apple's website, as well as through the Apple TV app.
It will also be streamed on Apple's YouTube page.
5 hours ago
Apple is likely to announce a macOS Monterrey release date
Apple announced the new macOS Monterrey features for its Macs at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June.
These are some of the main features:
FaceTime Updates: Portrait Mode, which creates a bokeh effect that blurs the background, is coming to FaceTime.
Android and Windows users will be able to join FaceTime calls for the first time, and a new tool called SharePlay will allow users to watch TV shows and movies, listen to music, or share screens in real time on FaceTime.
AirPlay support: users will be able to share, play or present content from an Apple device directly to their Mac.
Safari updates: Apple's web browser has a new minimalist look and the ability to access groups of tabs from any Apple device.
"Focus Mode": Apple's new Focus feature helps you stay focused on what you're working on, allowing you to receive only the notifications you want.
Universal control: macOS users will be able to control an iPad or other Apple device (even another Mac) directly from their computer.
6 hours ago
The event will revolve around MacBooks
Apple is set to kick off its second product event of the season, just a month after unveiling its new iPhone 13 line.
At a virtual event, the company is expected to unveil two high-end MacBook Pro notebooks, its first major design update to its MacBook Pro line in five years.
What to Expect from Apple's MacBook Event
If the event slogan, "Unleashed," and the invitation illustration, which includes a hyperspace version of the Apple logo, are any indication, Apple will have a good time promoting the MacBook Pro's speed and performance improvements, thanks on all to its next generation silicon chip.
In 2020, 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.
Here are some of the other key features that are rumored:
Size Options and Memory Variations: The new notebooks are said to come in two sizes - 14 inches and 16 inches - with more memory options
Screen updates with thinner bezels
No More Touch Bar: The company is also expected to ditch one of the MacBook's most controversial features: the small rectangular OLED touchscreen that replaced the row of function keys on top of the keyboard with prediction text and shortcuts. .
Back to Basics: Other MacBook Pro rumors include bringing back the HDMI port, SD card slot, and a MagSafe charger, the latter of which was phased out when Apple introduced the USB-C line of ports.
Longer battery life
6 hours ago
How to watch the Apple event?
Apple CEO Tim Cook during Apple's latest virtual launch event on September 14.
Apple's product launch event will take place again virtually.
The event will be streamed on Apple's website, as well as through the Apple TV app.
It will also be streamed on Apple's YouTube page.
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