Featured Stories: MacBook Pro Redesigned in 2021, MagSafe Duo Launch, HomePod Mini vs. Competition

You’d think the news and rumors would stabilize a bit as we move into December, but that certainly wasn’t the case this week as we saw a bit of both. On the rumor front, the biggest one was a new report from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reiterating that Apple is planning two redesigned MacBook Pro models next year with Apple Silicon and Mini-LED displays, with Mini-LEDs dripping through. the MacBook Air in 2022.

MacRumors it also got an internal note for Apple’s service providers suggesting that we might see some new hardware released next Tuesday through a press release. As for the news, Apple’s MagSafe Duo charger is finally released, and we’ve gotten down to business with both the new charger and Apple’s new leather case for the iPhone 12 line. Read on to get! details on these stories and more from last week!

Two redesigned MacBook Pros with Apple Silicon and Mini-LED displays are expected in 2021, followed by the new MacBook Air in 2022

Apple plans to release two redesigned MacBook Pro models with Apple Silicon and Mini-LED displays in 2021, according to trusted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. He also expects a new MacBook Air with Apple Silicon and a Mini-LED display to be released in 2022, but it is unclear if it will have a new design.

Kuo has previously stated that the two MacBook Pros will be new 14-inch and 16-inch models launching late from the second quarter to the third quarter of next year. Apple has already announced that it plans to transition its entire Mac lineup to Apple Silicon within about two years, and other models are rumored to be in the works, including a redesigned 24-inch iMac and a new Mac Pro that looks like the design. current at about half the size. .

Apple released the first three Macs with its custom M1 chip last month, including a new MacBook Air, a lower-end 13-inch MacBook Pro, and a Mac mini. Apple said the chip offers industry-leading performance per watt, as evidenced by impressive benchmarks and real-world usage tests.

The mini-LED backlighting has long been rumored for Macs and would offer many of the same benefits as OLED displays on some other Apple devices, including higher brightness, an improved contrast ratio, and greater energy efficiency compared to a display. Traditional LCD. At least one upcoming iPad Pro model is also rumored to feature Mini-LED technology.

MagSafe Duo charger for iPhone 12 and Apple Watch is now available for purchase

Following a preview at Apple’s iPhone 12 event in September, the MagSafe Duo Wireless Charger is now available for purchase on Apple.com, in the Apple Store app, and at select Apple Store locations. We’ve already tested the new charger, so be sure to watch our video for our first impressions.

Priced at $ 129, the MagSafe Duo features a MagSafe charger and Apple Watch charger integrated side by side in a foldable accessory, with power supplied by an included Lightning to USB-C cable. However, like the latest iPhones, the Apple-recommended 20W power adapter is not included in the box and must be purchased separately for $ 19 if required.

It’s worth noting that the ‌MagSafe‌ Duo cannot charge iPhone 12 models at the full 15W supported by the standalone ‌MagSafe‌ charger, and is instead limited to a maximum of 14W when paired with a 27W USB-C power adapter or superior, according to Apple.

MagSafe Duo is compatible with all iPhones that support wireless charging, including iPhone 8 and later, plus all generations of the Apple Watch and AirPods / AirPods Pro with a wireless charging case.

AppleCare Memo hints at possible hardware announcement next Tuesday

In an internal memo this week, obtained by MacRumors, Apple informed service providers that it has AppleCare-related changes planned for Tuesday, December 8, at approximately 5:30 AM Pacific Time. Specifically, Apple has advised technicians to prepare for new product SKUs and related descriptions / price updates.

Apple has issued nearly identical memos prior to several previous product announcements, and 5:30 AM PST has been a common time for Apple to issue press releases featuring new products, so there could be a potential announcement of Apple hardware next Tuesday.

Cryptic but trustworthy Twitter user “L0vetodream” tweeted last month that there will be an “Apple Christmas surprise,” but it’s unclear what product (s), if any, might be announced next Tuesday. There have been countless rumors about Apple AirTags item tracking, AirPods brand on-ear headphones, and a new Apple TV with a gaming controller, but it’s unclear if any of these products are ready to launch before the end of 2020.

Any announcement will almost certainly come through a press release, as Apple is not expected to host any more events this year.

$ 99 Speaker Showdown: HomePod Mini vs. Amazon Echo and Google Nest Audio

Apple recently launched the HomePod mini, and its $ 99 price tag makes it more competitive with affordable smart speakers from Amazon and Google.

‌Many critics and customers have praised the HomePod mini’s high-quality sound at its price point, so in a recent hands-on video, we thought we’d compare it to Google’s Nest Audio and Amazon’s Echo to see how it compares in terms of sound quality, design and intelligence.

Practice with the leather case for iPhone 12 models

This year, Apple released a handful of accessories for the new iPhone 12 models, and in addition to the standard silicone and leather cases, there is also a new leather case that recently went on sale.

We picked up one of the leather cases to see if it’s worth the $ 129 that Apple is charging. The leather case is available for the iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, and 12 mini, and all cases are priced the same.

Also see our how-to video with last month’s new Apple MagSafe Wallet.

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