So we're just few hours away now from apple's next digital event that will be streaming from apple park. The event is rumored to be packed with lots of surprises. Apple's first hardware event of the fall saw the launch of the long-awaited iPhone 13 lineup with a 120Hz ProMotion screen and upgraded cameras. Apple’s “unleashed” event is expected to unpack its latest silicon, new Macs, and more. While the new MacBook Pro models are touted as the highlight of the event, the company probably has other equally interesting announcements up its sleeve.
How to Watch Apple's Oct 18 Hardware
Event
Before we get into all of the products we expect Apple to
unveil at its hardware event tomorrow, let's quickly detail how you can watch
the 'Unleashed' event. Like other recent Apple events, this will also be a
virtual release and will be streamed live on Apple's official event page and
YouTube channel on October 18 (Monday) at 10:00 AM PDT (1:00 PM EST, 10:30 PM
IST or 6:00 PM BST). Here is what to expect from today’s event
New 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro
Rumors about the redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro
models have been around for some time. And if the reports are true, we'll likely see Apple
announce two new state-of-the-art MacBook Pro models at the next event.
Considering that notebooks have been redesigned for several years, all eyes are
on this big announcement.
Flat Edge Design
Going through the leaked images, the 14-inch and 16-inch
MacBook Pros will feature a flat-edged design in keeping with the newly
launched iPhone 13 and iPad mini 6 series. In addition, the notebooks will have
slimmer bezels for a modern look.
Another design element that might get a lot of attention is
the removal of the “MacBook Pro” tag from the bottom of the screen. The
reasoning behind this decision is simple. Apple wants to achieve an impressive
frameless design and provide more screen space for its users.
Notch With Better Webcam
The future 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Professional models
will have a notch that houses the webcam. According to the report, the notch
will be similar in size to that found on the iPhone 12 series. While I'm not
sure how it will work with Apple's existing desktop operating system, I don't
think it's out of the question.
Also, if you've been active on Twitter recently, macOS
Monterey users have noticed that the menu bar at the top is now thicker than in
macOS Big Sur. They speculate that the thickening may be a clue to this change
of project to come to accommodate the notch.
Knowing the fact that Apple is aiming for an end-to-end
display, the inclusion of a small notch at the top with a better webcam seems
to be in the realm of possibilities. Rumors suggest that the 2021 MacBook Pros
unveiled at Apple's Oct. 18 event will have an updated 1080p webcam, which
would be a significant improvement. Currently, MacBooks come with a
below-average 720p webcam.
mini LED screen
After introducing a mini-LED screen in the 12.9-inch iPad
Pro 2021, Apple is now rumored to equip upcoming MacBook Pro models with the
same display technology. With mini-LED technology, notebooks will have a
slimmer and lighter design. In addition, it will also bring many OLED-like
benefits, including high contrast, dynamic range, truer blacks, and support for
a wider color gamut.
ProMotion 120 Hz refresh rate
In an attempt to take over gaming laptops, Apple must
introduce ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate support on new MacBook Pro models as
well. With a higher refresh rate, MacBook Pros will provide smooth scrolling
and an enhanced gaming experience. Thanks to the variable refresh rate, it
would also help conserve precious battery life.
Based on display details leaked in a recent macOS Monterey
update, True 2x retina resolutions appear to be on the charts for upcoming
models. The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros likely feature a screen resolution
of 3024 x 1964 and 3456 x 2234, respectively.
RIP Touch Bar, finally!
Without detracting from the Touch Bar's usefulness, I would
go so far as to say that it has generally remained a “gimmick” that has failed
to make the cut for most pros from day one. So, if Apple's expert analyst
Ming-Chi Kuo is to be believed, Apple decided to ditch the Touch Bar in favor
of a classic but friendlier design.
Touch bar would likely
be removed on new MacBook Pro models
“ Touch Bars continue to be the No. 3 app, with an 18% unit
share and 1.2% revenue share in Q1 21. We expect Touch Bars to be overtaken by
tablets when Apple starts to adopt the 10.9” iPad AMOLED. In addition, our
sources suggest that Apple may cancel Touch Bar in the future,” says a recent
report by Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC).
Instead of the interactive OLED touch bar, the 2021 MacBook
Pro models that will be unveiled at Apple's Oct. 18 show will feature a
standard lineup of function keys. While it feels like stepping back in time,
it's a smart move to get rid of the OLED touch strip and opt for physical keys
to allow you to control certain functionality.
Apple's most powerful M1X chip
With the launch of the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro
models, Apple will completely get rid of Intel chips. This means that both the
latest generation MacBooks will feature the fastest and most powerful Apple M1X
chip . It has long been rumored that it will come and be the successor to the
original M1 chip.
Equipped with a 10-core CPU that features eight
high-performance cores and two energy-efficient cores, as well as a
16-core/32-core GPU, the M1X chip will put the MacBook Pro ahead of the
competition in terms of speed and efficiency. In addition, the 14-inch and
16-inch MacBook Pros entry-level models will have 16GB of RAM, but will support
up to 64GB of RAM. As for storage, 512GB SSD storage will be standard across
the board, with upgrades available at higher prices.
SD card slot, HDMI port and MagSafe
In what could be great news for developers who have
complained about the lack of an SD card slot and an HDMI port on MacBook
Professional models since 2016, the tech giant will likely add more ports to
upcoming notebooks. Yes, it was in 2016, when Apple radically dropped most
ports in favor of just USB-C ports on the MacBook.
In addition, MacBook Pro 2021 models should also bring back
MagSafe magnetic charging in a more efficient iteration. The 14-inch and
16-inch Pro models that will launch at Apple's show today may feature a MagSafe
charging port that will provide faster charging speed than the existing USB-C
port.
Mac mini smaller and thinner
With an updated design and the same Apple M1X chip that
should power the new MacBook Pros, the 2021 Mac mini looks ready for a big
update. Following the reports, the updated Mac mini will also be unveiled at
Apple's event today.
Featuring a smaller form factor and a plexiglass top over
the aluminum case, the Mac mini will be more portable. It will have four
Thunderbolt ports, one Ethernet port, one HDMI port and two USB-A ports, as
reported. In addition, the new Mac mini will use the same magnetic power
connector as the newly launched 24-inch M1 iMac.
Affordable AirPods 3
AirPods 3 were previously expected to arrive alongside the
iPhone 13 series, but that didn't happen last month. Now, rumors suggest they
will be announced alongside the new MacBook Pros. In terms of design, AirPods 3
will bear a striking resemblance to AirPods Pro.
The shorter poles and a redesigned charging case will make
wireless headphones look modern. However, AirPods 3 will be available at a more
affordable price and will not come with state-of-the-art features such as
Active Noise Canceling. We will have to wait for the official event for more
information.
macOS 12 Monterey release date
Although iOS 15, iPadOS 15, watchOS 8 and tvOS 15 were
released to the public in September, there is still no news about the release
of Apple's latest desktop operating system-macOS 12 Monterey. As the new
version of macOS usually comes after other software updates, the release date
of macOS Monterey can be announced at the Apple event on today
