Top Stories: Rumors about MacBook Pro, iMac and AirPods, macOS 11.2.2, MagSafe Wallet Revisited

March is just around the corner, and that means our first good opportunity for Apple product launches in 2021, as the company frequently has big launches in March or April each year. We hear rumors about MacBook Pro, iMac, AirPods and more, although many of them will be released at different times during the year.

This week also saw a macOS update to fix a significant issue with some of the latest MacBook Pro models when connected to certain USB-C hubs and docks, while our videographer Dan Barbera threw in a second look at the MagSafe leather wallet released alongside the iPhone 12 models. Read on for all the details!

New MacBook Pro models with HDMI port and SD card reader expected to launch later this year

Well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said last month that Apple plans to launch new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models in the second half of this year with brighter Mini-LED screens, a new design. with a flat top. and at the bottom, the return of additional ports and a MagSafe charging cable, and physical function keys in place of the Touch Bar.

This week, Kuo has been more specific on these additional ports, saying that the two new MacBook Pro models will be equipped with at least one HDMI port and an SD card reader.

If those rumors come to fruition, this may be one of the most significant revisions to the MacBook Pro, with many fan-favorite features returning. There’s also a lot of anticipation for next-gen Apple silicon chips given the M1 chip’s already impressive performance in low-end machines like the MacBook Air and the base 13-inch MacBook Pro.

The mini-LED backlight could expand to a new 12.9-inch iPad Pro that would hit the market as early as March.

IMac 2021 set to come in five colors, Apple Silicon Mac Pro to look like ‘stacked’ Mac Minis

Apple’s next-gen iMac will be available in the same colors as the latest iPad Air, including silver, space gray, green, sky blue and rose gold, according to Jon Prosser of Front Page Tech.

BloombergMark Gurman previously reported that the new iMac will be redesigned with thinner bezels and no metal chin under the display, and a flat back cover similar to Apple’s high-end Pro Display XDR. This would represent the first all-in-one desktop redesign since 2012.

Gurman also reported that Apple is developing a smaller version of the Mac Pro with an Apple silicon chip, and Prosser said this week that this machine will look like three to four mini Macs in a stack. The design is perhaps reminiscent of the Power Mac G4 Cube, released in 2000.

Third-generation AirPods may be displayed in a leaked image

Apple is rumored to be working on third-generation AirPods for release later this year, and an alleged image of the headphones and their charging case surfaced on the Chinese website this week. 52audio.

The new AirPods are expected to take inspiration from the “ AirPods Pro ” design by having a smaller shaft and silicone tips, but they would lack high-end features like active noise cancellation, allowing for a lower price tag. . Current AirPods are priced at $ 159 with a wired charging box and $ 199 with a wireless charging box, while AirPods Pro are priced at $ 249.

Japanese website Mac Otakara previously claimed that the second-generation AirPods Pro are also due out in April. Apple aims to make the second-generation AirPods Pro more compact by eliminating the rod that protrudes from the bottom, resulting in a more compact design like Google’s Pixel Buds, according to BloombergIt’s Mark Gurman.

Apple launches macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 to prevent MacBooks from being damaged by non-compliant third-party docking stations

A new macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 software update has been released for Mac users that prevents damage to MacBook Pro 2019 or later and MacBook Air 2020 or later models when connected to certain USBs -C powered third party and non-compliant. hubs and docks, according to Apple.

There have been several reports on Reddit of Mac users connecting USB-C hubs and docking stations to their machines, rendering the machine non-functional. Affected Macs appear to go blank and unresponsive shortly after connecting the docking station. Many users who encountered issues were using hubs and docking stations that were not purchased from reputable companies.

The new ‌‌‌‌‌macOS Big Sur‌‌‌‌ 11.2.2‌ update can be downloaded for free on all eligible Macs using the Software Update section of System Preferences.

Revisiting Apple’s MagSafe Leather Wallet After 3 Months

On our YouTube channel this week, MacRumors Videographer Dan Barbera revisited Apple’s MagSafe Wallet for iPhone 12 models after using the accessory for three months, and his impressions were more favorable after that extended use.

Dan initially disliked the MagSafe wallet as he found it to have a weak magnetic connection and could easily fall out of the iPhone when placing the device in a pocket, but he learned to adjust his spending habits. use in a way that has worked best for him.

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