Top Stories: MacBook Pro redesigned in 2021, MagSafe Duo released, HomePod Mini vs competition

You’d think the news and rumors would subside a bit as December approached, but that certainly wasn’t the case this week as we’ve seen a bit of both. On the rumor front, the biggest was a new report from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reiterating that Apple plans to make two redesigned MacBook Pro models next year with Apple Silicon and Mini-LED displays, with mini LED flowing on the MacBook Air. 2022.

MacRumors also got an internal rating for Apple service providers suggesting we might see new material launching next Tuesday via a press release. On the news side, Apple’s MagSafe Duo charger has finally launched, and we’ve taken to the field with Apple’s new charger and new leather cover for the iPhone 12 range. Read below for more. details on these stories and more from last week!

Two redesigned MacBook Pros with Apple Silicon and mini-LED displays expected in 2021, followed by a 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 reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. He also expects a new MacBook Air with Apple Silicon and a Mini-LED display to launch in 2022, but it’s unclear whether it will sport a new design.

Kuo previously claimed that both MacBook Pros will be new 14-inch and 16-inch models expected to launch late in the second quarter through the third quarter of next year. Apple has already announced plans to transition its entire Mac lineup to Apple Silicon within about two years, with other models 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 low-end 13-inch MacBook Pro, and a Mac mini. Apple said the chip delivers peak performance per watt, as demonstrated by impressive benchmarks and actual use tests.

Mini-LED backlighting has long been popular for the Mac and is said to offer many advantages over OLED displays on some other Apple devices, including higher brightness, better contrast ratio, and increased power efficiency compared to a traditional LCD display. . At least an upcoming iPad Pro model would also feature Mini-LED technology.

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

After previewing 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 in select Apple stores. Store. We’ve used the new charger before, so be sure to watch our video for our first impressions.

Priced at $ 129, the MagSafe Duo includes 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 should be noted that the ‌MagSafe‌ Duo is not capable of charging iPhone 12 models at the full 15W supported by the ‌MagSafe‌ standalone charger, and is instead limited to a maximum of 14W when paired with a 27W or greater USB-C power adapter, according to Apple.

MagSafe Duo is compatible with all iPhones that support wireless charging, including iPhone 8 and newer, in addition to every generation of Apple Watch and AirPods / AirPods Pro with a wireless charging case.

AppleCare Memo hints at potential hardware announcement next Tuesday

In an internal memo this week, obtained by MacRumors, Apple has informed service providers that AppleCare-related changes are scheduled for Tuesday, December 8 at approximately 5:30 a.m. PT. Specifically, Apple advised technicians to prepare for new product SKUs and associated pricing descriptions / updates.

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

Last month, cryptic but reliable Twitter user “L0vetodream” tweeted that there would be an “Apple Christmas surprise”, but it’s still unclear what product (s) might be announced next Tuesday, if applicable. There have been countless rumors about Apple’s item tracking AirTags, AirPods-branded on-ear headphones, and a new Apple TV with a game controller, but it’s unclear whether any of these products is ready to launch before the end of 2020.

Any announcement would almost certainly come via a press release, as Apple is no longer expected to host any events this year.

$ 99 speaker showdown: HomePod Mini vs. Amazon Echo and Google Nest Audio

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

‌ Many reviewers and customers have praised the HomePod mini’s high-quality sound for its price, so in a recent hands-on video we thought we would compare it to Google’s Nest Audio and Amazon’s Echo to see how good it performs. locates in terms of sound quality, design and intelligence.

Convenient use 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 cover which recently went on sale.

We picked one of the leather sleeves to check it out to see if it’s worth the $ 129 Apple charges. The leather sleeve is available for the ‌iPhone 12‌, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, and 12 mini, with all cases being sold at the same price.

Also watch our hands-on video with Apple’s new MagSafe Wallet from last month.

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