Tag: macbook pro

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Apple reportedly delays M2 MacBook Pro and Mac mini until 2023

It seems earlier rumours indicating Apple could launch its M2-powered MacBook Pro and Mac mini in November might be incorrect. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has reworked its plans and will drop its refreshed Mac lineup in the new year.

Gurman says that Apple’s M2 Pro and Max-powered chips will make their way to the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro in early 2023, replacing the current M1 chips featured in the laptop line. It’s possible we could finally see this laptop refresh at Apple’s March event. Beyond the addition of the M2 chip, not much else is expected to change about Apple’s high-end laptop.

In his Power On newsletter, Gurman also mentions that a refreshed M2-powered Mac mini is coming in 2023. What’s unclear is whether Apple’s cheese grater-like Mac Pro will be refreshed at the same time as the rest of Apple’s Mac lineup. The tech giant still needs to refresh its 24-inch iMac, too.

Apple most recently brought its M2 chip to the iPad Pro (2022). The MacBook Air (2022) and the 13-inch MacBook Pro (2022) also feature the M2 chip.

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Apple will likely reveal its rumoured M2-powered iPad Pro this week

Apple’s upcoming M2-powered iPad Pro will likely be revealed in “a matter of days,” according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

This will be the first new version of Apple’s high-end tablet since the release of the M1-powered 12.9-inch and 11-inch iPad Pro in May of last year. Apple’s more powerful M2 chip will reportedly offer a 20 percent speed boost over the M1 processor featured in last year’s iPad Pros.

Gurman also mentions that Apple plans to launch a new iPad Dock with an integrated speaker and new Macs later this year. The dock will reportedly turn the iPad into a Nest-Hub-like device and sounds very similar to Google’s plans for its Pixel Tablet. Apple’s new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models will feature more powerful versions of its M2 chip called the M2 Pro and the M2 Max. Gurman says that an M2-powered Mac Mini is also on the way.

Apple’s new 2022 iPad Pro will likely feature the same design as last year’s models, including 11-inch and 12.9-inch displays. On the other hand, Gurman says that Apple is also preparing to launch a new entry-level iPad that features USB-C, 5G and an A14 chip. It’s unclear if Apple will announce its new entry-level iPad and iPad Pro tablets simultaneously, but both reveals will likely appear via press releases instead of a dedicated event.

Finally, the report mentions that Apple is working on an updated Apple TV that features its A14 chip and 4GB of RAM, offering a notable power boost over the current A12-powered/4GB of RAM version of the streaming device.

If Gurman’s report is accurate, we won’t have long to wait before Apple refreshes the iPad Pro and its entry-level iPad, with an announcement likely coming later this week.

Source: Bloomberg

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Everything we expect to see at Apple’s fall 2022 event

It’s almost that time of year again.

On September 7th at 1pm ET/10am PT, Apple will hold its ‘Far Out’ keynote at its Cupertino, California campus. While the presentation will feature pre-recorded sections, it’s also the first Apple event with live portions in years.

As always, we have a pretty good idea of what we might see at this year’s fall keynote, including the iPhone 14/iPhone 14 Pro, 2nd-gen AirPods Pro and several new Apple Watches, including the redesigned Apple Watch Pro.

Let’s get into it.

iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro

Rumours have been swirling about Apple’s iPhone 14 line for months now. First off, the iPhone mini line is being killed off this year in favour of the 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Max, which will be sold alongside the 6.1-inch iPhone 14.

Apple’s iPhone 14 devices are expected to look very similar to last year, including the visible notch and even the same A15 chip. According to reports, only Apple’s higher-end iPhone 14 Pro models will offer the tech giant’s new A16 processor.

The iPhone 14 will also likely be available in various colours.

On the other hand, Apple’s 6.1-inch iPhone 14 Pro and 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Pro Max are set to feature more notable upgrades. According to Bloomberg’s often-reliable Mark Gurman, alongside a new A16 chip, Apple’s ‘Pro’ iPhones will ditch the front-facing notch for a pill-shaped camera cutout that houses a 48-megapixel wide shooter capable of capturing 8K video, alongside a circular Face ID sensor.


Some reports indicate Apple plans to fill the display space between the pill-shaped cutout and the circular sensor through software, which, if true, is the most Apple move of all time.

Other rumoured iPhone 14 features include stronger magnets that power exclusive MagSafe accessories that only work with iPhone 14 devices, and emergency calling satellite connectivity.

Apple Watch Pro, Series 8 and SE 2

Next, there’s the slew of new smartwatches that could appear at Apple’s upcoming event.

First off, there’s the Apple Watch Pro, a new high-end, Garmin-like take on the Apple Watch. The more durable version of Apple’s smartwatch is rumoured to feature a flat display and a 1.99-inch screen, making it the largest Apple Watch yet.

Other Apple Watch Pro rumours include that the wearable could offer satellite connectivity, though most reports point to this functionality coming to the high-end smartwatch next year. And finally, there’s a possibility that the Apple Watch Pro might not fit seamlessly with older Watch Bands, marking the first time since the wearable’s launch that older straps won’t work with a new Apple Watch.

Other rumoured Apple Watch Pro features include a new S8 chip and a body temperature sensor, which should also be coming to the Series 8 if rumours are accurate. Overall, the Apple Watch Series 8 is tipped to look and function like the Series 7, with most of the upgrades being on the hardware side.

Finally, there’s the Apple Watch SE 2. Rumours regarding Apple’s entry-level wearable are pretty sparse, but there’s a possibility it could be upgraded with an always-on display and a newer chip since the current version of the smartwatch still features an S5 processor.

2nd-gen AirPods Pro

Like the Apple Watch SE 2, rumours surrounding the 2nd-gen AirPods Pro are few and far between. It’s believed that Apple’s new high-end wireless earbuds will feature shorter stems, upgraded mics, improved sound quality and better battery life.

Some reports highlight a new charging case with USB-C charging and lossless audio support. While we haven’t seen many leaks regarding new AirPods Pro, given the wireless earbuds released back in 2019, they’re arguably long overdue for an upgrade.

iPads, iPad Pro/M2 MacBook Pro, new HomePod and AR headset

Most rumours point to Apple once again holding several keynotes this coming fall, with September 7th’s event focused on the iPhone 14, Apple Watch Pro and the AirPods Pro.

A second event set for October will likely focus on the M2-powered iPad Pro and a new HomePod, followed by a third presentation in November aimed at Apple’s M2 chip and the MacBook Pro. There’s also a possibility we might finally catch a glimpse of the company’s AR/VR headset given most rumours point to it releasing in 2023.

MobileSyrup will be on the ground at Apple’s September 7th keynote, bringing you all the news directly from the show floor.

Source: @mingchikuo, Bloomberg, (1), Naver, Mac Otakara, Weibo’ UnclePan‘

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Apple now offering tools to self-repair Macs with M1 chips

Apple customers in the United States can now purchase parts and tools to repair their MacBook Air and MacBook Pro notebooks with M1 chips at home.

Users can access several parts in the Self Service Repair Store, including display, trackpad and top case with battery.

In a news release, Apple says each part it sells is genuine and receives testing to ensure quality, safety and reliability. The company says it will accept used parts to be refurbished and recycled, and in most cases, offer customer credits to be used towards their purchase.

Apple is also renting out tool kits for $49 for those who don’t want to purchase their own set of Apple tools. The company says the tools “help provide the best repairs.” The company will ship the kit out for one week.

Apple’s self-repair program initially launched in November 2021 and focused on the iPhone 12 and 13. Apple says it will add more Mac models to the program this year.

While the program isn’t available in Canada at this time, that will likely change down the road. Apple says it will expand the repair program to other countries, beginning in Europe. However, the company didn’t provide any timelines.

Source: Apple

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Apple reaches $50 million MacBook Butterfly keyboard settlement in several states

Apple has reached an agreement to pay $50 million USD (roughly $64 million CAD) to settle a class-action lawsuit tied to the beleaguered Butterfly keyboard featured in MacBook models for several years.

Affected laptops include the MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro sold between 2015 and 2019. The issue stems from dust and debris getting inside the low key travel Butterfly switch mechanism causing sticky and unresponsive keys.

The settlement was filed on Monday in a federal court in San Jose, California, but still requires a judge’s approval. U.S. states that are part of the class action include California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York and Washington.

The lawsuit says that Apple’s service program for the Butterfly keyboard was not effective because it replaced broken devices with the same key mechanism.

Payouts are expected to be $395 USD (roughly $509 CAD) for people who replaced multiple keyboards, $125 USD (about $161 CAD) for those who replaced one keyboard and $50 USD (approximately $64 CAD) for anyone who replaced just keycaps. Customers are also eligible for free keyboard repairs for up to four years following their purchase. Apple quietly launched an official MacBook Butterfly keyboard service program back in 2018 for those affected by the issue.

Law firms Girard Sharp LLP and Chimicles Schwartz Kriner and Donaldson-Smith LLP can claim up to $15 million from the $50 million settlement to cover legal fees. In a statement sent to multiple publications, Apple denied any wrongdoing.

Though there are no MacBook Butterfly keyboard-related class-action lawsuits in Canada, the success of this legal action could encourage similar efforts north of the U.S. border.

As a MacBook user, I’ve gotten my Butterfly keyboard-equipped Apple laptops’ repaired several times. However, it’s worth noting that I didn’t encounter issues with the 3rd-gen version of the laptop that includes a protective silicone membrane layer. That said, rather than clearly state that this layer is designed to improve Butterfly keyboard durability, Apple described it as a way to make the keyboard more silent.

Apple recently brought back its popular Magic Keyboard and currently features the more standard scissor-switch mechanism in all of its laptops, including the recently released MacBook Pro (2021) and MacBook Air (2022).

Via: Reuters

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Apple’s entry-level M2 MacBook Pro features slower SSD than M1 version

The recently released M2 MacBook Pro continues to be confusing.

Overall, Apple’s new entry-level M2-powered MacBook Pro offers notable power improvements over its M1 counterpart — until it comes to storage speed.

According to YouTube channels Max Tech and Created Tech (via MacRumors), Apple’s base model M2 MacBook Pro with 256GB of storage features slower SSD speeds compared to the last-gen M1 MacBook Pro. Both YouTube channels tested storage speeds with the Blackmagic Disk Speed test, an app that allows users to test the transfer speed of internal and external storage.

In total, the M2’s SSD is 34 percent slower than the M1 regarding write speed, with read speed offering a 50 percent difference.

Below are the test results from Max Tech:

  • M1 MacBook Pro: 2900 MB/s (read speed) and 2215 MB/s (write speed)
  • M2 MacBook Pro: 1446 MB/s (read speed) and 1463 MB/s (write speed)

Interestingly, this downgrade only seems to be featured in the M2 MacBook Pro with lower storage, with higher storage options offering speeds very similar to the M1, according to YouTuber Aaron Zollo.

The slower speed seems to be related to the fact that the 13-inch MacBook Pro with 256GB of storage only features one NAND flash storage chip, while the previous generation offered two NAND chips with 128GB each.

Will the average user likely notice a difference in performance? Probably not. That said, it’s still a disappointing move on Apple’s part and something those interested in picking up the M2 MacBook Pro should be aware of.

In my experience, the M2 MacBook Pro performed great and benchmarked extremely well, though the tech giant should have made it clear this downgrade exists.

Source: Max Tech, Created Tech, zollotech (YouTube) Via: MacRumors, 9to5Mac

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Select models of Apple’s new M2 MacBook Pros delayed until August

Apple has just recently begun listing its new 13-inch M2 MacBook Pro for sale. Although many of the new units are slated to be delivered near the end of the month, many SKUs are delayed until August.

The 13-inch M2 MacBook Pro is available to purchase now. Depending on the configurations, delivery estimates for the $1,699 device are as early as June 24th. This is especially true when looking at the models with 8GB unified memory.

However, in Canada and other regions like the U.S., some models are facing delays. For instance, 13-inch M2 MacBook Pro models with the upgraded 16GB unified memory are expected to ship by July 7. Though, the delays are more emphasized when looking at the units with 24GB of unified memory. Currently, Apple’s website state they may ship between August 4th and August 11th.

Additionally, certain SSD configurations also face slight delays. Models with a requested 512GB or 1TB SSD of storage also face delays into July.

Apple has been continually dealing with product delays throughout the pandemic. Certain models and configurations have been affected more than others. In this case, the M2 MacBook Pro with 24GB unified memory is being heavily affected. Of course, this delay can more than likely be an effect of the ongoing component shortages and manufacturing issues.

In addition to new products being delayed, analysts and reports peg further delays this year. It’s said that there may be some delays regarding iPhone 14. While Apple is expected to launch four new models, some may be affected by component shortages and China’s strict COVID-19-related lockdowns.

Additionally, reports claim that Apple’s long-rumoured mixed reality headset has also faced delays due to manufacturing and other hurdles. As such, a release is more likely to now fall in early 2023.

As the tech industry continues to grapple with the impacts of COVID-19 and subsequent component shortages, delays such as these are only to be expected.

Source: MacRumors

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Apple’s M2-powered 13-inch MacBook Pro is now available

Apple’s new 13-inch Macbook Pro equipped with its M2 chip is now available to order in Canada.

The new 13-inch MacBook Pro features the same design as its predecessor, including the beleaguered Touch Bar, two Thunderbolt 3 ports and Butterfly keyboard. It’s only the laptop’s processor that has received an upgrade to the new 8-core CPU/10-core GPU M2 chip that Apple claims features 18 percent faster CPU performance and a 35 percent faster GPU when compared to the M1 chip.

Apple’s redesigned MacBook Air equipped with its M2 chip won’t be available to order until next month.

The M2-powered 13-inch MacBook Pro with 8GB of RAM/256GB of storage starts at $1,699 in Canada. The laptop also has 16GB/24GB of RAM and 512GB, 1TB and 2TB storage variants.

Apple’s Canadian website lists delivery as of June 24th. MobileSyrup will have more on Apple’s M2-powered MacBook Pro in the coming days.

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Apple adds M2 chip to MacBook Pro

Apple is bringing its M2 chip to the 13-inch MacBook Pro alongside its new MacBook Air.

The move will provide the device with an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU.

Working with raw images and apps like Affinity Photo will also be up to 40 percent faster than the last generation, says Apple. It’ll be three times faster if upgraded from a model that doesn’t have Apple silicon. Graphic intensive games, like Baldur’s Gate, will also be 40 percent faster.

There’s also support for ProRes encoding and decoding, allowing for video conversation to be three times faster than before.

The new MacBook Pro will also have an active cooling system and 24GB of unified memory along with 50 percent more memory bandwidth. The battery life allows for 20 hours of video playback

The MacBook starts at $1299 USD (roughly $1633 CAD). It will be available in the U.S. next month but it’s unclear when the laptop come to Canada. MobileSyrup has reached out to Apple for more information regarding Canadian pricing.

More to come…

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Getting ready for WWDC 2022 [SyrupCast 260]

On this week’s SyrupCast, Patrick O’Rourke and Brad Bennett outline everything they expect to see at WWDC 2022 next week, including Apple’s often-rumoured AR headset, a new MacBook Air and possibly even a few surprises.

The pod squad also briefly discusses what new features might be included in the new versions of Apple’s operating systems, particularly iOS 16/iPadOS 16 and the possibility of revamped notifications.

As always, you can watch the podcast on YouTube or listen on your favourite podcast platform (the audio version of the podcast will be uploaded soon).

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Image credit: Apple