Skip to main content

Top Stories: New MacBook Pro, Mac Mini, HomePod, and More

Surprise! This week ended up being a very busy one for Apple with a number of announcements for several new products we knew were in the works but thought might not be launching quite so soon.


We'll have a lot more to come over the next few weeks as the new products launch, but read on below for all of the announcement details!

Apple Announces New MacBook Pro, Mac Mini, HomePod, and More


Apple made some rare January product announcements this week, introducing updated 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, an updated Mac mini, a new full-size HomePod, and more.


We've put together a recap of everything that Apple announced this week for those looking for a quick overview of all the new products introduced this week. We've also rounded up all of our coverage of the announcements below with more details about each new product.

Apple Announces New MacBook Pros With M2 Pro/M2 Max Chips, Up to 96GB RAM, and More


The new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models are available with Apple's latest M2 Pro and M2 Max chips for up to 20% faster performance and up to 30% faster graphics. The laptops can now be configured with up to 96GB of RAM and feature Wi-Fi 6E, an upgraded HDMI 2.1 port with support for an 8K external display, and an extra hour of battery life.


The laptops can be pre-ordered now on Apple's online store, with the first deliveries to customers and in-store availability to begin January 24.

Apple Announces New Mac Mini With M2 and M2 Pro Chips at Lower $599 Starting Price


Apple also updated the Mac mini with new M2 and M2 Pro chip options, resulting in the final Intel-based Mac mini being discontinued. There are no design changes, but M2 Pro configurations are equipped with four Thunderbolt 4 ports and an HDMI 2.1 port.


The new Mac mini can be pre-ordered now on Apple's online store, with the M2 base model starting at a lower $599 price. Availability begins January 24.

Apple Announces New HomePod for $299 With Full-Size Design, S7 Chip, and More


The second-generation HomePod features a virtually identical design as the full-size HomePod that was discontinued in 2021. The Siri-enabled smart speaker has two fewer tweeters and microphones than the original model, an S7 chip for computational audio, a U1 chip for handing off music from an iPhone, and support for Spatial Audio. The speaker also supports Matter for controlling smart home accessories.


The new HomePod is available to pre-order now for $299 in white and midnight colors and launches on February 3.

iOS 16.3 Coming Next Week: Here's What's New


In its press release about a new Unity watch band for the Apple Watch, Apple said a matching Unity wallpaper for the iPhone will be available next week on iOS 16.3, which confirms that the software update will be released to the public next week — here's what's new.


The only major new features coming in iOS 16.3 are support for physical security keys as a two-factor authentication option for Apple ID accounts and a worldwide expansion of optional Advanced Data Protection for iCloud accounts.

Apple Launches Black Unity Sport Loop With Matching Apple Watch Face and iPhone Wallpaper


Apple this week released a special-edition Black Unity Sport Loop for the Apple Watch in celebration of Black History Month. Available now for $49, the band features the word "Unity" woven into the fabric with red, green, and black yarns that pay homage to the Pan-African flag, according to Apple.


Apple is also releasing a companion Unity-themed iPhone wallpaper and watch face with iOS 16.3 and watchOS 9.3.

MacRumors Newsletter


Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.

So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!
Tag: Top Stories

This article, "Top Stories: New MacBook Pro, Mac Mini, HomePod, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums



Source: TechRadar
Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Android 12 will bring the end of third-party share menus

Apps like Sharedr will no longer be able to replace the default share dialog. What you need to know Third-party apps will not be allowed to replace the Android share menu in Android 12. You will no longer be able to set apps like Sharedr as the default. Google says it never intended to allow third-party apps to replace the official Sharesheet. One of Android 12 's biggest highlights is the new Material You design language, which brings major changes to nearly every key UI component. Android 12 will also introduce a major change to the way users share links and photos, according to a report from XDA Developers . On Android 11 , Google allows third-party apps and OEMs to fully customize the Android Sharesheet, which is the reason why the share dialog differs from one app to another. It is even possible to completely bypass the official Android Sharesheet by setting an app like Sharedr as the default Sharesheet. In addition to providing a more consistent experience, Sharedr
Read more

The new Amazon Fire HD 10 is growing into a viable productivity tablet

An already good entertainment device finally gets productive. Amazon has been busy churning out a whole host of new devices and upgrades to existing devices over the past several months. Earlier this year, I reviewed the excellent Echo Buds (2nd Gen) , and even the fantastic Echo Frames (2nd Gen), have since been updated to include options with sunglass and blue light filtering lenses . In early May, we also learned that Amazon was refreshing the Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8 and that it was even rolling out its first Echo Show for kids . While newer and more novel products like the ones mentioned above often see a faster update cycle, more mature devices like Kindle e-readers and Fire tablets go longer between new versions. In fact, the last update to the Fire HD 10 line was back in 2019, so, understandably, Amazon was ready to reinvigorate its flagship tablet. Not only did it update the specs and colors on the Fire HD 10, but it also gave us a second version in the Fire HD 10 Plu
Read more

Wondershare Photo Collage Studio

Wondershare Photo Collage Studio Studio integrated workshop create albums of your digital photos Yes with this program you can create Albums wonderful from your digital photos and keep them you can create albums stunning so wonderful additions distinctive not imagine it The program supports hundreds of templates and frameworks that can be used during the creation of your album from your digital photos and keep your album in a computer Create beautiful albums and you can add a lot through this program distinctive and you can with this program, add effects beautiful and can set the time to add effects and allows you to program import all image formats and also features a unique interface easier for the professional user and the novice to use this program if you want to view images through your computer, this program will add a great aesthetic touch to browse your photos through this program is a wonderful experience import all image formats
Read more

Save $30 on Echo Dot (3rd Gen) Kids Edition

Echo Dot (3rd Gen) Kids Edition Echo Dot (3rd Gen) Kids Edition, an Echo designed for kids with parental controls - Blue List Price: $69.99 With Deal: $39.99 You Save: $30.00 (43%) Designed with kids in mind - They can ask Alexa to play music, hear stories, call approved friends and family, and explore a world of kid-friendly skills. Buy from USA Buy from UK .
Read more