What to expect at the Apple Silicon MacBook event!
Apple has announced its final event of 2020, One more thing.
On November 10th, Apple is set to reveal three MacBooks and one iMac powered by different versions of their own ARM-based Silicon chips, replacing Intel as the current chip providers for all Macs.
We don’t yet know the names of these chips but rumours say they’ll possibly be called A14T or X depending on model, although I think they’ll go a different route for Macs and try to keep them separate from the iPhone/iPad naming scheme.
Now judging from the leaks so far, it would seem the 12" MacBook is returning again and will be joined by MacBook Pro 14" and 16" models using the A14X Silicon with an iMac finishing off the expected devices this year with the A14T Silicon.
The iMac Pro will most likely come next year with the most powerful Silicon (Apple GPU) as shown on the image above.
I previously spoke about the future of Apple design and what to expect over the next few years and it seems to be coming sooner than even I expected, the new iMac will take a lot of design elements from the iPad Pro/iPhone 12 with flat edges and curved display corners.
Also, the iMac Pro is due next year and not much else is known right now except it will have it’s own Apple Silicon and the most powerful.
The line up also brings back the 12" MacBook that was discontinued early last year to hopefully enter at a $650–750 price point, it should feature a new smaller compact design and hopefully a greatly improved FaceTime camera.
Finally, 2 models of the MacBook Pro, the 13" will become the 14" and the 16" stays the same. These Macs should also come in a new design and personally I’m hoping for some curved corners on the display like the iPad Pro as it gives them a modern look and suits Big Sur MacOS.
These two are also rumoured to feature Mini LED displays which would be a first I believe for a laptop and far more power-efficient than LCD and OLED, this tech is rumoured to be coming to the next iPad Pro in 2021 as well but we’ll have to wait and see.
So along with a redesign for the whole line, we’re also expecting lower prices but I don’t quite believe those leaks until I see it for myself.
It’s a really exciting time for tech, with Microsoft also going with an ARM-based chip for the Surface Pro X line and now Apple, it really does mean some fantastic new design choices can be made for laptops and desktops that have always been hampered by Intel chips and the way they needed cooling fans and vents.
The current line up of Macs are still using a very heavy dated design at the moment and this is the right time for a change, but not everyone will like the new designs as some already dislike the curved corners already found on iPad Pro and iPhone so expect some complaints.
The most defining change will possibly be a more flat top to the MacBooks similar to the iPad Pro/iPhone 12, the lack of roundedness on the lid, smaller bezels and a more boxy look will set the Macs apart from the Intel models.
Personally, I would love a matte black MacBook this time round and hopefully, they ship before Christmas.
So, anything else at this event?
AirTags
Okay, this product has been rumoured for well over a year now, they’re a Tile-like Bluetooth tracking device that’s designed to be attached to items like keys, bags and wallets for tracking purposes, letting you find them right in the Apple “Find My” app.
AirTags will have the built-in U1 ultra-wideband chip that will allow them to connect to an iPhone, relaying the position of items that they’re attached to.
Recent leaks say there may even be two different sizes to choose from but personally, I don’t see that unless one maybe comes with a keyring type accessory attached.
You will be able to use your iPhone, iPad, and Mac to track the location of AirTags much like you do to find missing Apple devices.
The “Find My” app will include an AR feature that lets you use augmented reality to track down an item that’s nearby, with Apple using balloons to let you know visually where an item might be.
I don’t expect these to be hugely expensive and maybe even sold in multi-packs of 2 or 3 for maybe $50/£50, I’d probably grab some for my keys and bags for a bit of fun but I don’t expect mass adoption by the public just yet.
And finally…
AirPods Studio
The other wild card, AirPods Studio will join the AirPods lineup with the AirPods 2 and the AirPods Pro, and the new headphones will feature an over-ear design.
Current rumours indicate the AirPods Studio will feature Active Noise Cancelling found on the AirPods Pro, equaliser settings controlled through an iOS or Mac device, and head and neck detection, similar to the ear detection in the AirPods.
They may feature magnetic ear cups and headband padding that’s able to be swapped out for a customisable look, similar to Apple Watch bands.
This feature will no doubt be the next big accessory money maker for Apple after the Watch bands, It also gives buyers the ability to own something unique and stand out a little, unlike current AirPods.
This is going to be such an interesting event just because we have no idea what Apple Silicon in a Mac can do, what the battery life is like or what redesign they might possibly go with.
It’s a new chapter and I just hope the performance and prices match peoples expectations.
Hopefully, Apple ends the year with some great treats for the Holiday season because I think we all need some joy right now.
