by Surprise! This week ended up being a very busy one for Apple with a series of announcements for various new products that we knew were in the works, but thought might not be launching so soon.
We’ll have much more to come in the coming weeks as new products are released, but read below for all the announcement details!
Apple announces new MacBook Pro, Mac Mini, HomePod and more
Apple made some unusual 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 roundup of everything 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 announcement coverage below with more details on each new product.
Apple announces new MacBook Pros with M2 Pro/M2 Max chips, up to 96GB of 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 external 8K display, and an extra hour of battery life.
The laptops can be pre-ordered now from Apple’s online store, with first customer deliveries and in-store availability beginning January 24.
Apple announces new Mac Mini with M2 and M2 Pro chips at a lower starting price of $599
Apple also updated the Mac mini with new M2 and M2 Pro chip options, resulting in the discontinuation of the last Intel-based Mac mini. There are no design changes, but the M2 Pro setups are equipped with four Thunderbolt 4 ports and one HDMI 2.1 port.
The new Mac mini can be pre-ordered now from Apple’s online store, with the base M2 model starting at a lower price of $599. 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 to 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 delivery music from an iPhone and support for Spatial Audio. The speaker is also compatible with Matter to control 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 available next week: here’s what’s new
In its press release about a new Unity band for the Apple Watch, Apple said that a matching Unity wallpaper for the iPhone will be available next week in iOS 16.3, confirming that the software update will be released at the latest. public next week. new.
The only major new features coming in iOS 16.3 are support for physical security keys like 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 sports 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 threads that pay homage to the pan-African flag, according to Apple.
Apple is also releasing a Unity-themed iPhone wallpaper and watch face with iOS 16.3 and watchOS 9.3.
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