March is just around the corner, which marks our first good chance for Apple product launches in 2021, as the company often has major launches every March or April. We hear rumors about MacBook Pro, iMac, AirPods, and more, although many of these will appear at different times throughout the year.
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This week also saw a macOS update to address a significant issue with some of the latest MacBook Pro models when connected to certain USB-C hubs and docks, while our videographer Dan Barbera took another look at the MagSafe Leather Wallet that was released alongside the iPhone 12. models. Read on for all the details!
New MacBook Pro models with HDMI port and SD card reader are expected later this year
Last month, noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple plans to launch new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with brighter Mini-LED displays in the second half of this year, a new design with a flat top. and at the bottom, the return of extra ports and a MagSafe charging cable and physical function keys instead of the Touch Bar.
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This week, Kuo got more specific about those extra ports, claiming that the two new MacBook Pro models will come with at least an HDMI port and an SD card reader.
If these rumors do emerge, it may be one of the most sweeping MacBook Pro innovations ever, with the return of many fan-favorite features. There is also a lot of anticipation around the next generation of Apple silicon chips, given the already impressive performance of the M1 chip in lower end machines like the MacBook Air and the base model 13-inch MacBook Pro.
Mini LED backlighting could be upgraded to a new 12.9-inch iPad Pro that is said to be released as early as March.
By 2021 iMac would be available in five colors, Apple Silicon Mac Pro resembles ‘stacked’ Mac Minis
According to Front Page Tech leaker Jon Prosser, Apple’s next-generation iMac will be available in the same colors as the latest iPad Air, including silver, space gray, green, sky blue and rose gold.
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BloombergMark Gurman has previously reported that the new iMac will be redesigned with thinner bezels and no metal chin under the display, and a flat back, similar to Apple’s high-end Pro Display XDR. This would be the first redesign of the all-in-one desktop computer since 2012.
Gurman also reported that Apple is developing a smaller version of the Mac Pro with an Apple silicon chip, and Prosser claimed this week that this machine looks something like three to four Mac minis in a stack. Its design may be reminiscent of the Power Mac G4 Cube released in 2000.
Third-generation AirPods may be shown in leaked image
Rumor has it that Apple is working on the third-generation AirPods to be released later this year, and an alleged image of the earphones and their charging case surfaced on the Chinese website this week. 52 audio
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The new AirPods are expected to take design cues from the AirPods Pro by having a smaller stem and silicone ear tips, but they will reportedly lack high-end features such as active noise cancellation, giving them a lower price tag. The current AirPods cost $ 159 with a wired charging case and $ 199 with a wireless charging case, while the AirPods Pro retails for $ 249.
Japanese website Mac Otakara has previously claimed that the second-generation AirPods Pro will also be released in April. Apple is aiming to make its second-generation AirPods Pro more compact by removing the stem protruding from the bottom, resulting in a more compact design like Google’s Pixel Buds, according to Bloombergis Mark Gurman.
Apple releases macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 to prevent MacBooks from being damaged by incompatible third-party docking stations
A new macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 software update has been released for Mac users that prevents 2019 or later MacBook Pro models and 2020 or later MacBook Air models from being damaged when connected to certain incompatible USB-C powering third-party hubs and docks, Apple said.
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There are several reports on Reddit from Mac users who have USB-C hubs and docks plugged into their machines causing the machine to stop functioning. The affected Macs appear to be dead and become unresponsive shortly after connecting the dock. Many of the users who encountered problems used hubs and docks that were not purchased from reputable companies.
The new macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 update is available for free download on all eligible Macs using the Software Update section of System Preferences.
Review of Apple’s MagSafe leather wallet after 3 months
On our YouTube channel this week, MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera revisited Apple’s MagSafe Wallet for iPhone 12 models after three months of using the accessory, and his impressions were more favorable after this extended use.
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Dan initially disliked the MagSafe wallet because he found it had a weak magnetic connection and could easily fall off the iPhone when he put the device in a pocket, but he has learned to adjust his usage habits in a way that suits it works out better.
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