March is coming, and that means our first good opportunity for Apple product launches in 2021, as the company often makes significant launches in March or April each year. We are hearing rumors about the MacBook Pro, iMac, AirPods and more, although many of them are released 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 models of the MacBook Pro when connected to certain USB-C hubs and docks, while our cameraman Dan Barbera took a second look at the MagSafe leather wallet launched along with the iPhone 12 models. Read all the details!
New MacBook Pro models with HDMI port and SD card reader are due to be launched later this year
Last month, well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that Apple plans to launch new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models in the second half of this year with brighter Mini-LED screens, a new flat top design and the bottom , the return of additional ports and a MagSafe charging cable and physical function keys instead of the touch bar.
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This week, Kuo was more specific about these additional ports, claiming that the two new MacBook Pro models will be equipped with an HDMI port and an SD card reader at a minimum.
If these rumors spread, this could be one of the most significant revisions of the MacBook Pro of all time, with many fan-favorite features returning. There is also a lot of anticipation around next-generation Apple silicon chips, given the already impressive performance of the M1 chip on low-cost machines like the MacBook Air and the base model of the 13-inch MacBook Pro.
The backlighting of the mini-LEDs may extend to a new 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which is scheduled to launch in March.
2021 iMac said to come in five colors, Apple Silicon Mac Pro looks like ‘stacked’ Mac Minis
The next generation of Apple’s iMac will be available in the same colors as the latest iPad Air, including Silver, Space Gray, Green, Sky Blue and Rose Gold, according to Front Page Tech leaker Jon Prosser.
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BloombergMark Gurman previously reported that the new iMac will be redesigned with thinner bezels and no metal jaws below the screen, and a flat back cover similar to Apple’s high-end Pro Display XDR. This would represent 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 said this week that this machine will look like three to four Mac minis in a stack. The design may be reminiscent of the Power Mac G4 Cube, launched in 2000.
Third generation AirPods possibly displayed in leaked image
Apple is rumored to be working on third-generation AirPods for launch later this year, and an alleged image of the headphones and their charging case appeared this week on the Chinese website. 52audio.
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The new AirPods are expected to get design tips from the AirPods Pro for having a smaller stem and silicone tips on the ears, but they are not supposed to have cutting edge features like Active Noise Canceling, allowing for a lower price. Current AirPods cost $ 159 with a wired charging case and $ 199 with a wireless charging case, while AirPods Pro sells for $ 249.
Japanese website Mac Otakara previously stated that the second generation of AirPods Pro is also planned for launch in April. Apple intends to make the second generation AirPods Pro more compact by eliminating the stem that sticks out 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 non-compatible third-party docks
A new macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 software update has been released for Mac users that prevents MacBook Pro 2019 or later and MacBook Air 2020 or later models from being damaged when connected to certain non-compatible powered USB-C from third-party hubs and docks, according to Apple.
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There have been several reports on Reddit of Mac users who have connected USB-C hubs and docks to their machines, resulting in the machine becoming non-functional. Affected Macs appear to be blank and unresponsive right after connecting to the dock. Many of the users who had problems were using hubs and docks not purchased from trusted companies.
The new update for macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 can be downloaded free of charge on all eligible Macs using the Software Update section of System Preferences.
Revisiting Apple’s MagSafe leather wallet after 3 months
On our YouTube channel this week, MacRumors cameraman Dan Barbera revisited Apple’s MagSafe wallet for iPhone 12 models after using the accessory for three months, and his impressions were more favorable after that prolonged use.
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Dan initially didn’t like the MagSafe Wallet because he found that it had a weak magnetic connection and could easily fall off the iPhone when he put the device in his pocket, but he learned to adjust his usage habits in a way that worked best for him.
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