Apple Event Live Updates: MacBook Pro and AirPods 3 Announced! [Event Over]

[RBegleiter]

Apple's virtual "Unleashed" event kicks off today at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, with the headline announcement expected to be redesigned MacBook Pro models based on Apple silicon. We will almost certainly also be hearing a release date for macOS Monterey and may see a few other announcements such as third-generation AirPods and a new high-end Mac mini.

Apple is providing a live video stream on its website, on YouTube, and in the company's TV app across its platforms. We will also be updating this article with live blog coverage and issuing Twitter updates through our @MacRumorsLive account as the keynote unfolds. Highlights from the event and separate news stories regarding today's announcements will go out through our @MacRumors account.

As usual, Apple's online store is currently down in advance of the event.

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Article Link: Apple Event Live Updates: MacBook Pro and AirPods 3 Announced! [Event Over]

During a VERY short video image shown in the Apple event Monday 10-18-2021, I noticed 8 screws on the underside of the new MBP models. (This image appears at 31:43 into the Apple stream.)
This holds out some hope of pro users being able to install/upgrade SSDs and, possibly, even RAM.
Here’s my highlighted screenshot (which was shown at 31:43 into the Apple stream).

 

[batfink]

More expensive than I was expecting.

Ordered the 2nd 14” option. So 10 core, 16 gpu, 1tb ssd, faster charger. Wanted more ram but it starts to get silly.

I realise it’s the same price as the base 16 model which has 512gb ssd, which is fine but not sure 16“ is portable enough for planes, trains and the likes.

Also wanted to order a mini M1 max and new display.

This is what I’m thinking. Do you think it’ll be ok for editing Final Cut Pro?

 

[justperry]

so these high prices only serve to maximise profits and possibly subsidise prices in the US.

Maximise profits for sure, subsidise US, mmmm...maybe.

 

[DronesOn]

Bezel is wasted space. I’d MUCH rather have more screen, than maintaining some design aesthetic.

Maybe, for no-notchers, they can bring that menu bar back down, and sell a $45 strip of electrical tape to bring the precious bezel back! 😉

On a laptop with no touchscreen I agree.

On a phone or tablet though you need at least a bit of border to avoid bogus taps and swipes when holding the device.

 

[AND411]

First reason which you commit here is the 19-21% sales Tax.

I am aware of that, without taxes the prices are still $200 more expensive in € than in $ !

 

[gugy]

Bezel is wasted space. I’d MUCH rather have more screen, than maintaining some design aesthetic.

Maybe, for no-notchers, they can bring that menu bar back down, and sell a $45 strip of electrical tape to bring the precious bezel back! 😉

The notch doesn't bother me in a laptop. The space is wasted by the menu anyway and when you are watching a movie in full screen usually the letter box is there anyway.

 

[Bonte]

I wouldn’t hold my breath on these chips in a Mac Mini. Need to upsell you to the pro products.

Then make it a Mac mini pro or a new tower. But you could be right, Apple could leave the mini as is and move to an even more powerful tower. It’s not logical to only have a laptop and desktop with the exact same speed and specs.

 

[usagora]

Do you guys understand that this notch destroys the single bar menu?

Destroys it? LOL! Is it really that big of a deal if menu bar is split slightly in the middle?

 

[Tozovac]

Crap. I should have held off on getting the m1 last year.

I'm thinking of the benefits of the M1 in the refurb shop.

 

[Wildkraut]

A tie wallpaper will fit that notch well 🤣

 

[Bobby Smallwood]

Not sure why i Expected 1499 but I got priced out…. 2k starting point was too high

13" MBP is $1700 with that Memory and Storage, they would not sell a way better 14" for $200 less

 

[hybrid_x]

Still no Magic Keyboard with Touch ID in Space Grey. 😞

I hope they come out with one in the double-anodized black.

 

[Avatar74]

*stumbles into MacRumors after about six years of being mostly inactive*

Same sh*t, different day...

*stumbles out*

 

[Kwstas]

Just, how ridiculous is this screenshot from official Apple page? O-M-G Just why??? (Hey Adobe guys please don’t add another menu category. Doesn’t fit bros!)

 

[NT1440]

I think if you go through the replies here, you’ll see a TON of people have been using their MBPs as desktop machines, since airlines/coffee shops/etc. have Covid mitigation rules. The last year and a half has turned a LOT of “road warriors” into “remote-from-home warriors”, who are looking for that pro power, but without having to buy a $6K Mac Pro. We all had our eyes on an updated Mini… but now we’ll have to consider a 14” MBP at twice the price to get those sweet chips…

Well played, Apple, and DAMN YOU!!!

I think your mistake is considering MR members to be anything but an extreme tiny niche of Mac users.

I don’t mean that to be rude, it’s just that in the world of computers everyone buys a laptop these days.

 

[justperry]

I am aware of that, without taxes the prices are still $200 more expensive in € than in $ !

And...that can be explained by lots of other reasons, for instance, healthcare, better consumer protection, 2 years minimum warranty amongst other reasons.

 

[justperry]

Just, how ridiculous is this screenshot from official Apple page? O-M-G Just why??? (Hey Adobe guys please don’t add another menu category. Doesn’t fit bros!)

That's almost sure the 16 incher, wow, the Menu bar, the Menu Bar would be split if they posted the 14" !!!

 

[Flabasha]

Silver M1 MAX, 16", 64GB, 2TB. Arrives November 3-5. Have to think it would be sooner if I hadn't hesitated for a minute. Same build is now shipping December 10-23 and will probably slip into 2022 soon.

EDIT: well I made over $6k on TSLA so far today so I guess that covers it.

Only if you sell

 

[Fred Zed]

Just to clarify there’s a notch but with no Face ID?

 

[Spumwuzzle]

Yeah, and are they gonna offer a 3.5 inch floppy version or nah? Just awful

Swapable drive bays, like my 1400!

 

[hybrid_x]

During a VERY short video image shown in the Apple event Monday 10-18-2021, I noticed 8 screws on the underside of the new MBP models. (This image appears at 31:43 into the Apple stream.)
This holds out some hope of pro users being able to install/upgrade SSDs and, possibly, even RAM.
Here’s my highlighted screenshot (which was shown at 31:43 into the Apple stream).

Even the 2016 models have screws on the bottom of the case, but have no user-replaceable parts inside. I'm hopeful that Apple is starting to see the light with Right to Repair gaining steam (and legislative weight) behind it, but they might not. Remember the old flip-up keyboards? That was a brilliant design.

As much as people worshipped Jony Ive, a lot of his design styling aesthetic was centred around making smooth, thin, light, machines, and with that design styling aesthetic came compromises like RAM and SDD soldered to the motherboards, a lack of ports people actually need (resulting in everyone having to buy piles of dongles), and batteries glued into the enclosures.

Considering these new MacBook Pros undo a lot of his stupid design styling decisions, I have a very slight hope that we might get some post-purchase upgradeability back.

 

[cgsnipinva]

I was really hoping for an update for the mac mini.

 

[hybrid_x]

Swapable drive bays, like my 1400!

I think even the PowerBook G3 had swappable bays, didn't it? I miss having easily swappable batteries, where you could easily carry a spare with you.

 

[Jacoblee23]

M1 Pro owner here. Not sure what to do. I definitely don't NEED the new machine. I am a light user compared to most.

 

[Flabasha]

I was really hoping for an update for the mac mini.

Can Apple interest you in a 14” MBP to be used on your desktop instead?