New iPad Pro Supports Wi-Fi 6, New MacBook Air Still Has 720p Webcam, and Other Tidbits

[MacRumors]

Apple announced new iPad Pro and MacBook Air models today. We've compiled some smaller tidbits about each device below.

As with iPhone 11 models, the new iPad Pro supports Wi-Fi 6, aka 802.11ax. The newer standard delivers faster speeds, greater network capacity, improved power efficiency, lower latency, and connectivity improvements in areas with several Wi-Fi devices. Wi-Fi 6 devices must support WPA3, a Wi-Fi security protocol with improved cryptographic strength.

By comparison, the new MacBook Air still supports Wi-Fi 5, aka 802.11ac, and it also continues to have a lackluster 720p front-facing camera.

While the new MacBook Air has a lower $999 starting price, the notebook is even cheaper for those who qualify for an educational discount, with the base model starting at $899 for students and their parents, faculty, and even homeschool teachers of all grade levels, which is particularly interesting with many schools closed amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

MacRumors contributor Steve Moser has discovered glyphs in iPadOS 13.4 GM code that suggest users will be able to view the battery life of their Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and other Bluetooth mice in the batteries widget of the Today view on the iPad, accessible by swiping right on the first page of the home screen. Apple announced that iPadOS 13.4 will gain trackpad support, with the software update to be released March 24.

As noted by Parker Ortolani on Twitter, one small change is that the Apple logo on the upcoming Magic Keyboard case for the iPad Pro is now horizontally positioned so that the logo appears upright when the iPad is used in landscape orientation.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1240272926865309703

Apple's new iPad Pro models now start with 128GB of storage, up from 64GB, and all higher storage tiers are now $50 cheaper. For example, an 11-inch iPad Pro with 256GB of storage and Wi-Fi only is now $899, whereas the equivalent 2018 model was $949. This price cut applies to all 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage tiers for the new 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

Apple says the new LiDAR Scanner on the latest iPad Pro models improves the Measure app, making it faster and easier to automatically calculate someone's height, while helpful vertical and edge guides automatically appear to let users more quickly and accurately measure objects. The app is also gaining a Ruler View for more granular measurements.

A few tidbits we noted earlier include the upcoming Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro offering pass-through USB-C charging for accessories, and the new MacBook Air supporting up to a 6K external display, including Apple's Pro Display XDR.

Article Link: New iPad Pro Supports Wi-Fi 6, New MacBook Air Still Has 720p Webcam, and Other Tidbits

 

[Pselok]

What about RAM on iPad's?

 

[MakeAppleAwesomeAgain]

Can anybody explain at a technical level why the MacBook Air doesn't have Wi-Fi 6? It is integrated in the 10th gen Intel ecosystem, right?

 

[munpip214]

Can anybody explain at a technical level why the MacBook Air doesn't have Wi-Fi 6? It is integrated in the 10th gen Intel ecosystem, right?

10th gen Intel Icelake does support it but it requires using a special RF module on the platform which Apple probably didn't see the need to include for a bottom-of-the-line laptop to save on costs.

Examining Intel's Ice Lake Processors: Taking a Bite of the Sunny Cove Microarchitecture

www.anandtech.com

 

[AMTYVLE]

Can anybody explain at a technical level why the MacBook Air doesn't have Wi-Fi 6? It is integrated in the 10th gen Intel ecosystem, right?

...or why both MacBook models, especially the Pro still has a 720p webcam in the year 2020?

 

[fokmik]

What about RAM on iPad's?

probably 6gb Ram, but we have to wait until Friday or until 25th of March

 

[Agent OrangeZ]

Hopefully this means iPhone 12 will start at 128GB storage for the base.

 

[44267547]

What about RAM on iPad's?

That will be disclosed upon a ‘tear down’ spec’ update. Apple doesn’t release Ram data officially during press/keynotes.

 

[ChromeCrescendo]

Hey Apple - now do the iMac and release the W5700x for the Mac Pro

Although, with all the corona-craziness happening, not sure I will actually spend money on a new computer

 

[jonnysods]

What is with the FaceTime cameras in the laptop lineup. My 2019 MBP is pitiful and embarrassing to use for work calls.

 

[Deliro]

probably 6gb Ram, but we have to wait until Friday or until 25th of March

I would wager the same RAM configuration as 3rd gen.

 

[Digital Dude]

It's been a while since I gave away my last iPad, so is this 'new' iPad Pro 12.9 considered a Gen-4? 🤷‍♂️

 

[iDento]

The iPad Pro is an amazing piece of tech. That being said, I wish all the world has to complain about now is another port in a tablet or a better keyboard.

 

[kinless]

Considered replacing my 2nd-gen 12.9" iPad Pro with this, but think I'll wait one more rev after 5G is established in all portable devices.

 

[StudyFlo]

10th gen Intel Icelake does support it but it requires using a special RF module on the platform which Apple probably didn't see the need to include for a bottom-of-the-line laptop to save on costs.

Examining Intel's Ice Lake Processors: Taking a Bite of the Sunny Cove Microarchitecture

www.anandtech.com

Well, the 16" MacBook Pro doesn't have it either.

 

[neuropsychguy]

...or why both MacBook models, especially the Pro still has a 720p webcam in the year 2020?

While Apple could be a market leader with webcams, which ultrabooks (or any other modern laptops) have >720p webcams?

 

[mannyvel]

It's crazy that Apple didn't want to blow another .15 and make the front-facing camera 1080p. I mean, it's 2020.

 

[breather]

I´m guessing that the last AirPort Extreme doesn't support WiFi 6?
What are good alternatives? Bare bones WiFi 6 routers that works well within the Apple eco system.

 

[Rychiar]

why don't the laptops have Face ID? seems insane to me. its the perfect form factor for it. and the ancient cameras is nuts. its like "here's a nice new laptop full of old crippled tech"

 

[fokmik]

why don't the laptops have Face ID? seems insane to me. its the perfect form factor for it. and the ancient cameras is nuts. its like "here's a nice new laptop full of old crippled tech"

the lid too thin...maybe the imacs will have

 

[Wags]

Will be curious to see actual performance gains besides camera upgrades from 2018 design. Especially if rumors turn out regarding Q4 IPP release.

 

[Metrosey]

The Macbook Air shouldn't be lacking WiFi ax, the fact it's integrated into the CPU and only requiring a small inexpensive RF chip shouldn't have stopped Apple from implementing it. I do wonder now if the Macbook 14 inch will get WiFI ax (especially if it's coming out in the next few weeks), I expect it will though.

Edit - It could have supported 32GB too, however, that will likely get saved for the 14 inch Macbook Pro

 

[lambertjohn]

Looks like a nice iPad. I just bought a 256gb, Air 3 at Costco for $519, and it's fine for what I need. Actually, it's pretty awesome. So I'll probably just stick with that. But if I had an extra $300 lying around, I might do the Pro instead...or I might use that money to buy toilet paper and tacos!!

 

[oliversl]

An i3 Mac, wow, how times has change. This will be super duper slow with next year macOS

 

[BenLeong]

How is it that no one with journalistic or even consumer level access to Apple reps has gotten an official explanation from them yet as to why they continue to get away with putting extremely dated 720p camera tech into their computers? It’s flat out embarrassing—especially in an age where so many people video conference for work.