Unleashed event

Read Cult of Mac’s latest posts on Unleashed event:

New MacBook Pros sound absolutely mind-boggling [The CultCast]

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The CultCast 515: We can't stop gushing about the new M1 Max MacBook Pros.
Apple's new chips sound truly astonishing.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Apple Unleashed event bug This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Erfon can’t stop gushing about the new MacBook Pros! (What a shocker.) Plus, he reveals what it felt like to get Sherlocked during Apple’s “Unleashed” event this week. (Spoiler alert: CultCloth sales shot through the roof!) And none of us can stop raving about the astonishing power of Apple’s new M1 Pro and M1 Max chips.

Also on The CultCast:

  • Awesome new third-gen AirPods.
  • Underwhelming new HomePod mini colors.
  • And a surprising Siri-only Apple Music Voice Plan.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video livestream, embedded below.

Apple’s new 140W USB-C Mac Power Adapter remains offensively huge

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Apple's very thick 140W Charging block
Apple's solution to fast-charging your new MacBook Pro is a Fiat-sized charging block.
Graphic: Apple / Ian Fuchs

Apple Unleashed event bug Along with the reintroduction of MagSafe in the new MacBook Pro lineup, Apple released a new 140W (!!!) charger Monday to enable faster charging. And while getting 50% battery in a mere 30 minutes sounds impressive, the charging block that enables it looks comically large.

The 140W charger, which comes with all the new 16-inch MacBook Pros rolled out Monday during Apple’s “Unleashed” event, continues that trend.

I got Sherlocked at Apple’s ‘Unleashed’ event!

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Apple Polishing Cloth sherlocks CultCloth. I did not expect to see this new product in Apple's online store.
I did not expect to see this new product in Apple's online store.
Screenshot: Cult of Mac

Apple Unleashed event bug Like most of you, I sat glued to my screen Monday during Apple’s “Unleashed” event. I was tickled to see the new MacBook Pros finally revealed — laptops that resurrect tons of useful ports, bring massive performance improvements, and benefit from great battery life (thanks in part to a slightly thicker design).

Excited, I fumbled my way through the preorder process in Apple’s online store. But as I got toward the end, something stopped me dead in my tracks. There, on the screen where Apple presents an array of accessories for the MacBooks, I saw a jaw-dropping product … Apple’s new Polishing Cloth.

You gotta be kidding me. There I sat there, stunned, mouth agape. Tim Cook just Sherlocked me!

Some MacBook Pro wait times stretch nearly to Christmas

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Some MacBook Pro wait times already stretch nearly to Christmas
You can still get the 16-inch MacBook Pro before Christmas, if you hurry.
Photo: Apple

Apple Unleashed event bugYou might find yourself waiting months to get the just-announced MacBook Pro. Order one of the standard configurations and it’ll arrive in this month or November at the latest. But upgrade the configuration and the wait time slips back to mid-December.

Anyone hoping to get a redesigned 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro with the powerful new M1 Pro or M1 Max processor with a minimal wait should get their order in soon. Those who want a top-of-the-line configuration before Christmas really ought to hurry.

HomePod mini breaks out in a burst of colors

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HomePod mini breaks out in a burst of colors
HomePod mini will soon debut in three new colors: orange, yellow, and blue. That’s in addition to white and space gray.
Photo: Apple

Apple Unleashed event bugThere’s good news for those bored by the HomePod mini’s color options. Apple just announced at Monday’s “Unleashed” event that its smart speaker will soon be available in three additional hues.

The price isn’t going up. But there’ll be a wait to order the fresh options.

macOS Monterey will be available to all on October 25

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macOS Monterey turns a second Mac into an external display
It will be free for all compatible machines.
Photo: Apple

Apple Unleashed event bug Apple today confirmed after its big “Unleashed” event that macOS Monterey will make its public debut on October 25. It will be free to download and install on all compatible machines.

The next major upgrade to macOS brings a revamped Safari interface, Focus mode, and some big enhancements to the Notes app. It also paves the way for Universal Control, which lets you seamlessly control both a Mac and iPad.

Apple unveils next-gen Apple Silicon: M1 Pro and M1 Max

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M1 Max chip
Apple's M1 Max is the biggest Apple has made with 57 billion transistors.
Photo: Apple

Apple Unleashed event bug At Apple’s “Unleashed” event Monday, the company unveiled a pair of new “pro” Apple Silicon chips: the M1 Pro and M1 Max processors.

The two new chips were described by Apple executives as “breakthrough” and “groundbreaking.” The M1 Max “is by far the most powerful chip we’ve ever built,” said Johny Srouji, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware technologies, during the “Unleashed” presentation.

At first glance, they appear to be a pair of wicked-fast but battery-sipping beasts that blow Intel out of the water.

MacBook Pro gets insane M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, gorgeous new design

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2021 MacBook Pro with M1 Pro, M1 Max
Order yours today.
Photo: Apple

Apple Unleashed event bug The lengthy wait for a major MacBook Pro refresh is over, and boy, was it worth it. Apple’s newest flagship notebook, unveiled Monday during the company’s big “Unleashed” event, features edge-to-edge Liquid Retina displays, insane M1 Pro and M1 Max chipsets, and all-new designs that bring back some important ports and features — including MagSafe charging.

The 2021 MacBook Pro lineup also bids farewell to the controversial Touch Bar, replacing it with a slightly revamped Magic Keyboard that goes back to physical keys (now full-size) for the function row. You can order yours today, with prices starting at $1,999.

Upgraded AirPods gain spatial audio with Dolby Atmos and more

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The new AirPods 3 are $179.
The new AirPods 3 are $179.
Photo: Apple

Apple Unleashed event bug Apple used part of its “Unleashed” event on Monday to announce a major refresh of it signature earbuds. The new AirPods 3 feature spatial audio with Dolby Atmos and dynamic head tracking and come with a redesign that makes them look more like AirPods Pro (although without the silicone ear tips).

They won’t be Cupertino’s entry-level earbuds, though, as the company said AirPods 2 will remain in the lineup.

Apple Music gets a ‘Voice Plan’ that costs just $4.99 a month

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Apple Music Voice Plan
Ideal for HomePod users on a budget.
Photo: Apple

Apple Unleashed event bug Apple Music is now more affordable for those who agree not to use buttons. A new “Voice Plan,” unveiled Monday during Apple’s big “Unleashed” event, lets you access the entire Apple Music catalog using only your voice for just $4.99 a month.

That’s half the price of a regular Apple Music subscription — and it might just be ideal for HomePod users.

New MacBook Pro could ditch Touch Bar for full-size function keys

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You got the touch. Here's how to master your MacBook Pro’s Touch Bar.
See ya!
Photo: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac

Apple Unleashed event bugApple will finally ditch the MacBook Pro’s controversial Touch Bar and replace it with a row of full-size function keys when it unveils its big refresh later today, according to a new report based on leaked schematics for the new device.

Apple first brought the Touch Bar to MacBook Pro in 2016, and despite it being a neat idea, it never really took off among power users or app developers. It seems most MacBook Pro owners try their best to ignore its existence.

Apple ‘M1 Max’ and ‘M1 Pro’ chips appear ahead of today’s Mac event

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Apple M1 Max and M1 Pro chips
We'll know more by the end of today.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple Unleashed event bug New Apple “M1 Max” and “M1 Pro” chips have appeared for the first time ahead of today’s big “Unleashed” event, which is expected to bring big Mac upgrades. It’s not yet clear if these will be their final names, however.

Recent rumors suggested at least one of Apple’s next-generation chips, expected to debut inside a new MacBook Pro and possibly other machines that Apple will announce later today, will go by the name “M1X.”

Everything you can expect from Apple’s ‘Unleashed’ event

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Everything to expect at the Apple October Mac event
Plenty of new Macs are possibly on the agenda for the Apple October event.
Concepts: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac/Antonio De Rosa

Apple Unleashed event bug Apple’s “Unleashed” event on Monday is likely to bring what Mac fans have been eagerly anticipating for over a year: redesigned MacBook Pro models with upgraded displays and the return of traditional ports. But that’s just the start. We could see the debut of two more models, all powered by a new Apple M-series processor.

Here are the computers that leaks and rumors say are coming. But we could always be surprised. Again.

Apple ‘Unleashed’ event — here come the M1X Macs! [The CultCast]

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Apple Unleashed event on The CultCast Apple podcast: Are you ready for next week's Apple event? We can't wait!
Are you ready for next week's Apple event? We can't wait!
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Apple Unleashed event bug This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Finally! Here come the M1X Macs! We talk our predictions for Monday’s “Unleashed” Apple event!

Also on The CultCast:

  • A rumor says Apple is prepping a Nintendo Switch-like gaming console.
  • We reveal our favorite new(ish) shows on an all-new What We’re Into!
  • And in our weekly giveaway, we’ve got a five-piece iPhone 13 bundle from Smartish.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video livestream, embedded below.

How to watch Apple’s big ‘Unleashed’ event on October 18

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How to watch Apple's Unleashed event
It kicks off at 10 a.m. PDT/1 p.m. EDT.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple Unleashed event bug Apple’s next event is right around the corner, and it’s one you won’t want to miss if you’re a fan of the Mac. The “Unleashed” keynote is expected to bring a number of new Apple machines — all powered by an even faster “M1X” chip.

Just like recent Apple keynotes, this one will be streamed online, so you’ll be able to watch it in its entirety as it all unfolds. We’ll show you how.

Here are some ‘big things’ that might launch at Apple’s October event

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Here are some ‘big things’ that might launch at Apple Oct. 18 event
A couple of big things might be on the docket for the Apple October event.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Apple promises “big things” at its product event happening October 18. Although that’s the only official hint we have, leaks have revealed details on a couple of extra-large Macs that might fit the bill.

And there could be good news for fans of both MacBook and iMac at the “Unleashed” event.

AirPods 3 refresh could finally appear at next week’s Apple event

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AirPods 3 refresh on the way
It's about time Apple delivered a refresh.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple will finally introduce its third-generation AirPods refresh during next week’s “Unleashed” event, according to one reliable leaker. We’ve been waiting for them to appear for over a year now, and an upgrade is long overdue.

AirPods 3 are expected to look a lot like AirPods Pro, with shorter stems that result in a slightly more compact design. However, they will skip “Pro” features — like active noise cancellation — to remain more affordable.

Apple considers future AirPods that monitor temperature, posture and hearing

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In the future, your AirPods might take your temperature, check your posture and help with hearing.
In the future, your AirPods might take your temperature, check your posture and help with hearing.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel

Apple appears to be looking into new ways to expand its health-related features. This time it focuses on its popular AirPods, according to a new report. In the future, in addition to filling your head with tunes and podcasts, the earbuds may take your temperature, monitor your posture and help improve your hearing.

M1X MacBook Pros might start at 16GB RAM, 512GB storage, 120Hz screen

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M1X MacBook Pros might start at 16GB RAM, 512GB storage
The 2021 MacBook Pro models could be the latest with 120Hz displays.
Concept: Cult of Mac

The 16-inch and 14-inch MacBook Pro models expected soon will offer more storage and RAM that their most recent predecessor, according to a tipster. And an expert claims they’ll have 120Hz displays.

Both notebooks will have mini-LED screens and M1X processors, and are likely to be unveiled at the Apple event on October 18.

How to see the AR Easter egg hidden in Apple’s October 18 event invite

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How to see the AR Easter egg hidden in Apple’s October 18 event invite
Captain Tim Cook calls for warp speed!
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Concealed in Tuesday’s invite to the Apple October event is an augmented reality Easter egg. It’s a bonus to make the invite seem cool, and perhaps get Mac fans excited about what’s coming.

The graphic for the Oct. 18 event has a “zooming into hyperspace” effect. And it looks even better in AR.

Apple invites the world to Oct. 18 ‘Unleashed’ event; new M1X Macs expected

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Apple invites the world to Oct. 18 ‘Unleashed’ event; New Macs expected
Multiple new Macs could be “Unleashed“ at the Apple October event.
Photo: Apple

Apple sent out invites Tuesday to its much-anticipated October product launch event. The tagline is “Unleashed,” and the streaming event almost certainly will bring the debut of redesigned MacBooks and perhaps an iMac running an updated Apple processor.

Cupertino could squeeze some other new products onto the agenda as well. The event is scheduled for October 18 at 10 a.m. Pacific time. Here’s what to expect.