MacBook Pro 2021 and AirPods 3: First assessment of the Apple innovations

Apple’s October event came to an end quickly, and it took the iPhone manufacturer less than an hour to ignite all of its product fireworks. Is that any good? And whether, the new MacBook Pro alone contained several highlights for me. A brief impression.

Thankfully, I didn’t have to wait two hours today before I could hit the keys. The Apple event was over before the Tagesschau began. If you only count the hardware innovations without knowing, you might be a bit “disappointed”. What was expected to see?

• The new MacBook Pro with M1 Pro and M1 Max chip.
• the 3rd generation AirPods.
• HomePod mini in bright colors.

Not much? Moment …

MacBook Pro 2021: Apple dares

Anyone who was hoping for a new Mac mini, Mac Pro or iMac Pro came away empty-handed and was able to “take away” so much from the event. Why? Quite simply: The new MacBook Pro (see Apple) with the more powerful Apple chips (M1 Pro and M1 Max) is the first true professional computer with Apple’s own processors. It is simply the computer that clears the way for all the other professional Macs. As of today, their idea is only a matter of time.

Aside from the faster hardware architecture with significantly more bandwidth and performance, the two new MacBook Pro models (14.2 and 16.2 inches) include a few highlights – a selection:

• MagSafe is back! The charging port that I and millions of other Mac users love is back and it charges the MacBook much faster – it charges 50 percent in just 30 minutes. But if you want, you can still charge via Thunderbolt – cool thing.
• ProMotion for the first time in a Mac! The fast 120 Hz display with dynamic refresh rate of the iPhone and iPad makes it into the Mac. Smooth movements without having to forego battery power.
• The notch is here! Apple dared, but is this really a reason to be happy? And if, because the display notch doesn’t really matter, because the notch does not protrude into the content in full screen mode. Instead, there is additional space just for the menu bar. Ergo: No pixel is wasted on the display.

Apple introduces the two new models of the MacBook Pro in the video before:

These are just three of the many highlights. The pricing is less positive. As already suspected, the cheaper 13-inch model will not be replaced. The two models round off the range at the top. It starts at 2,249 euros (14.2 inches). For the larger display (16.2 inches) you pay at least 2,749 euros. And then there’s only the M1 Pro for that. The Max version costs a few hundred euros more, depending on the model. You can already order now, customers will receive the first copies from Tuesday, October 26th.

AirPods 3 vs. AirPods Pro: A question of price? Currently not!

The colored HomePods (see Apple) are nice, but not an absolute highlight for me. The AirPods 3 (see Apple), on the other hand, have more hype potential. In the design of the Pro models and with up to 30 hours of runtime (via the case) and the option to charge wirelessly via MagSafe, they are positioned between the AirPods Pro and the wired AirPods of the 2nd generation. They stay in the program.

The new AirPods 3 in Apple’s new promotional video:

The problem: Apple officially wants 199 euros for the new number 3. The Pros cost quite a bit more on paper at 279 euros, but have been available for under 200 euros on the free market for some time. A collision is imminent, because the prices of the new AirPods 3 will not fall so quickly at first. A dilemma for Apple and its customers. I fear that the AirPods Pro will still be the better alternative for quite a few interested parties in the next few weeks and months.

Summarized: The new MacBook Pro is great, but also damn expensive. The new AirPods look good, but are probably only worthwhile if their price clearly undercuts the AirPods Pro in the free market. However, there were no real surprises. But who knows, the year is not over yet.