Apple MacBook 2021 launch: What to expect from Apple’s powerful new notebook computers

Apple has launched its new generation of longer lasting MacBooks, Airpods, Music and memory chips. See what’s on offer.

Apple switched its focus from iPhones back to Macs in the wee hours of Tuesday morning, launching its next generation of silicon chips inside powerful notebook computers.

As predicted, the tech giant unveiled two new MacBook Pro models to show off two new processors, with both laptops bringing back some well-loved features while eliminating others.

But, surprisingly, Apple also kicked off its big Mac event with a focus on Music, revealing a cut-price song-streaming plan to debut in Australia, as well as brightly coloured speakers and redesigned earbuds.

This is everything you need to know about Apple’s big October event.

Apple has unveiled its new MacBook Pro models using its new M1 Pro and M1 Max chips.

APPLE’S NEW CHIPS

As predicted, the Cupertino tech giant revealed two new chips for its Mac computers at the event, this time named the M1 Pro and M1 Max.

“We’re a year into a two-year transition which starts with M1,” Apple chief executive Tim Cook announced.

“The response has been off the charts. M1 has propelled back growth over the past year, outpacing the industry with the Mac having its best year ever.”

The MacBook Pro models use Apple’s new M1 Pro and M1 Max chips.

The M1 Pro, true to the rumours, will feature 10 CPU cores and Apple promises it will be 70 per cent faster than the original M1 chip, with a 16-core graphics processing unit to offer images at twice the speed.

But the M1 Max will be a significantly larger system-on-a-chip, and will feature up to 64 gigabytes of unified memory and a 32-core graphics processing unit for up to four times the speed of the previous M1 chip.

Both also promise to use significantly less power than their PC rivals to deliver greater battery life, like the original M1 chip.

The new Mac’s use significantly less power.

BACK TO MAC

Apple’s new chips will debut inside two Pro-level MacBooks that remove some old features and return others.

As predicted, the company will show off its new chips in 14-inch and 16-inch laptops with redesigned aluminium enclosures measuring 1.5 and 1.6cm thick respectively.

The new laptops will bring back more connections without the need for a dongle, letting users directly connect a camera’s SD card, headphones, and a new MagSafe charger in addition to USB-C devices.

The new MacBook Pro laptops come with a MagSafe charger.

Both 2021 MacBook Pros will also come with Mini LED-backlit screens offering a faster, 120Hz refresh rate, a bezel that is 24 per cent smaller than the last model and, as predicted, a full high-definition webcam inside a “notch” at the top of the screen.

The camera on the new MacBooks also uses a larger image sensor and wider aperture for better video in low light.

Battery life has also been improved on both models, with up to 21 hours between charges, even though these devices use two fans to cool its form.

But while these MacBook Pro laptops bring back a lot of connections, they will also remove one big feature: the Touch Bar.

Both 2021 MacBook Pros will also come with Mini LED-backlit screens. Picture: Supplied

Apple says the touch-sensitive row of contextual icons will be replaced by a row of function keys on these MacBooks, “bringing back the familiar tactile feel that Pro users love”.

Being Apple’s top-performing laptops, they will also demand a top price. The 14-inch model will start at $2999 in Australia, while the 16-inch model commands $3749.

Apple’s most powerful new chip, the M1 Max, will naturally command an even higher price. It is only available in the 16-inch MacBook Pro and will set buyers back at least $5249.

MacBook buyers can also invest in a $29 Apple-branded polishing cloth.

Pre-orders for all new MacBook Pro models will begin straight away, with the laptops expected to arrive with customers and in stores on October 26.

Apple's new MacBook Pro 2021 models will feature keys instead of a Touch Bar.

APPLE’S SURPRISE MUSIC FOCUS

Despite widespread talk about what’s next for Apple’s Macs, Mr Cook started the company’s big event with announcements for audio.

“This fall, we’re taking the Apple Music experience even further,” he said.

The first announcement was a new half-price Apple Music offering called Voice Plan that will launch in Australia for $5.99 per month — half the regular cost of accessing Apple Music — and, as its name suggests, it will be controlled entirely through Siri.

Apple audio engineering program manager Susmita Dutta revealed details about the company's AirPods 3.

To go along with that, the HomePod Mini, Apple’s $149 smart speaker, will come in a new colours this Christmas season, including orange, yellow, and blue, starting in November.

But the musical addition Apple fans were waiting for also arrived inside two smaller AirPods, in the third generation of the wireless music devices.

The AirPods 3 will feature a much smaller stem, a new contoured design to suit more ears, an adaptive equaliser to customise sound, and a case with MagSafe magnetic for easy charging.

The new AirPods are also sweat and water-resistant and promise to deliver an extra hour of use on their predecessors, for up to six hours of listening time and four hours of talk time in a single charge. They will cost $279 in Australia, with pre-orders beginning immediately and a debut slated for October 26.

Apple launched new AirPods. Picture: Apple

WILL THEY SELL-OUT?

Apple have sold a lot of computers during the past two years as millions of Aussies swapped office desks for kitchen tables.

Notebook sales jumped 10.1 per cent in 2021, according to Gartner, and Telsyte found sales of Apple Macs soared by 16 per cent in Australia last year.

Apple's 2021 MacBook Pro computers will feature more ports, including one for an SD card.

A lot of demanding, professional users have been waiting to see what Apple could promise with its second chip, Mr Fadaghi said, even though price would remain a factor.

“There’s massive pent-up demand for the second generation M processor,” he said. “A lot of professionals wait for second-generation products before investing so it’s likely there will be a lot of demand. It might be mitigated by the prices we see.”

Originally published as Apple MacBook 2021 launch: What to expect from Apple’s powerful new notebook computers