Apple’s Unleashed Event: M1 Pro and M1 Max MacBook Pro, AirPods 3

Apple’s Unleashed event focused on professional Macs and audio. The centrepiece is a redesigned MacBook Pro in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes, powered by new M1 Pro and M1 Max chips. Apple also introduced third-generation AirPods and new HomePod mini colours.

MacBook Pro is redesigned around Apple silicon

The new MacBook Pro brings back MagSafe charging, HDMI and an SD card slot alongside Thunderbolt ports. The Touch Bar is gone, replaced by full-height function keys.

Both sizes use a Liquid Retina XDR display with mini-LED backlighting and ProMotion up to 120Hz. The screen extends around a camera area at the top, while the camera itself moves to 1080p.

M1 Pro and M1 Max

M1 Pro and M1 Max expand Apple’s silicon design for sustained professional work. They provide more processor and graphics cores, much higher memory bandwidth and hardware acceleration for professional video formats.

M1 Pro will suit most photographers, developers, musicians and video editors. M1 Max is for unusually demanding graphics, video and memory workloads. Buying the highest configuration without a clear need will add a great deal of cost with little day-to-day benefit.

Battery life and ports matter too

Apple is promising long battery life and the same performance whether the MacBook Pro is plugged in or on battery. The return of built-in ports should reduce the need for adapters, although the machines are thicker and heavier than the 13-inch models they sit above.

This is a professional notebook range, not a replacement for MacBook Air. For ordinary office work, study and home use, the Air remains the simpler and lighter choice.

Third-generation AirPods

The new AirPods use a shorter contoured design with a force sensor, Adaptive EQ and spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. The earbuds and case are sweat and water resistant, and battery life is improved.

They do not include the silicone ear tips or active noise cancellation of AirPods Pro. That makes them a better fit for people who prefer the open AirPods shape.

Availability

The new MacBook Pro and AirPods are available to order now and are due next week. Businesses should confirm software, dock, display and peripheral compatibility before replacing working Intel or early M1 Macs.

This event completes the first serious professional step in Apple’s silicon transition. The new ports and displays may matter as much as the headline chip performance.