M3 Macs expected after all

Despite doubts, M3 MacBook Pros may launch next week

Author

Leander Kahney
October 25, 2023

Ace Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo — who has a stellar record of predicting Apple’s moves — says Cupertino saw depressed Mac shipments this year, largely because of the underwhelming M2 chip.

Hence the surprise ‘Scary Fast’ event next week, when Kuo expects new M3 Macs after all.

A lot of Apple watchers doubted that the company would roll out a major chip update at an all-virtual event, but it looks like M3 MacBook Pros are on the docket after all. See our top post for details.

There’s a bunch of other big news today:

  • iOS 17.1 and watchOS 10.1 have just been released with some great new features, like AirDrop over the Internet, tweaks to Standby Mode, NameDrop on Apple Watch and more. Get downloading!

  • MacOS Sonoma 14.1 has also been released with fewer major tweaks, but some important bug fixes and security updates.

  • While Apple gives, it also takes away (your money): Apple TV+ and other services are getting price hikes. Boo!

  • Apple’s music-identification app Shazam is getting a new Concerts feature that alerts you to upcoming live shows based on your Shazam history. I don’t think it’s going to be very useful for the Bach concerto I ID’d the other day.

  • I have this portable Apple Charger and it’s been great: I still use it to this day.

  • Cheap LED strip lights are a great and inexpensive way to spruce up your setup.

  • Yesterday’s poll puts you guys in good company: like Ming-Chi Kuo, most of you expect M3-powered Macs. See the results below.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

Monday’s ‘Scary Fast’ Macs could sport M3 chips after all

Most folks agree Apple's Scary Fast event Monday will focus on new Macs. But opinions on which chip they'll contain has shifted toward M3.

iOS 17.1 and watchOS 10.1 are here with useful new features

Apple has released iOS 17.1, iPadOS 17.1, and watchOS 10.1 with Dynamic Island improvements, AirDrop over the internet and more.

macOS Sonoma 14.1 release delivers some handy tweaks

Apple introduced macOS Sonoma 14.1 on Wednesday, so it's out of beta testing and ready for Macs going back about five years.

A message from Cult of Mac Store

This little gadget keeps your Apple Watch going anywhere

qCharge 2.0 Portable Apple Watch Battery goes where you go and keeps your wearable powered up, no cable required.

Apple raises rates for Apple TV+ and other services by up to 40%

The cost of watching Apple TV+ series and movies just went up significantly. The price for Apple Arcade and Apple News+ also increased.

Apple announces nationwide support for 'right to repair' bill

Apple has expressed support for the Right to Repair legislation and plans to honor California's repair provision across the US.

A message from Cult of Mac deals team

Streamline productivity with lifetime access to this $30 ChatGPT Prompts Guide

The Ultimate ChatGPT Prompts Guide was created to help you take it a step further, giving users added guidance along the way.

Find live music with Shazam's new Concerts feature

Why not use the same app to identify tunes playing around you to find more music to play around you? Yep, Shazam now finds concerts for you.

Apple Pay Later now available to all in the US

Apple appears to have made its Pay Later service available to all iPhone and iPad users in the US, months after it went live in early access.

Get better Bluetooth controls with AirBuddy [Awesome Apps]

AirBuddy by Gui Rambo is a Mac app that lets you monitor all your nearby Bluetooth devices and AirPods. Check their battery life, trade them back and forth between multiple Macs on your desk, and best of all — get the same beautiful AirPods animations that you see on your iPhone.

Today in Apple history: OS X Panther claws its way onto Macs

October 25, 2003: Mac OS X Panther arrives on Macintosh computers, bringing several useful new features and making Safari Apple's default web browser for

Cheap LED strip lights give coder’s MacBook rig a moody vibe [Setups]

It's amazing what a little extra light and color can do. And with smart-lighting options, the choices are endless.

Tweetz o’ the day

One more thing ...

❝

Woz was very bright in some areas, but he’s almost like a savant, since he was so stunted when it came to dealing with people he didn’t know. We were a good pair.

— Steve Jobs, 2011.

Today’s poll

How excited are you NOW about next week's Scary Fast event?

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Results from yesterday’s poll: TK?

Subscribe to The Weekender — Get the week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.

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