New Macs ahoy! 💻 💻

January 16, 2023

Last fall, Apple did something highly unusual. So unusual, in fact, it hasn't happened for 20 years.

Apple failed to release any new Macs!

That was the first time in two decades that Apple didn't have new machines for Mac customers at that time of year.

The omission might be fixed tomorrow, when Apple is rumored to release some long-awaited updates to its Mac lineup.

Specifically, Apple is updating the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, in addition to the Mac mini. They'll get M2 chips; but not just any M2s. The new chips reportedly are built using the latest 3nm process, which will likely offer a significant power/performance boost.

Hit the post for details.

Also in today's newsletter: Apple is offering a free ebook for MLK Day, don't miss D. Griffin Jones' fun review of the best Mac keyboard he's ever tried, get Microsoft Office Home & Business for just $25 (last chance for the lowest price ever), and check out the coolest setup you'll see all day.

-- Leander Kahney, EIC.

Rumors suggest Apple is preparing for a quiet release of new Macs as early as Tuesday. These will include updates to the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models in addition to the Mac mini. The updates reportedly will be relatively minor, bringing new M2 chips to the computers.

As it has done over the past several years on this national holiday, Apple dedicated most of its homepage Monday to honoring Martin Luther King Jr. The company also offered a book by King for free on Apple Books.

The time when iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max buyers could expect a long wait to get Apple’s latest is over. The top-of-the-line iOS handsets can now be ordered from the Apple store for next-day delivery. That’s a far cry from last fall, when the wait stretched over a month.

If you've traveled to other countries, especially more than one on a single trip, you know keeping your gadgets charged can be a tricky business. New day, new country ... what kind of plug do you need this time That’s where tools like the Momax 65W GaN Universal Travel Adapter come in handy.

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Deep down inside, you know you want to give your Mac the finger. Apple might make that happen in the (somewhat) near future, according to the latest rumor. That’s right — Apple reportedly is “seriously considering” making a touchscreen MacBook. That’s enough to get us chattering!

Owning a copy of Microsoft Office is simply essential in today’s remote and hybrid working world. Set yourself up to work from home — or anywhere at all — with a lifetime license for Microsoft Office Home & Business 2021 for Mac. It’s on sale at the all-time low price of $25 (regularly $349) through Monday only.

The lineup includes car chargers as well as portable GaN wall chargers that work in multiple countries to keep your iPhones, iPads, MacBooks and more going.

You may have felt a seismic shift recently. The origin was Apple Park in Cupertino, where Tim Cook and Co. decided to start work on a touchscreen MacBook Pro. This is something the company has been adamantly against for many years, going back to a scathing comment from the late Steve Jobs. But the computing world has changed enormously since Jobs mocked touchscreen laptops. Today, there are plenty of reasons for Apple to make one.

Working in an office or in the city, you’re probably inundated with noise from people chattering, cars running and nearby music. Your iPhone has a built-in feature called Background Sounds for playing rain sounds or white noise to tune it all out. You don’t need to download any apps or pay a cent; it comes for free on your Mac and iPhone. Here's how it works.

I’ve been on a quest to discover the perfect Mac keyboard. I’m looking for a compact keyboard with modern Mac styling — and the best key switches money can buy. Recently, I discovered Model F Labs, whose keyboards are truly one of a kind. They offer plenty of normal designs — but I ordered one in silver with blank, unprinted keys. Keep reading to find out why I ordered what I did, why I love it, and why I’ll be keeping it on my desk.

On January 16, 1986, Apple introduced the Macintosh Plus, its third Mac model and the first to be released after co-founder Steve Jobs left the company. It came with some crucial upgrades.

Some workstations look boring and utilitarian while others appear otherworldly. The difference between the two usually comes down to good lighting, skillful photography — and often a key visual you don’t see every day. Today’s featured MacBook Pro setup relies on atmospheric lighting and exceptionally cool desktop wallpaper on the displays to make it look fascinating. And because the workstation is used mainly for audio design and includes great gear, it undoubtedly sounds great, too.

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One more thing ...

"There is a theory behind why we do processes, there is a description of what we do, and most importantly there is an opportunity to always question what we do, and this is a radically different approach to business processes than the traditional one." - Steve Jobs, 1991.

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