Apple presented the third generation of its AirPods and the new Macbook Pro with the more powerful M1 Pro and M1 Max at its October event. We have an overview of all Apple innovations.

MacBook Pro: M1 Pro and M1 Max are the stars

Apple has presented a new MacBook Pro – and that with many innovations and old friends. The design has been significantly changed, the screen edges have been shrunk, the front camera – now with 1080p resolution – is housed in a notch. The screens measure 14.2 and 16.2 inches diagonally and have a resolution of 3,024 x 1,964 pixels and 3,456 x 2,234 pixels .

As usual for the Pro models from Apple, the main focus is on stronger performance – in the form of the M1 Pro . Apple's new chipset has a 10-core CPU with eight high-performance and two high-efficiency cores as well as a 16-core GPU. This means that the Apple M1 Pro achieves up to 70 percent better performance than the M1 , while the graphics performance is around twice as high. Video workflows in particular should benefit from this and run significantly faster.

For the highest demands, Apple has developed the M1 Max , which is also equipped with a 10-core CPU, but has significantly more graphics performance – up to 32 cores . The GPU performance is up to four times higher than that of the M1. It supports up to 64 GB of fast memory, which enables professional workloads that are normally unthinkable on laptops, such as complex 3D modeling.

Despite the significantly higher performance, the energy efficiency is at a high level: The 14-inch MacBook Pro can play back up to 17 hours of videos , which is around seven hours more than the previous generation. The larger 16-inch model even has 21 hours of video playback time , around 10 hours more than before. The MacBook Pro does not throttle the performance even in battery operation.

Apple has also said goodbye to the Touch Bar, which was one of the unique selling points of the Pro series until then. Instead, conventional function keys are used, which, according to Apple, especially pro users would appreciate. Apple is playing a backward role when it comes to connections: after the motto "less is more" had been in effect for many years, the new MacBook Pro now has a range of connection options.

There has seldom been so much connection variety at Apple recently. Image: © Apple 2021

In addition to three Thunderbolt 4 ports for connecting various accessories, an HDMI port and a memory card slot, an old friend is celebrating its comeback: the MagSafe charging connector. MagSafe 3 has been redesigned and can feed more power into the system. The charging cable can be quickly and easily attached to the MacBook Pro and protects the system from unintentional removal. For the first time, Apple's laptop has a quick charge function: just 30 minutes at the socket are enough for 50 percent battery power.

If you choose the MacBook Pro with M1 Pro, you can connect up to two Pro Display XDRs and with the M1 Max even up to three Pro Display XDRs – plus a 4K TV.

The new MacBook Pro celebrates its release on October 26th: the 14-inch version starts at 2,249 euros, the larger 16-inch model starts at 2,749 euros. As usual, the system can be configured according to your own requirements, for example in terms of RAM and storage capacity. The smaller model can also be equipped with the new M1 Max for a surcharge.

AirPods 3: In the look of the AirPods Pro – with better battery life

Apple fans had to wait a long time, now the manufacturer has finally presented them: The third generation of its true wireless headphones, the AirPods 3. The new generation is optically based on the AirPods Pro and has a more subtle design. The handle is much shorter, and the pressure sensor is also from the Pro model. You can use it to take calls and control music playback. The AirPods 3 are waterproof and sweatproof according to IPX4.

Just like the AirPods Pro, the new generation supports 3D audio that works using dynamic head tracking. The sound is placed anywhere in the room, which works for both movies and music – and even for FaceTime calls. The biggest difference to the Pro model: There is no noise canceling. For this, Apple has improved the battery life: With one charge you can enjoy music for up to six hours, together with the case even up to 30 hours.

The AirPods 3 cost 199 euros and will be available in stores from October 26th.

Apple HomePod and Apple Music Voice

Apple has little new to report with the HomePod: Apple has given the HomePod mini three new colors – yellow, orange and blue . Aside from the new color options, Apple is introducing a new option for its music streaming service: Apple Music Voice. The new option costs 4.99 euros a month and allows access to Apple Music content via voice commands. In addition to more than 90 million songs, there are also thousands of playlists, including several hundred that have been specially curated for Apple Music Voice. With this, Apple is making an offer to all those who are looking for an affordable entry into the world of music streaming.

The polishing cloth: Indispensable for Apple fans

It's the secret star of the October keynote, although it wasn't even part of the pre-recorded show: the original polishing cloth with the Apple logo . Made for the Pro Display XDR – also for the sensitive nanotexture glass. Also compatible with all other Apple products with a screen. Cost: 25 euros. A real snapper!

Release for macOS stands

macOS Monterey was first shown at WWDC 2021. Image: © Apple / Screenshot: 2021

macOS Monterey will be available for free download on October 25, 2021. The new operating system runs on the following models:

• MacBook (2016 and later)
• MacBook Air (2015 and later)
• MacBook Pro (2015 and later)
• Mac mini (Late 2014 and later)
• iMac (Late 2015 and later)
• iMac Pro (2017 and after)
• Mac Pro (2013 and after)