Oh, we devoted Apple customers positive do love Apple occasions, don’t we? And after a torturous 92 days after the final Apple occasion (WWDC 2022), we lastly acquired one other one, the “Far Out” occasion on Wednesday the place the iPhone 14, Apple Watch Collection 8, Apple Watch Extremely, and second-generation AirPods Professional all made their debuts.
However Apple typically has two occasions throughout the second half of the yr. Assuming there’s a second occasion–and it appears virtually sure that there might be this yr–it’s often Mac-focused and occurs in October or early November. Up to now, this occasion highlights updates to Mac fashions which are very fashionable with vacation buyers.
I’m all the time inquisitive about Apple releases, and I look ahead to the iPhone occasion similar to anybody else. However this yr, the iPhone occasion was sort of a yawner in comparison with what may occur within the Mac occasion later this fall. Nevertheless, the chances for this season’s Mac releases are extra intriguing than typical, which makes this second occasion far more alluring than the Far Out occasion.
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iPhone 14 Professional and Apple Watch Extremely: Massive deal
Apple’s theme this fall is larger is best. The massive information (pun meant) in regards to the iPhone lineup that acquired folks speaking is the brand new, bigger non-Professional cellphone, the discontinuation of the mini mannequin, and the shortage of a cellphone with a display screen beneath 6.1 inches on this yr’s lineup. Then there’s additionally the brand new rugged Apple Watch mannequin and its XXL design. Whereas a much bigger case permits for extra freedom to implement options—and there are lots of them—it’s manner an excessive amount of look ahead to most individuals.
The revamped notch on the entrance of the Professional is actually extra modern than we thought with the brand new Dynamic Island function, however whereas we’re wanting ahead to attempting it out, it’s a software program function. The {hardware} enhancements are hardly revolutionary: The always-on show might be good, however extraordinarily overdue. The most important leaps ahead in {hardware}–the 48MP rear digicam and A16 processor–are possible larger on paper than in follow. And the brand new Deep Purple coloration is ok however nowhere close to as cool as 2019’s Midnight Inexperienced.
Don’t get me incorrect: Apple’s Far Out merchandise are undoubtedly good. The Apple Watch Extremely takes the wearable in a totally new course, and the iPhone 14 Professional has lastly separated itself from the lower-end fashions. That could be ok for many years. However this yr Apple has one thing higher on the horizon.
The innovation showcase is on the Mac
That second fall Apple occasion is shaping as much as be a doozy, as a result of we might be in for some earth-shaking Mac bulletins. And if Apple continues the larger is best theme, there might be some large merchandise on the best way.
The primary is the intro of the brand new Mac Professional. It’s certainly one of two Macs left in Apple’s lineup that also makes use of Intel processors, and Apple teased it throughout the “Peek Efficiency” occasion again in March. This might be an opportunity to see what Apple can do when it’s tasked with constructing a pc made for probably the most demanding consumer. What sort of processing muscle will it flex? How inventive will the case design be? What surprises are in retailer? Certain, the Mac Professional is a pc most of us can’t afford, nevertheless it’s a pc everybody–Mac and PC customers alike–has been anticipating for over two years now.
Foundry
The Mac Professional alone makes this second occasion extra interesting than “Far Out,” however that’s not all Apple has in retailer. There’s additionally the alternative of the present $1,099 Intel-based Mac mini. Rumor says that this new Mac mini could function a brand new design, in addition to a brand new M2 Professional chip. Apple may additionally improve the present M1 Mac mini to the M2, a chip that made its debut within the MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Professional this previous spring. Rumors have additionally floated round that we may see small upgrades to the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Professional, so Apple has rather a lot on faucet.
When Apple began the M-series transition, it gave new life to the Mac. This occasion will full the rollout and it’ll present a roadmap for what to anticipate sooner or later. That’s thrilling, particularly whenever you evaluate that to the already-mature iPhone lineup. With the Mac, the chips positive aspects are larger, the improvements are stronger, and the longer term is brighter.