Apple Unveils New AirPods, MacBook Pros and Voice Plan

Apple Inc on Monday introduced new third-generation AirPods and MacBook Pro laptops, with new screens and high-end M1 Pro and M1 Max chips.

“We are excited to introduce the next generation of AirPods, featuring unrivaled sound through Adaptive EQ and spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, along with seamless interaction between Apple devices — making the world’s best-selling headphones even better,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. 

Apple AirPods: Key features and specs

• Spatial audio
• Dynamic audio driver
• Water-and-sweat resistant
• Contour semi-in-ear design
• Adaptive equalizer
• 30 hours of total listening time
• MagSafe and Wireless charging case

AirPods require Apple devices running iOS 15.1, iPadOS 15.1, watchOS 8.1, tvOS 15.1, or macOS Monterey.

The two new MacBook Pro models -14-inch and 16-inch start at $1,999 and range up to $6,099 in their most expensive variations. 

They run on two new chips called the M1 Pro and M1 Max.

“This is the first bedrock that has been laid architecturally, and in many ways it’s unprecedented to see this level of performance at this level of power efficiency,” said Ben Bajarin, head of consumer technologies at Creative Strategies.

Apple MacBook Pro: Key features and specs

• M1 Pro and M1 Max chip options
• Mini-LED tech-based 14-inch and 16-inch display
• Up to 1000 nits brightness
• Force-touch trackpad
• Fn key row replaces touchbar
• 3.5mm audio out port
• MagSafe port for charging
• Pro Motion display tech – Up to 120Hz refresh rate
• Billion colour liquid retina XDR display (HDR)
• 1080p facetime HD camera
• Three-mic array for studio quality audio recording
• 6-speaker sound system with Spatial audio

Apple announces new Voice Plan for Apple Music

Priced at $4.99, the new Voice Plan works with Siri.