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The new iPad Pro vs. the competition: Working hard
Earlier this year students and other cost-conscious consumers got their hands on the latest low-cost iPad, but now it's time for professionals to get their hands on an upgrade. This year's iPad Pro switches the line to USB-C and boasts an improved Pencil. But the field it's facing is a lot different from last year's, especially now that Google's reentered the fray with its Pixel Slate. We've taken a look at some of the top productivity tablets to see how they measure up to the 12.9-inch iPad in numbers. For the real scoop on the new iPad, though, you'll have to wait for our full review, coming in the next few weeks.
Hands-on with the new MacBook Air: The one you've been waiting for
Finally. Here at a Mac-and-iPad event in Brooklyn, Apple just unveiled the long-overdue successor to the 13-inch MacBook Air, with upgrades that include a lighter and more compact design; a Retina display; faster performance; louder, bassier audio; and a new (but not necessarily improved) keyboard. As you'd expect, the company has a demo area set up at the venue, so I made my way up to a test machine to get some hands-on time.
Get ready to pay Apple $9 for an iPad headphone dongle
The new iPad Pro is a ridiculously powerful and expensive device, but as usual it's worth taking note of what Apple didn't include: a headphone jack. Yep, the iPad Pro is the next device to drop the decades-old port. Instead, get ready to pay $9 for a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter, because Apple isn't including it in the box. Also, the new USB-C port on the iPad Pro means you can't use those Lightning headphones that came with your shiny new iPhone. Courage isn't easy, friends -- but since you'll likely be paying more than $1,000 for a new iPad Pro, what's another $9?
The new MacBook Air vs. the competition: Retina display and more
It's been a while since we've seen a new MacBook Air, and this year's model has been given some serious attention. It's now packing a Retina Display and a more reliable butterfly keyboard, making it a good choice for those who need something small and powerful. But it's not the only super thin contender vying for a spot in your purse or shoulder bag. In the past year Microsoft, Dell and HP have all put out great laptops that won't drag you down in either weight or performance. We've measured them up in the table below, though for the real scoop you'll need to check out our full review of the MacBook Air when it comes out next month.
Apple's new iPad Pros swap Lightning ports for USB-C
Apple began its commitment to USB-C back in 2015 with the original MacBook. The ports are now standard on the company's laptops, but today, Apple announced that its new iPad Pros are following suit. Swapping the usual Lightning port out for USB-C isn't just a case of changing what charging cable the iPad Pros use. USB-C enables new features, such as using the tablets to charge other devices like iPhones or being able to easily hook them up to musical instruments or external displays with up to 5K resolution. USB 3.1 Gen 2 support also means faster data-transfer speeds from other devices like cameras. In general, the USB-C switcheroo makes the iPad Pros more peripheral-friendly and therefore more-productive, on-the-go tools. The trade-off, however, is that the new iPad Pros don't have a headphone jack, so the USB-C port doubles as that too. Get your dongle money ready.
Apple's new Pencil charges wirelessly
At its Mac event on Tuesday, Apple revealed a redesigned Pencil. It attaches magnetically to the iPad Pro and can charge wirelessly, which is far better (at least aesthetically) than the old method of inserting it into the iPad's Lightning port. Tapping the screen with Pencil unlocks the iPad and launches the Notes app. Double tapping while you're in certain apps lets you switch to the tool or brush you need.
New iPad Pros pack larger displays, thanks to Face ID
Apple's iPad Pro is starting to look a little dated with its familiar design that hasn't changed much over the years. So it's nice to see that at its New York event today, the company unveiled a fresh new version. It's not a surprise by any means, thanks to all the leaks prior, but now we have more-official details. As expected, the new iPad Pros will have much slimmer bezels than before, thanks in part to getting rid of the home button and freeing up some room. In its place, Apple added Face ID for convenient authentication as well as a USB-C port.
Apple's new Mac mini is all about increased power
Yes, it's actually happening: Apple is releasing a new Mac mini after four years of leaving the tiny desktop virtually untouched. The new design is familiar on the surface, outside of its space gray finish, but boasts a huge performance upgrade with a minimum four-core 8th-generation Intel desktop processor (with an option for six cores), up to 64GB of RAM and 2TB of storage. It's up to five times faster in raw computing power, with 60 percent faster graphics. And it doesn't skimp on connectivity. You'll find four Thunderbolt 3 ports, two USB-A ports, HDMI, audio and Ethernet (including a 10Gbps option).
Apple is using 100 percent recycled aluminum in new Macs
Today, at its Mac event, Apple announced that the new MacBook Air and the Mac mini are "the greenest" Macs ever. That's because the new machine bodies are made from 100 percent recycled aluminum.
Apple finally put a Retina display in the MacBook Air
It's no secret that Apple's MacBook Air is beyond outdated, and the company has finally decided to offer a lower-cost laptop with more-modern specs. Amazingly enough, it's called the MacBook Air: CEO Tim Cook started his presentation by calling it the most loved laptop ever. And with that kind of love, it's no surprise Apple's keeping the laptop around. First and foremost, the new MacBook Air has a Retina Display. The giant aluminum bezel is gone, but the screen remains 13.3 inches. The full resolution is four times what the original Macbook Air had, which works out to 2,560 x 1600. That's not exactly the same as four times the old Air's 1,440 x 900 resolution, but we're not complaining about this improvement. Sadly, Apple is sticking with the two USB-C port setup, and it looks like there's no SD slot either. But those ports support Thunderbolt 3 for improved data-transfer speeds.
We're live from Apple's iPad and Mac event!
Hot on the heels of unveiling three iPhones and a watch, Apple is getting ready for yet another press event. This time, Tim Cook takes the stage at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and this time, Macs and a refreshed iPad Pro are said to be in store. I'd say that classic Mac logo on the invitation we received (see above) should erase any doubt that we're about to see some new computers. The questions are: which ones, and how extensive will the updates be? Our money is on a successor to the 13-inch MacBook Air, though don't be surprised if Apple drops the Air branding. Upgraded iMacs are a safe bet, too, and a Mac mini for pros is possible as well. Another shoo-in: a revamped iPad Pro with a Face ID sensor (and iPhone-like notch to match). And, of course, we remain hopeful that we'll learn more about Apple's long-delayed AirPower wireless-charging mat, but then again, we were left disappointed on that count after last month's iPhone launch. Fortunately for those of you who miss surprises, there have been fewer leaks ahead of this event, so you have more incentive than ever to fire up the livestream, open our liveblog and watch everything unfold. Join us on Tuesday the 30th, starting at or just before 10AM ET.
Watch Apple's iPad and Mac event live at 10AM ET!
Apple's hosting another event today, this time in Brooklyn, New York. The company teased the event earlier this month with a slew of artsy-looking Apple logos and the tagline "There's more in the making," and thanks to plenty of rumors, we have a good idea of what to expect. We're likely to see a new, nearly bezel-less iPad Pro with Face ID and maybe an updated iPad mini. Also expected to be on the docket is a new MacBook to replace Apple's MacBook Air and possibly some updated iMacs and AirPods too.
Apple will release iOS 12.1 with Group FaceTime tomorrow
You won't have to wait until Apple's big iPad event to find out when iOS 12.1 will arrive. Apple has confirmed that the update will be available on October 30th (the day of the event) for all existing iOS 12-compatible devices. For most, the highlight will be the delayed Group FaceTime feature -- up to 32 people can chat at once, complete with a system that surfaces video based on who's speaking. You'll also be happy if you're an emoji fan, since Apple is adding more than 70 characters that include more hairstyles, animals and food.
UK wants tech giants to pay two percent tax on digital revenues
The British government announced a new "digital services" tax that would take two percent of revenues generated by tech giants, according to Sky News. The tax would skim cash off of what the companies make from services like online advertising and streaming content. The government believes such a tax could raise more than more than £400 million ($512 million) each year.
Apple investigating reports of student workers in factories (again)
Apple is investigating reports that one of its parts suppliers is illegally using high school students on its assembly line. Hong Kong-based human rights group Sacom alleges that Taiwanese manufacturer Quanta Computer has been skirting labor laws by using teenage "interns" to assemble the Apple Watch Series 4.
We're liveblogging Apple's Mac and iPad event tomorrow at 10AM ET!
You know the drill by now: Apple announces new iPhones and Apple Watches in September. Then, if it has anything else up its sleeve, it usually unveils the rest in a separate October event. Indeed, we hadn't even finished reviewing all the latest iPhones when we received an invite to another keynote, this one in Brooklyn, New York. So, tomorrow we'll be heading south across the East River to the Brooklyn Academy of Music, where Tim Cook and co. are expected to debut new Macs and a refreshed iPad Pro. On the Mac side, we're ready to see everything from a 13-inch MacBook, to updated iMacs to a new Mac Mini targeted at professionals. The iPad is an easier bet: It's probably going to be the first iPad with a Face ID sensor (not to mention a notch). Oh, and because this is the Brooklyn Academy of Music we're talking about, we wouldn't be surprised if Apple unveiled some new updates to its creative suite. Unless we see a dramatic uptick in leaks over the next 24 hours, you'll want to follow our liveblog tomorrow, starting at or just before 10AM ET. We'll bring you news, photos and maybe some hands-ons if we're allowed to touch anything. Stay tuned!
iOS icon provides clearest look yet at iPad Pro with Face ID
You don't have to rely on tiny icons or word-of-mouth leaks to know what the next iPad Pro will look like -- Apple has provided a good clue all on its own. The 9to5Mac team has discovered an iOS icon that shows the 2018 iPad Pro in much clearer detail, including the absence of a home button (and thus the presence of Face ID) and a not-quite-edge-to-edge display. It's unclear if everything is to scale, since Apple occasionally exaggerates icon details for the sake of clarity, but there's little doubt as to what the tablet will look like.
Qualcomm says Apple owes $7 billion in device royalty payments
If Qualcomm ever prevails in its patent dispute with Apple, it could have ample compensation coming its way. The chip designer told a San Diego federal court on October 26th that Apple was allegedly $7 billion behind in device royalty payments -- no small amount when it comes to cellular chipsets. The declaration doesn't guarantee that Apple actually owes that much, but it does reveal the scale of Qualcomm's claims against its former customer.
iPhone XR teardowns take a peek at its XL battery
Now that Apple's iPhone XR is officially available, the usual cast of characters are waiting to tear the device apart and see what's inside. The first teardown video came courtesy of the Germans over at kaputt.de, while iFixit is also busy with its own look inside that includes a few shots take via X-ray. Either way you look at it, the iPhone XR, once pulled apart, shows its status as a device straddling generations. It has hints of the iPhone X, with a rectangular logic board, but also an iPhone 8-style rectangular battery. Speaking of that cell, at 11.16Wh, it's larger than the iPhone XS (10.13), iPhone 8 Plus (10.28) and smaller than the iPhone XS Max (12.08). Since it's also driving a lower-res 6.1-inch LCD screen than the OLED-equipped XS phones, we'd expect the excellent battery life seen in our review to hold up. There weren't any surprises elsewhere -- as expected, breaking its glass back will mean replacing the entire chassis -- but you can see everything from the taptic engine to its single-lens camera below.
Nike upset hypebeasts with accidental Android-exclusive SNKRS drop
Nike introduced its shoe-selling app SNKRS in 2016, but it wasn't until nearly a year later that it rolled out an Android version. Even today, some of the app's best features (like a way to buy sneakers using augmented reality) are exclusive to iOS. Which, as you can imagine, causes frustration among Android users. But, today, the tables were flipped, even if it may not have been intentional. During Thursday's surprise launch of Nike's "Queen" Blazer Mid, a collaboration with streetwear designer Virgil Abloh, his brand Off-White and tennis superstar Serena Williams, SNKRS users on Android were able to get access to the pair before their iOS counterparts. And, as you might expect, hypebeasts with an iPhone were not happy.
