In a much-anticipated event dubbed ‘Scary Fast,’ Apple made waves on October 30, 2023, with an array of announcements that once again pushed the envelope of what’s possible in the realm of personal computing. Here’s a rundown of the key revelations that emanated from the tech giant’s Cupertino headquarters yesterday:
- M3 Chipset Launch: Apple pulled back the curtains on its new M3 series chips, set to power the latest MacBook Pro models and iMacs, marking a substantial leap in processing capability and efficiency​1​.
- New MacBook Pro Models: The event saw the unveiling of new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models equipped with the M3 series chips. These machines promise a blend of power and performance, with options for the base M3 chip or the more robust M3 Pro and M3 Max chips. Notably, the 14-inch model now comes in three different configurations, showcasing the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chips, while the 16-inch model is available with both the M3 Pro and M3 Max chips​2​​1​.
- iMac Revamped: The beloved iMac wasn’t left behind, with Apple introducing a new model powered by the M3 chip. The updated iMac also boasts more maximum memory, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, aligning with the modern connectivity standards​1​.
- Pricing and Availability: The price tag for the new 14-inch MacBook Pro kicks off at $1,599. Both the new MacBook Pro models and the M3 iMac are now available for order, with the first shipments expected to reach customers within the next week. The M3 and M3 Pro machines are available immediately, while those configured with the M3 Max chip will ship later in November​2​​1​.
- Additional Updates: Apple also took the opportunity to retire the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, signaling a shift towards larger screen sizes and possibly newer interfaces in the future. Additionally, a new Space Black color for the MacBook Pro was revealed, alongside updates to peripheral devices such as the Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse which retain their Lightning connections instead of transitioning to USB-C. Lastly, a USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable in Space Black is now available for order​1​.
The ‘Scary Fast’ event was a succinct yet potent demonstration of Apple’s continued commitment to innovation, setting the stage for an exciting era of Mac computing.