Tech / Technology

New M3 iMac announced at Apple’s 10/30 event

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Apple announced the new M3 iMac at the ‘Scary Fast’ event. Here’s everything you need to know.
Apple iMac

Apple just dropped a new iMac and it’s packed with the next-generation processor: the M3 chip. For the uninitiated, the iMac may seem like nothing more than a monitor, but don’t let its sleek display fool you. It’s actually an all-in-one PC packed with a processor and graphics, as well as memory and storage.

It’s about time that Apple upgraded the M1 iMac, which was introduced at Apple’s Spring Loaded event in 2021. Now, we have a refreshed iMac with a wealth of new features. Check out the 3 new features of the new M3 iMac.

3 new features of the M3 iMac

The new iMac is not massively different from the previous version; it features the same size, design, and even the colors have remained the same. Here are three standout features:

1. That M3 chip

The new M3 chip is Apple’s first 3-nanometer chip for desktop computers. It’s faster while being less power-hungry. To be precise, an iMac with an M3 chip is up to two times faster than the prior iMac generation with an M1 chip. The star of the show is the new, 10-core GPU, which will bring up to 50% faster frame rates in games. The new iMac also supports up to 24GB of unified memory.

2. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3

One small, but important change for those who need fast wireless connectivity is the freshly added support for Wi-Fi 6E, which enables download speeds that are twice as fast as the previous generation, as well as support for Bluetooth 5.3, replacing Bluetooth 5.0 on the previous model.

Apple iMac

Still only comes in 24-inch size.
Credit: Apple

3. Up to 24GB of memory

The new iMac can now be had with 24GB of memory, instead of only 16GB.

And while not technically new or a feature, you’ll probably be happy to know that the starting price for the iMac is still the same: $1,299.

Other than the above, it’s worth noting that the iMac is not available with the new M3 Pro and M3 Max chips. You can only get it with the vanilla M3 variety. And yes, it still only comes in one size – a 24-inch display.

If you want a beefier iMac, you can have it with 24GB memory, a 10-core GPU (instead of the starting 8-core GPU) and 2TB of storage, though that will cost you a total of $2,699.

As for the colors, your choices are (still) green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver.

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Apple event October 2023: Every single MacBook Pro, iMac announced

Most of the other details have remained the same, including the 4.5K Retina display, 1080p webcam, six-speaker system, three mics, and up to four USB ports.

Finally, Apple says that the new iMac is better for the environment, with a stand that uses 100% recycled aluminum, while the gold in the plating of “multiple printed circuit boards” inside is also 100% recycled.

The new iMac can be ordered now and will start shipping on Nov. 7.

Tech / Technology

Apple event October 2023: Every single MacBook Pro, iMac announced

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Apple refreshed the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models and debuted a new iMac.
new M3 MacBook Pro

Trick o’ treat! Apple dropped some new M3s!

The Apple October 2023 event, also known as the “Scary Fast” live stream, dropped four iDevices this spooky season while introducing a new generation of three-nanometer chips: M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max.

The M3 Pro, compared to the other two chips, would be considered a mid-tier processor while the M3 is an entry-level pick and the M3 Max is the best money can buy.

Curious to see which new products these chips will power? Stick around to find out.

1. 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Pro and M3 Max

Apple introduced two refreshed 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models and they come in two flavors: M3 Pro and M3 Max. Just like the predecessor, if you want the maximum amount of performance out of your laptop, you can snag the M3 Max 14-inch MacBook Pro or 16-inch MacBook Pro.

14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro

14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Pro and M3 Max
Credit: Apple

If you don’t need herculean muscle, you can snag the M3 Pro for either the 14-inch or the 16-inch MacBook Pro.

The M3 Pro, according to Apple, is up to 40 percent faster than the M1 Pro. The M3 Max, on the other hand, is 2.5 faster than the M1 Max.

Apple claims these models will deliver up to 22 hours of battery life. The 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M3 Pro chip starts at $1,999. The 16-inch MacBook Pro starts at $2,499.

2. 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 chip

You may be wondering, “Didn’t you just mention a 14-inch MacBook Pro in the last section?”

M3 MacBook Pro

M3 MacBook Pro
Credit: Apple

I did, dear reader, but this one is different. This 14-inch MacBook Pro does not come with an M3 Pro chip nor an M3 Max processor. Instead, it comes with an M3 chip. It may not have the same “oomph” as the M3 Pro and M3 Max chips, but it’s a significant leap over the M1 chip. In fact, Apple boasts that the M3 chip up to 60 percent faster than the M1 chip.

It starts at $1599.

4. New Space Black MacBook Pro

You can now get the MacBook Pro in a new color called “Space Black” that consists of a dark aluminum finish – and less fingerprints.

New Space Black MacBook Pro

New Space Black MacBook Pro
Credit: Apple

This is only available among the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with the M3 Pro and M3 Max chips.

For your information, the M3 and M3 Max models are also available in silver. The M3 14-inch MacBook Pro, on the other hand, is available in space gray and silver.

3. iMac with M3 chip

The iMac hasn’t received an update since 2021 when Apple announced a new 24-inch colorful lineup with the M1 chip. Before the Scary Fast event, people have been scratching their heads wondering, “Will Apple pack it with M2 chip or will it leapfrog over to the M3 processor?”

New M3 iMac

New M3 iMac
Credit: Apple

As it turns out, Apple opted for the M3 chip, which is also packed inside the 14-inch MacBook Pro. The Cupertino-based tech giant claims that it’s two times faster than an M1 iMac. It still comes with the same seven colors of last generation, as well as the same size and 4.5K Retina display.

It has a starting price of $1,299.

Tech / Technology

What to expect from the Apple October event 2023

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Apple announced that it is hosting a ‘Scary Fast’ event on Oct. 30. Here’s everything we’re expecting to see.
MacBook models

What are we expecting to see at the Apple October event? Billed “Scary Fast”, new iDevices are reportedly on the way. What throws us off, however, is that the Cupertino-based tech giant will be holding the pre-recorded livestream at 5 p.m. PDT.

This means that I, on the East Coast, will have to tune in at 8 p.m. for an Apple event. During my tenure as a tech journalist, I’ve never attended a nighttime Apple event. This is a first!

Adding to the spooky vibes of this Halloween-themed event is the mysteriousness shrouding the iDevices Apple will drop on Monday. With the Finder icon being on Apple’s official invite, there’s a hint that new Macs will be in our future, but the question is, which ones?

The 4 Macs rumored to be revealed at the ‘Scary Fast’ event

According to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman and Ming-Chi Kuo, two reliable Apple leakers, here are the iDevices we may see on Monday:

  • iMac with M3 chip

  • 14-inch MacBook Pro with new M3 Pro and M3 Max chips

  • 16-inch MacBook Pro with new M3 Pro and M3 Pro chips

  • 13-inch MacBook Pro with new M3 chip

We haven’t seen an update of the iMac since 2021 when Apple revealed colorful 24-inch variants packed with the M1 chip. The 13-inch MacBook Pro, released in June 2022 with the M2 chip, is also due for an upgrade.

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A brief history of the iPhone

However, the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros just got upgraded in January of this year, which is why many – including myself – are skeptical of Gurman and Kuo’s claims. However, Gurman is refusing to back down.

“While rare, Apple has refreshed a Mac twice in one year. I’ll never forget Apple announced the iMac G5 with a built-in iSight camera in Oct. ’05 and then hilariously updated it to Intel in Jan. ’06 – only 3 months later,” Gurman said in a tweet.

If you’ve been crossing your fingers for some new iPads, don’t hold your breath. Gurman says new iPads are coming in March. Kuo also mentioned that he doesn’t expect to see iPads this year whatsoever.


12.9-inch iPad Pro M2

Credit: Amazon


12.9-inch iPad Pro M2

$1,049

Tech / Technology

How to watch the October Apple event — expect new MacBooks

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Wondering how to watch the October Apple event? We’ve got the scoop on when and where you can watch the “Scary Fast” live stream.
Apple October event 2023 invite with Finder icon

Wondering how to watch the October 2023 Apple event? Rumor has it that the Cupertino-based tech giant has plans to release new MacBook Pro models as well as the next-generation iMac.

Apple is hosting a livestream billed “Scary Fast,” but what’s interesting is that it’s during a non-traditional hour. However, if you’re a tech enthusiast like myself, or you simply want to watch the livestream everyone’s been gushing about on social media, check out the information below to find out how to watch it.

How to watch the October Apple event

You can watch Apple’s “Scary Fast” livestream three ways:

In my experience, Apple’s official website is typically a second or two ahead of the YouTube livestream.

What time is the October Apple event?

Apple’s “Scary Fast” livestream is on Oct. 30 at 5 p.m. PDT. And no, that is not a typo. For the first time ever, Apple is hosting a nighttime event, feeding into the Halloween vibes.

For your convenience, here are the start times for the Apple October 2023 event for other parts of the world:

  • Mountain Time: 6 p.m.

  • Central Time: 7 p.m.

  • Eastern Time: 8 p.m.

  • Rio de Janeiro: 9 p.m.

  • London: 1 a.m.

  • Berlin: 2 a.m.

  • UTC: 12 a.m.

As you can see, this is a late start for almost everyone. Some will be getting ready for bed – and others will already be in bed.

What to expect from the October Apple event

According to Bloomberg’s Gurman, the Apple October 2023 event is expected to reveal three MacBook Pro models: the 13-inch MacBook Pro, 14-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro. We also may see a new iMac.

colorful iMacs with M1 chip

iMac
Credit: Apple

For more in-depth details about what to expect, click here.