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Apple to Launch M3-Powered Macs Featuring 3nm Chips

Apple to Launch M3-Powered Macs Featuring 3nm Chips

In the latest Power On Newsletter by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, it is reported that Apple is expected to introduce the first Macs powered by the next-generation M3 Apple Silicon, possibly towards the end of this year or early 2024. Gurman shares insights from developer logs, revealing some details about the M3 lineup. According to a reliable source, the base M3 Pro chip is expected to feature 12 CPU cores, 18 GPU cores, and 36 GB of RAM. This would represent an improvement of 2 CPU cores, 2 GPU cores, and slightly higher maximum RAM compared to the baseline M2 Pro chip. Similar enhancements are anticipated for the base M2, Max, and Ultra chips.

The current base model MacBook Pro equipped with the M2 Pro chip consists of six high-performance cores and four efficiency cores. In contrast, the M3 Pro chip is rumored to have six high-performance cores and six efficiency cores, totaling 12 cores. This follows a similar pattern seen in the transition from the M1 to M2 chips, where the increase in core count was driven by a higher number of efficiency cores while maintaining the same number of high-performance cores.

The M3 chip series will be manufactured using a 3-nanometer fabrication process, allowing for higher core density. In addition to the increased density, this advanced fabrication process typically implies improved performance for each core. Consequently, the six M3 cores are expected to be faster than their M2 counterparts, highlighting that the comparison goes beyond just the number of cores.

During the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, Apple is expected to unveil a 15-inch MacBook Air running on the M2 chip. However, the debut of the first M3 Macs is not anticipated until the fall of 2023 or early 2024. Apple is reported to be actively developing M3 versions of the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and iMac.

Although Apple is currently introducing more Macs powered by the M2 chips, the focus is expected to shift to the M3 generation in the near future. Testing of the M3 chips is already underway, with plans to succeed the M2 series, potentially by the end of 2023. Gurman suggests that the M3 Pro chip, which is likely the base variant, could be incorporated into the next updates of the 14-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro, possibly released in early 2024.

While there were early rumors speculating that the M3 could arrive as early as April 2023 in the 15-inch MacBook Air, those predictions did not materialize. Gurman reiterates that the earliest expected timeline for the release of M3 Macs is in the fall, and development of M3 versions for the MacBook Air and iMac is ongoing.

The Pros and Cons of Final Cut Pro Going Subscription-Based

The Pros and Cons of Final Cut Pro Going Subscription-Based

The announcement that Final Cut Pro for iPad will be subscription-based is likely to have a significant impact on the market, both for Apple and its competitors.

One major effect of this move is that it could lead to an increase in adoption of the iPad as a tool for professional video editing. The iPad has already been gaining popularity among creatives, and the availability of a robust video editing software like Final Cut Pro could make it an even more appealing option. This could lead to an increase in iPad sales and a boost for Apple’s hardware business.

On the other hand, the subscription-based model for Final Cut Pro on iPad could also lead to users choosing to switch to alternative video editing software. There are already many options available for video editing on the iPad, including Adobe Premiere Rush and LumaFusion. If Final Cut Pro’s subscription fee is too high, or if users prefer the features of other software, they may choose to switch.

Another potential impact of this move is that it could lead to an increase in competition in the mobile video editing software market. Final Cut Pro for iPad is expected to be a powerful and comprehensive video editing tool, and its subscription-based model may motivate competitors to improve their offerings and provide better value for money.

If Final Cut Pro, Apple’s professional desktop video editing software, becomes subscription-based, there may be several effects on its user base.

Firstly, some users may choose to switch to alternative video editing software that does not require a subscription, such as Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve. These users may not want to commit to a recurring subscription payment and may prefer to purchase a one-time license for their editing software.

I moved away from Adobe just for that reason. I found very good alternatives to Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign with Affinity Photo, Affinity Designer, and Affinity Publisher. You can get all 3 for a one-time purchase price of $169.

If Apple chooses to turn FinalCut Pro into a subscription-based software license, I will be checking Davinci Resolve.

Introducing the Apple Card Savings Account on iPhone

Introducing the Apple Card Savings Account on iPhone

Apple has introduced yet another innovative feature to its arsenal of financial services, the Apple Card savings account. This feature is exclusive to Apple Card users and offers a high-yield savings account through its partnership with Goldman Sachs. The savings account is aimed at helping users save money more efficiently and conveniently, all while earning competitive interest rates.

One of the most significant benefits of the Apple Card savings account is the high interest rate it offers. Currently, the account provides a 4.15% APY, which is much higher than the national average for savings accounts, making it a more attractive option for users who want to grow their money without taking on excessive risk. Additionally, the savings account provides the opportunity to earn interest on the Daily Cash cashback balance and other deposited money, adding an extra layer of profitability.

The integration of the savings account with the Wallet app on the iPhone is another standout feature. This integration provides users with a seamless experience when managing their savings, with the ability to monitor their balance, transfer funds, and track their savings goals directly from their iPhone. The app also offers personalized recommendations on how much users should save each week based on their spending patterns, making it easier to achieve their financial goals.

The Apple Card savings account’s fee structure is another reason to consider it. There are no fees associated with the account, making it a more affordable option for users looking for a low-cost savings account. This means no monthly maintenance fees, minimum balance requirements, or transaction fees, reducing the cost of saving money.

Apple has also implemented several security measures to ensure the safety of the savings account. The account is FDIC-insured up to $250,000, meaning that deposits are protected in the event of bank failure. Additionally, the account is protected by two-factor authentication and Face ID or Touch ID, ensuring that only the account holder can access the funds.

The Apple Card savings account offers users a high-yield savings account with a competitive interest rate, seamless integration with the Wallet app on the iPhone, no fees, and robust security features. The savings account is an excellent option for Apple Card users looking to save money in a more efficient and convenient way while promoting financial wellness.

Apple’s Next Big Move: What to Expect from Upcoming Announcements at WWDC 2023

Apple’s Next Big Move: What to Expect from Upcoming Announcements at WWDC 2023

Apple is one of the most well-known tech companies in the world, and every time they announce new products or services, it generates a lot of buzz in the industry. With the WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) coming up in June 2023, people are eagerly anticipating what Apple has in store for them. Here are some possible announcements that could be made during the event.

iOS 17

One of the most anticipated announcements at WWDC is the unveiling of the latest iOS version, which is expected to be called iOS 17. Apple users are eagerly awaiting new features and improvements in the latest version of the operating system.

New MacBook Pros

Apple is known for its high-end laptops, and a new MacBook Pro is rumored to be in the works. The new MacBook Pro is expected to feature a faster processor, a new design, and a larger battery life.

AirPods 3

Another rumored product that Apple might announce is the new AirPods 3. These wireless earbuds are expected to have a new design, improved sound quality, and better battery life.

Apple Watch Series 8

The Apple Watch is one of the best smartwatches on the market, and the latest model, the Apple Watch Series 8, is expected to be announced during the event. The new watch is rumored to have a larger display, longer battery life, and new health-related features.

macOS 13

Apple’s macOS operating system is also expected to get an upgrade, with the release of macOS 13. The new version is expected to have new features and improvements, including better integration with iOS devices.

Overall, Apple’s upcoming announcements at WWDC 2023 are sure to be exciting for Apple enthusiasts worldwide. Whether it’s a new MacBook Pro, iOS 17, AirPods 3, or Apple

How will Apple’s Earnings be Affected by the New Macs

How will Apple’s Earnings be Affected by the New Macs

On May 4 at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time, Apple will reveal its earnings for the second quarter of the 2023 fiscal year, followed by a conference call with CEO Tim Cook and CFO Luca Maestri for investors at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

The quarter, which ran from January 1 through April 1, saw the launch of new products such as the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips, the Mac mini with M2 and M2 Pro chips, the 2nd generation HomePod, the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus in Yellow, and the Black Unity Sport Loop.

Analysts predict a revenue decline of around 4.5% YoY, with revenue of approximately $93 billion. The conference call will include a Q&A session with analysts, and a live audio stream and recording will be available on Apple’s Investor Relations page. While Apple has not announced any new products for the third quarter, it opened its first retail stores in India and launched an Apple Card savings account in partnership with Goldman Sachs. AAPL is currently trading at around $168, down about 4.5% from its 52-week high of $176.15.

Investors will be paying close attention to any potential commentary regarding the state of the economy.