by Patrix |
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.
by Patrix |
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.
by Patrix |
I’ve been playing with my new iPhone 14 Pro for about a week now and I love it! The photos are spectacular and the video is astonishingly good.
I’m beginning to determine which accessories I will need to assemble for mobile photography and videography with this most impressive iPhone. I bought the 256GB iPhone 14 Pro since is the storage I’ve always chosen for my past 3 iPhones and it was more than adequate. However, with the new 48 megapixel camera and the ability to shoot in Apple RAW and ProRes, I realize that I will be able to gobble up that 256GB capacity very quickly while traveling. So, I started exploring how I could easily offload photos and videos onto external storage while on the road. It turn out that this is not as simple as I’d hoped.
The obstacles I discovered are a due to 2 factors:
- Apple chose to keep the Lightening port in the iPhone 14 Pro instead of upgrading to a USB C port. Most of the major SSD makers are using USB C ports for faster data transfer.
- The iPhone 14 Pro apparently cannot provide sufficient power for most of the large (1TB or higher) SSD storage options.
A Good Solution
After a few days of exploring and testing, I have found a good solution for my travel needs. This solution requires the following items:
Note: I am an Amazon Affiliate and these links help support this website.
Here’s what the setup looks like:
This is a light-weight solution that works well with my mobile/travel photography and videography. The data transfer rate is not as high as it would be if the iPhone 14 Pro had a native USB C port, but it is faster than using AirDrop (which I have found to be a bit flaky at times). Also, AirDrop requires another device (iPad or MacBook) to transfer the data.
I will be experimenting with doing some editing (both photo and video) directly from files on the SSD. I will report back here once this exploration is complete.
by Patrix |
All signs are that Apple will be announcing new iPad Pro models with M2 chip and some new Mac models also powered by the M2 chip.
Of particular interest is the possibility the a new line of MacBook Pro models with the M2 chip. There is also a rumored Mac Mini with the new M2 chip.
Although Apple TV is due for an update, it is unclear whether this will be included in Apple’s October event.
Also due for an update are the iPadOS and MacOS (Ventura). The release dates of these operating systems be be announced at the October event.
by Patrix |
I generally keep my iPhones for 2-3 years, depending on what new features are offered. The new iPhone Pro, which will be announced in September, has me thinking again about whether to upgrade or not.
To help with my decision, I’ve listed what new features I can expect for the iPhone 14 Pro. These include some new features introduced in the iPhone 13 Pro last year.
- Camera Upgrade: This is a biggy for me. I’ve slowly sold off my higher end camera equipment in favor of my iPhone’s camera and occasionally my small Sony rx100 vii. The iPhone 14 Pro will give me a 48-megapixel Wide lens and support for 8K video on the rear camera. The front camera will me upgraded with autofocus, increased optical zoom, image stabilization, Macro capabilities, Cinematic mode, ProRes video, and more.
- Newer, faster A16 Chip: The iPhone 12 Pro chip ain’t too shabby, but the A15 chip in the iPhone 13 Pro is 20% faster! The new A16 chip in the iPhone 14 Pro will be even faster!
- Longer Battery Life: The battery life in the iPhone 12 Pro for video playback is 17 hours. The iPhone 13 Pro comes in at 22 hours. The iPhone 14 Pro will have an even larger battery capacity.
- Brighter Display: The iPhone 14 Pro will have up to 200 nits higher peak brightness than the iPhone 12 Pro.
- Higher Modem and WiFi Performance: The iPhone 14 Pro will come with WiFi 6E, allowing for connection to 6GHz WiFi networks. Also, the iPhone 14 Pro will use the newer Snapdragon X65 modem for even faster 5G performance.
- Notch to Pill: Oh, and then there’s the Pill. I’m tired of that damn notch. So a pill-shaped cutout for sensors and front camera will be a welcomed change.
There are of course more upgrades, like ProMotion, Always-on display, larger storage options, and more. Overall, it looks like I’ll be getting the new iPhone 14 Pro in September.
by Patrix |
The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro will include a number of important camera upgrades.
As usual, Apple will put the highest-end camera upgrades in the “Pro” models.
iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max
Here’s what we know about the specs:
• 12-megapixel Wide camera with Focus Pixels
• 12-megapixel Ultra Wide camera with ƒ/1.8 aperture and autofocus
• Front-facing camera with ƒ/1.9 aperture and autofocus
The iPhone 14’s new 48-megapixel Wide camera will be exclusive to the Pro models. iPhone 14 Pro Max, will have an upgraded front-facing camera with autofocus and a wider ƒ/1.9 aperture. The wider aperture allows more light to pass through the lens and reach the front camera’s sensor on the iPhone 14 models, resulting in enhanced image quality.
iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max
• 48-megapixel Wide camera with Focus Pixels and pixel binning
• 7-element Telephoto lens
• 8K video recording
• Front-facing camera with ƒ/1.9 aperture and autofocus
The new Wide sensor is a Sony unit, like the iPhone 13 Pro. The device’s sensor is a 1/1.3-inches in width, an over 20% increase over the 1/1.65-inch sensor width of the Wide camera on the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max. This means that the iPhone 14 Pro will create larger, higher-resolution images with finer details. The iPhone 14 Pro models will support both 48-megapixel and 12-megapixel output, through a process known as pixel binning.
The iPhone 14 Pro models, with a 48MP camera system, will offer 8K video recording, creating a significant upgrade over the iPhone 13 Pro’s.