Macworld
Apple has had a busy fall, with the launch of the iPhone Duo, HomeView smart hub, and the M5 Ultra Mac Studio. But there’s one more event this week, and it might be the biggest of all. And you can follow every rumor and announcement with us right here.
As you can guess by the thinly veiled pun, this week’s marquee announcement is a new MacBook Pro, but not just any MacBook Pro. After years of denials, Apple appears to be on the verge of releasing its first-ever touchscreen MacBook. Rumors say it will have a new design with a lighter chassis, Dynamic Island, and an OLED display. And a very high price tag.
But first, Apple kicked off its week of releases on Monday with the new iPad mini, which got a thinner design, new A20 Pro chip, and an OLED display. Then on Tuesday, Apple announced a new iMac with a new M6 chip along with the M6 MacBook Pro. Neither new machine has much different other than the new chip and some faster networking protocols. But thankfully, the prices didn’t go up.
Pro and Tell event: Live blog11 mins ago, By Michael Simon
$400 touchscreen premium
On the eve of the llaunch of Apple’s first touchscreen MacBook, Mark Gurman reports that Apple has considered charging $400 more than the current non-touch models. That would mean the 16-inch M5 Pro touchscreen MacBook Pro would start at around $3,500, while the 14-inch model starts at under $3,000. That’s a lot, but not quite as much as we feared for an MacBook Pro with an OLED display. We’ll see what else the new laptops bring soon enough.
Link copied SHARE3 hours ago, By Michael Simon
Touchscreen interest?
We polled users on X to gauge the level of interest in a touchscreen MacBook Pro, and the results are somewhat surprising. More than half of the people who cared enough to respond are at least somewhat interested in what Apple brings to the tablet tomorrow. Check out the results below:
Foundry
Link copied SHARE4 hours ago, By Michael Simon
Wallpaper shmallpaper
Ever since Apple has been releasing devices with screens, each generation has received new wallpaper to help distinguish between the old and new models. Except new Macs haven’t gotten new wallpaper for a while. Today’s MacBook Pro has the same wallpaper introduced with the M3 model back in 2023, while the iMac’s wallpaper is indistinguishable from the M4 model it replaces. Does that matter? Not really, but it also shows how little Apple thinks about these upgrades. A new MacBook Pro is supposed to launch tomorrow. I’ll be looking at the wallpaper.
Apple
Link copied SHARE8 hours ago, By Michael Simon
Later launch on Wednesday
If you look at the pre-order times for the new iPad mini, iMac and MacBook Pro, you’ll see that they start at 10:10 am PT tomorrow. That also lines up with Apple’s hands-on event happening in LA at 10 am PT. So you probably don’t need to wake up early tomorrow to get a look at the touchscreen MacBook Pro. I’m pretty sure it won’t pop up on Apple’s website until 10 am PT/1 pm PT.
Link copied SHARE9 hours ago, By Michael Simon
Apple's 'exciting' week isn't very exciting (yet)
After the iPhone Duo and Homeview, this final product launch of 2026 isn’t all that exciting, despite Greg Joswiak’s promise. At least not yet. Now that Apple has gotten the iPad mini, iMac, and MacBook Pro out of the way, the stage is set for the first-ever touchscreen MacBook Pro, which should bring a slew of exciting changes to Apple’s high-end laptop. Along with the touchscreen, there is expected to be a new design that’s much lighter, an upgraded hinge that doesn’t wobble when touched, and an OLED display. Now that’s exciting.
Link copied SHARE9 hours ago, By Michael Simon
Upgrade for Final Cut Pro users
In addition to the new iMac and MacBook Pro, Apple updated Creator Studio today with several new features, most notably building MotionVFX into Final Cut Pro. Apple purchased MotionVFX earlier this year, but the plugin remained a $29/month plugin. Now that’s free, “giving editors access to thousands of elements, including templates with unique themes, stylish graphics, titles, and transitions, as well as tools for rotoscoping, tracking, and color grading,” for the same price as before.
Link copied SHARE10 hours ago, By Michael Simon
Where are the new colors?
We’ve been reading reports about new iMac colors for years now, but they have yet to arrive. The new M6 models have the same seven “vibrant” colors: blue, purple, pink, orange, yellow, green, and silver. There’s nothing wrong with those options, but why would Apple test new colors but not release them? Anyway, here are your iMac options probably for the next 2-3 years:
Apple
Link copied SHARE10 hours ago, By Michael Simon
Faster Ethernet in the iMac
One small change in the iMac: The base model is now configurable up to 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet rather than 1 Gigabit Ethernet in the previous models. The four-port model comes with 2.5 Gigabit standard.
Link copied SHARE10 hours ago, By Michael Simon
Same MacBook Pro, new chip
Like the iMacs, the M6 MacBook Pro is identical to the M5 model, with a new chip and Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Otherwise you’re getting the exact same machine. But in these times, I’m thankful the price hasn’t increased.
Link copied SHARE10 hours ago, By Michael Simon
Just a new chip
The new iMac is very much the old iMac with a new chip. The colors, storage capacity, memory, display, and features are all the same. The only thing that’s improved is the wireless connectivity due to the N1 chip. Now you’ll get Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.
Link copied SHARE11 hours ago, By Michael Simon
Apple launches new M6 iMac and MacBook Pro
As expected, Apple has announced M6 upgrades to the MacBook Pro and iMac, with the same starting prices ($1,499 for the iMac and $1,999 for the MacBook Pro). I’m off to dive into the specs, but at first glance it seems to be a very minor update.
Link copied SHARE11 hours ago, By Michael Simon
How much will the new Macs cost?
Apple is expected to announce updates to the iMac and MacBook Pro this morning with new chips, possibly new colors, and probably a few other new features. But the question I have is, how much will they cost? Apple’s entry-level MacBook Pro already got a $300 bump in June, but Apple raised the price of the Mac mini, Apple TV 4K, and HomePod after their own bumps, so it’s possible the new M6 MacBook Pro crosses the $2,000.
The iMac currently starts at $1,499 with two Thunderbolt ports and a downgraded M4 with 8 cores, while the higher-end 10-core model with 4 Thunderbolt ports starts at $1,699. Both have 256GB hard drives. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the entry-level model axes and the storage increased to 1TB for a new starting price of $1,999.
Link copied SHARE11 hours ago, By David Price
The drawback of thinness
One of the many significant upgrades to the iPad mini announced yesterday was a redesign that sees the device drop from 6.3mm to 5.4mm thick. (It’s also shed 13 percent of its weight.) As my colleague Michael Simon pointed out yesterday, that puts the mini in the same ultra-slim company as the iPhone Air, unfolded iPhone Duo, and iPad Pro.
But of course there are drawbacks to this slimming down–and I’m not talking about lower battery life (which we’ll certainly test) or a tendency to bend (which other people who don’t mind damaging their loan units will certainly test). I’m talking about case compatibility.
Apple has added a new product to its online store called Smart Folio for iPad mini (A20 Pro). This accessory is certified as compatible with that model and no other. Will your existing cases work on the new iPad mini? Maybe (considering that the length and width are almost identical, and that many iPad cases attach on the back rather than completely enclosing the device), and maybe not. Best to give Apple $79 just to be on the safe side. Don’t complain. It’s thinner.
Link copied SHARE13 hours ago, By David Price
M6: What's the big deal?
Assuming today goes the way we expect, the next set of announcements will focus heavily on the upgrades delivered by the M6 processor. This is part of Apple’s latest chip generation, and made its first appearance, to critical acclaim, in the Mac mini in August. So what’s the big deal?
The key factor here is that the M6 is the first of Apple’s chips to use the new 2nm manufacturing process from TSMC, which allows the company to increase core counts and add features while making the chip smaller than the M5. It also lets the chip run at lower power and higher clock speeds. Today’s new iMac and MacBook Pro could be looking at both greater processing muscle and improved power efficiency, and that’s a killer combination by anyone’s standards.
If you want all the details about this exciting new chip and the benefits it brings, Macworld’s Jason Cross spent some time doing a thorough M6 deep dive.
Screenshot
Apple
Link copied SHARE14 hours ago, By David Price
Welcome to day two!
Good morning to European readers, and U.S. readers who’ve got out of bed commendably early. It’s day two of Apple’s Pro and Tell week of announcements.
Yesterday was all about the iPad. Today we’re expecting some Mac news: new M6 versions of the iMac and MacBook Pro. Based on yesterday the announcement is likely to happen at 9 am ET, 1 pm ET. Stay tuned!
Link copied SHARE21 hours ago, By Michael Simon
Take our poll!
With two more days of announcements coming this week, we want to know what you’re planning to buy: an iPad mini, M6 iMac, M6 MacBook Pro, or touchscreen MacBook Pro. Readers are weighing in and there’s no surprise here, with 41 percent of the vote, the touchscreen MacBook Pro leads the pack. Join the conversation and take our poll online.
Link copied SHARE1 day ago, By Michael Simon
Spotlight on hinges
Following this weekend’s iPhone Duo hinge issues, which have led to numerous cracked and damaged screens, Mark Gurman reports that Apple will be putting emphasis on the MacBook Pro’s new hinge when the touchscreen model arrives this week. He says Apple has made it “more stable so touching the screen doesn’t make it rock during usage.” It’s just a good thing that the new laptop won’t involve folding glass.
Link copied SHARE1 day ago, By Michael Simon
OS 27.2 updates are out
Ahead of a round of new product releases this week, as well as the HomePod mini coming Friday and the 4th-gen Apple TV 4K coming next month, Apple has released its first major update to OS 27 for iPhones, iPads, Macs, and everything else. So even if you’re not planning on buying something new this week, you devices can get some new features at least.
Link copied SHARE1 day ago, By Michael Simon
Next up: Macs and more Macs!
We’re still expecting three more announcements this week: the M6 iMac, the M6 entry-level MacBook Pro, and the touchscreen MacBook Pro. We assume tomorrow will bring the updates to the iMac and MacBook Pro and Wednesday will cap the announcements with the touchscreen model. It’s going to be a fun week!
Link copied SHARE1 day ago, By Michael Simon
Thin but not the thinnest
Over the past several years, Apple has put renewed emphasis on device thinness, with the M4 iPad Pro, iPhone Air, and iPhone Duo all competing for the crown of thinnest device. The iPad mini shaved off a considerable amount of thickness, going from 6.3mm to 5.4mm, but it’s still not quite as thin as other devices in Apple’s lineup:
- 13-inch iPad Pro: 5.1mm
- iPhone Duo (open): 5.2mm
- 11-inch iPad Pro: 5.3mm
- A20 Pro iPad mini: 5.4mm
- iPhone Air: 5.6 mm
Apple
Link copied SHARE1 day ago, By Michael Simon
Polishing Cloth included*
Apple is including a $9 Polishing Cloth with the iPad mini, but only if you spring for the nano display option, which costs $100 and is only available on the 256GB and 512GB models. Still, that’s a nice perk that iPhone Duo buyers sadly don’t get.
Link copied SHARE1 day ago, By Michael Simon
'An exciting week' ahead
Following the launch of the iPad mini this morning, Apple exec Greg Joswiak has teased a week of “exciting” announcements. That probably means we’re getting the M6 iMac and M6 MacBook Pro tomorrow and the touchscreen MacBook Pro on Wednesday. So stay tuned all week!
Link copied SHARE1 day ago, By Michael Simon
Still no ProMotion
While the iPad mini has all the makings of a pro device, with an OLED display, A20 Pro processor, and refined color palette, but it’s still missing one major feature of Apple’s other Pro devices: 120Hz ProMotion. There were scattered reports that Apple would be bringing the high-end screen tech to the mini along with its OLED upgrade, but alas, it didn’t make the cut. Looks like we’ll have to wait another 2-3 years.
Link copied SHARE1 day ago, By David Price
A future-proofed device
iPad owners (with the exception of iPad Pro owners, who are a whole different breed) tend not to worry too much about tech specs. For the majority of Apple’s customers the iPad is a convenient way to read their emails and browse the internet on the couch, and you don’t need the very latest chip to accomplish that. So it might seem odd, even gratuitous, that the new iPad mini has a processor (the A20 Pro) that’s three generations newer than the A17 Pro in the last model.
But the key concept here is future-proofing. Because iPad owners have relatively low hardware requirements, they tend not to upgrade their devices very often. The iPad mini absolutely does not need to be this fast right now. But it will in five years, when the people who buy it this month will very likely still be using it.
I mean, there’s also AI. That’s how Apple is officially marketing the A20 Pro. But I would argue that cutting-edge AI performance is a pretty low priority for most of the mini’s prospective customers.
Link copied SHARE1 day ago, By Michael Simon
The mini's colors are fading
Since its 2021 redesign, the iPad mini has been available in multiple colors, including blue, purple, and pink. With the launch of the 8th-gen model, there are now just two: Midnight (black) and Starlight (gold). For a device that usually goes caseless, those are disapppointing options. And from what we see on the website, Midnight looks a lot closer to space gray than dark blue, but we’ll need to see it in person.
Apple
Link copied SHARE1 day ago, By Michael Simon
A reason to get more storage
Apple has hidden a pretty nice upgrade in the tech specs. The 128GB and 256GB version of the iPad mini have a cut-down A20 Pro processor with a 5-core CPU and a single 16-core Neural Engine. But if you opt for the 512GB model you get the full version of the chip, with a 6-core CPU and a dual 16-core Neural Engine. I don’t know if you need that much power in an iPad mini or want to spend $999 on a 8.5-inch tablet, but at least you’re getting a little more for your money.
Link copied SHARE1 day ago, By Michael Simon
Comparing the old and new iPad mini
iPad mini (A17 Pro)iPad mini (A18 Pro)Display8.3-inch Liquid Retina display8.5-inch Super Retina displayProcessorA17 Pro (8GB RAM)A20 Pro (12GB RAM)Storage128/256/512GB128/256/512GBFront camera12MP Center Stage camera12MP Landscape Center Stage cameraRear camera12MP Wide camera12MP Wide cameraBiometricsTouch ID in top buttonTouch ID in top buttonAudioLandscape stereo speakersAcoustic DisplayColorsSpace Gray, Blue, Purple, StarlightMidnight, StarlightDimensionsH: 7.69 inches (195.4 mm)W: 5.3 inches (134.8 mm)
D: 0.25 inch (6.3 mm)H: 7.69 inches (195.3 mm)
W: 5.22 inches (132.6 mm)
D: 0.21 inch (5.4 mm)Weight0.65 pound (293 grams)0.56 pound (255 grams)Price$599$699 Link copied SHARE
1 day ago, By M