High-end Apple laptop line; fluid, capable, market-shaping
Apple has announced new Mac Mini and Mac Studio devices powered by the M6 family, delivering faster CPU/GPU performance and on-device AI capabilities. Prices rise and release timelines begin this September, with multiple configurations available from August 25 and shipments starting September 22.
Apple has unveiled its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, with a 7.6-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch outer screen. It launches at $1,999, positioning Apple against Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 and signaling a potential shift in premium smartphones. The device offers a book-style design, a matte inner display, and an under-display selfie camera, while rivals emphasize their crease-free engineering.
The iPhone Duo and other iPhone models have seen price increases as AI-driven demand for memory chips tightens supply, raising costs across consumer electronics. Analysts note this follows broader price rises in the iPhone lineup and shrinking smartphone volumes globally.
Prime Day discounts on Apple devices have continued, with AirPods Pro 3 and some iPad/MacBook models seeing notable reductions. Deals vary by retailer and model, with stock sometimes limited as the event progresses.
Bloomberg reports Apple plans a broad smart-home strategy centered on a new hub code-named J490. The company will also unveil updates to the HomePod mini and its first new TV set-top box since 2022, signaling a renewed push into connected devices.
Microsoft has unveiled the Surface Laptop Ultra and the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box, powered by Nvidia’s RTX Spark Arm-based chip. The devices are designed to run AI models on-device, with high memory and performance touted, and Windows updates to support local AI tasks. Prices start at $2,599 for the Ultra, with higher configurations and a $5,999 Dev Box.
Apple has released its first MacBook Pro with a touchscreen at the Pro and Tell event in Los Angeles. The ProLED XDR display, M5 Pro/Max chips, and Dynamic Island cutout mark a shift for the company. Preorders begin today; official launch is November 6 with 14-inch starting at $2,899 and 16-inch at $3,399 amid broader price hikes in a tight memory market.
Apple has unveiled its redesigned MacBook Pro line, led by PROLED XDR display and touchscreen controls. The 14-inch starts at $2,899 and the 16-inch at $3,399, with configurations pushing far beyond base specs. Reviews note lighter weight and strong battery life, while pricing for top configurations reaches well into the tens of thousands.
Apple has warned that December-quarter gross margins will be 45%-46%, below the prior analyst expectation of 46.3%. The move signals higher memory costs and AI-related expenses as demand remains strong for iPhone and other products, though supply constraints persist.
Apple unveils redesigned MacBook Pro models with PROLED XDR OLED displays and a touchscreen, offering lighter builds and top-tier performance. Pricing starts at $2,899 for the 14-inch model and $3,399 for the 16-inch, with sale scheduled for early November.