Apple’s “Unleashed” event, held on October 18, 2021, was a virtual keynote focused on the next generation of Mac computers and the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips that power them. The event revealed new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, the AirPods 3, and the HomePod mini in new colors. This article explains what was announced, the key features, and what the event meant for Apple’s product lineup.
Background: The Transition to Apple Silicon
The “Unleashed” event was a major milestone in Apple’s two-year transition from Intel processors to its own custom silicon, announced in June 2020. The first Apple silicon Macs, featuring the M1 chip, arrived in late 2020 and were praised for their performance and battery life. However, the M1 was designed for entry-level and mid-range machines. The “Unleashed” event focused on bringing Apple silicon to the high-end MacBook Pro, a product line used by professionals who need maximum performance.
M1 Pro and M1 Max: The New Chips
The centerpiece of the event was the introduction of two new system-on-a-chip (SoC) designs: the M1 Pro and the M1 Max. Both chips are built on a 5-nanometer process and feature a 10-core CPU with eight high-performance cores and two high-efficiency cores. The key difference lies in the GPU and memory bandwidth:
- M1 Pro: Offers up to a 16-core GPU and supports up to 32GB of unified memory with a 200GB/s memory bandwidth.
- M1 Max: Doubles the GPU to up to 32 cores, supports up to 64GB of unified memory, and provides a 400GB/s memory bandwidth.
Both chips also include a 16-core Neural Engine for machine learning tasks and improved media encoders, including support for ProRes video. This made the new MacBook Pro particularly appealing to video editors and other creative professionals.
New MacBook Pro: Design and Display
The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models received a significant design overhaul. The most noticeable change was the return of the MagSafe magnetic charging connector, which had been absent since 2016. The laptops also restored an HDMI port and an SDXC card slot, alongside the Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports and a headphone jack that supports high-impedance headphones. This was a direct response to user feedback about the previous models’ limited port selection.
The displays were upgraded to Liquid Retina XDR panels, using mini-LED technology for higher brightness and contrast, similar to the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. The screens feature thinner bezels and a notch at the top to house a 1080p FaceTime HD camera. The ProMotion display offers a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, making scrolling and motion smoother.
AirPods 3 and HomePod mini
Alongside the Macs, Apple announced the third-generation AirPods. They feature a new contoured design similar to the AirPods Pro but without silicone ear tips. The AirPods 3 include spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, a new low-distortion driver, and an improved microphone system. They also have sweat and water resistance (IPX4) and a battery life of up to 6 hours of listening time (or 30 hours with the charging case).
The HomePod mini, which had been available since late 2020, was introduced in new color options: blue, orange, and yellow. No other changes were made to the smart speaker.
How the Event Was Received
Reaction to the “Unleashed” event was largely positive. Tech reviewers and users praised the return of ports, the impressive performance of the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, and the high-quality displays. However, some criticized the notch on the display as an unnecessary design choice, and others noted the price increase compared to the previous Intel-based MacBook Pro models. The removal of the Touch Bar, which had been a differentiator for the MacBook Pro since 2016, was seen by many as a welcome change, as it was rarely used by professionals.
Comparison with Previous Models
Compared to the Intel-based MacBook Pro models they replaced, the new laptops offered significantly faster CPU and GPU performance, longer battery life, and quieter operation due to the efficiency of Apple silicon. The M1 Max, in particular, was positioned as a desktop-class GPU replacement. The new MacBook Pro also supported up to 64GB of memory, which was more than the maximum 32GB offered in the previous Intel models. The addition of an HDMI port and SD card slot made the laptop more convenient for photographers and videographers who previously needed dongles.
Common Misconceptions
One common misconception is that the “Unleashed” event announced the M2 chip. In fact, the M1 Pro and M1 Max were the second generation of Apple silicon, but they were based on the same architecture as the M1. The M2 chip was not announced until June 2022 at WWDC. Another misconception is that the new MacBook Pro supports Face ID; it does not. The notch contains only a camera, not the Face ID sensor. Additionally, while the M1 Max supports up to 64GB of memory, it does not support user-upgradable RAM, as the memory is integrated into the chip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “Unleashed” refer to in Apple’s event?
The name “Unleashed” was a marketing term used by Apple to describe the unleashing of the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, which were the most powerful chips Apple had made at the time. It also signaled that the Mac was no longer limited by Intel’s roadmap.
Are the M1 Pro and M1 Max the same as the M2?
No. The M1 Pro and M1 Max are based on the same 5-nanometer architecture as the original M1, but with more CPU and GPU cores and more memory bandwidth. The M2, announced later, uses a newer architecture and is a different chip.
Does the new MacBook Pro have a Touch Bar?
No, the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in October 2021 do not have a Touch Bar. Apple replaced it with a physical function key row, which was a response to user feedback that the Touch Bar was not as useful as traditional keys.
Can I upgrade the RAM or SSD in the new MacBook Pro?
No. The RAM and SSD are soldered to the logic board, so they cannot be upgraded after purchase. You must choose the configuration at the time of ordering.
Is the notch on the MacBook Pro display intrusive?
The notch is a cutout in the display that houses the 1080p camera. It is not interactive and does not affect the usable screen area in most apps, as the menu bar is taller to accommodate it. Some users find it distracting, but it is a design choice that Apple has continued with in later models.
Why did Apple bring back MagSafe?
MagSafe was brought back because many users preferred the magnetic connector, which disconnects safely if the cable is pulled, preventing the laptop from being yanked off a table. It also frees up the Thunderbolt ports for other devices while charging.
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