For a while, the MacBook's disappearing ports were something of a meme among the I/O enthusiasts of the world. However, with today's new MacBook reveal, Apple has reversed course, announcing that it's actually adding ports to the new MacBook Pro. In addition, it looks like the display on the 2021 MacBook Pro is taking a design cue from modern iPhones, picking up a notch it can call its own.
Even haters probably won't deny that Apple comes up with technologies and features that would influence future technologies. The reversible Lightning connector undoubtedly inspired the equally reversible USB-C, and the new MagSafe could soon become a norm among smartphones. Of course, it often takes more time for others to catch up to Apple, but Realme may have gotten ahead of its rivals in having the first Android smartphone with a magnetic wireless charging system.
Apple's MagSafe Battery Pack may be one of the more controversial accessories the company has launched in recent memory, but that doesn't mean there's not a lot going on inside the magnetically attached power pack as a new teardown makes clear. Quietly added to the Apple Store shelves earlier this month, the battery clings to the rear of your iPhone 12 and tops it up wirelessly.
Apple has launched a new MagSafe Battery Pack for the iPhone 12, complete with reverse charging support, snapping on to the smartphone's magnetic accessory system for on-the-go top-ups. The $99 battery relies on the rebooted MagSafe system which Apple launched alongside the iPhone 12 late in 2020, though it's not the first time we've seen an add-on battery that clings to the back of an iPhone.
The folks at NOMAD made a Leather Cover for the standard Apple MagSafe wireless charger. The price for the accessory does not include the charger itself, just the leather cover that fits over the charger. You have to buy the charger from Apple, then the leather cover from NOMAD for $24.95 USD. That'll get you a cover in Rustic Brown or Black.
We've got an idea, now, of what's coming up next for the both the iPad Pro and the iPad Air. It's been tipped that both the next iPad Pro and the next iPad Air will be ready to roll with OLED displays starting in the year 2022. If you're looking to buy an iPad any time soon, it might be time... to wait.
Mophie has launched a new range of accessories that work with MagSafe on Apple's iPhone 12, attaching not only chargers and batteries but things like vent mounts. In addition, Mophie also has an adapter to use the new Snap system with other, non-MagSafe phones, whether they be older iPhones or Android devices, as well as Snap+ accessories that include Qi wireless charging.
Apple's reboot of MagSafe as an iPhone charging platform promised plenty of third-party accessories, and we're finally seeing options there like Twelve South's new Forté for iPhone. The adjustable stand doesn't over-promise, instead offering a straightforward way to elevate your iPhone 12 and 12 Pro series smartphone off your desk.
A ransomware gang suggests this week that they've broken past security of the Apple contractor Quanta. They've suggested that they're holding secret and/or private information hostage, including data and drawings on a pair of Apple products that have not yet been released to the public. One of these items appears to be a new MacBook Pro, likely set for release in the year 2021. Specifications indicated in one drawing say MacBook Pro 2021 could have more ports than it's had in a number of years - which is good.
Belkin is launching a new magnetic iPhone 12 stand that adds face-tracking, letting Apple's smartphone swivel to follow you much like Amazon's Echo Show 10. It's part of the slowly growing ecosystem of accessories that use Apple's MagSafe system for iPhone, though unfortunately it sounds like it's not quite as flexible as you might hope.
The Anker iPhone MagSafe battery pack was released at last - just as the company suggested it would. They've had this particular battery pack in the works for a couple of months, having digitally previewed the device first at CES 2021. This device has the name Anker PowerCore Magnetic 5K Wireless Power Bank, and it's available for the masses right this minute.
The next Apple event was tipped to take place approximately one month from now, on March 16, 2021. At this event, we'll likely see the next iPad, the next iPad Mini, AirTags, and an expansion of what Apple Card will be able to accomplish.* This latest lineup tip suggests that the most extravagant device will be the iPad, modifying previously most-recent rumors that suggested that the most powerful device in the lineup will be the iPad Pro.