Apple’s Blazing Fast Performing M4 Macs Are Coming on October 28!

Apple is shaking things up next week with a series of announcements centered around its Mac lineup. Forget the grand on-stage unveilings this time—Apple is keeping it low-key, relying on press releases and possibly a few polished pre-recorded videos. The first wave of these announcements kicks off on Monday, October 28, 2024, and it promises to be an important moment for the company’s Mac product line. Here’s what to expect as Apple gears up to roll out its latest upgrades.

Designer: Apple

What’s Happening Next Week

Apple’s new approach avoids flashy keynotes or packed theaters. Instead, this time, as reported by Mark Gurman with Bloomberg, Apple will let its products do the talking through a week of releases, beginning with updates about its Mac lineup.

Following these initial reveals, Apple will host a hands-on experience session in Los Angeles on October 30, as confirmed by Gurman. This event will give select media and creators an exclusive first look. The news will be distributed online beforehand, allowing fans to quickly learn about the latest Mac offerings.

M4 Takes the Spotlight

At the heart of Apple’s upcoming announcements is its new M4 chip, which debuted in the iPad Pro earlier this year. Now, it’s time for the Mac lineup to receive the same power boost.

The M4 chip is expected to find its way into several new Macs, including the MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini. This integration marks a significant performance step forward for Apple’s desktop and laptop offerings, bringing the same efficiency and power seen in the latest iPad Pro to its Mac devices.

MacBook Pro: Power in 14 and 16-inches

Apple plans to introduce new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, each equipped with the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips. These updates promise significant performance improvements, focusing on enhanced RAM capacity and additional Thunderbolt ports to support creative professionals and power users.

Visually, though, don’t expect any dramatic changes. These models appear to be focused on internal improvements rather than external redesigns. The emphasis is on delivering better multitasking capabilities and faster workflows for creative professionals who need that extra power.

iMac Refresh: Familiar Looks, New Guts

The 24-inch iMac is also in line for an upgrade, finally getting the M4 chip under the hood. The refresh could include improvements in RAM and CPU core counts.

However, no major design overhaul is expected here like the MacBook Pro. Expect Apple to stick with its current colorful aesthetic while improving what’s inside. The M4 chip will enhance the iMac’s ability to handle more intensive tasks, making it a solid choice for home and office users.

Mac mini: Smaller, Yet More Capable

Among the biggest shifts expected is a redesigned Mac mini. Apple seems ready to shake up this form factor, making it even more compact—rumors suggest a design inspired by the slim profile of an Apple TV.

The new Mac mini will get both the M4 and M4 Pro chips, and it’s likely to see some tweaks in port offerings, with more USB Type-C slots added to the mix. This redesign could make the Mac mini appealing for those looking for a powerful yet space-saving desktop solution.

How Does the M4 Compare to the M3?

The short answer is that the new Apple M4 chip performs significantly better than its predecessor, the M3 chip.

Performance Improvements

CPU Cores and Speed: The M4 chip features a 10-core CPU compared to the M3’s 8-core CPU. This increase in core count contributes to enhanced multitasking and better overall processing power. The M4 operates at a base frequency of 4.41 GHz, notably higher than the M3’s 4.05 GHz. This boost in clock speed means faster response times and improved efficiency, particularly in demanding applications.

Benchmark Scores: In Geekbench v6 tests, the M4 chip demonstrates a 27% increase in single-core performance and a 30.6% boost in multi-core performance compared to the M3. Specifically, the M4 scored 3864 in single-core and 15288 in multi-core tests, while the M3 scored 3048 and 11708, respectively. These gains are significant for users relying on raw processing power and effective multitasking capabilities.

Memory Bandwidth: The M4 chip supports quad-channel memory with a theoretical bandwidth of 120 GB/s, approximately 17% higher than the M3’s dual-channel support at 102.4 GB/s. This enhancement allows for quicker data access, which is particularly beneficial for tasks involving large datasets, video editing, and other high-bandwidth requirements.

GPU Performance: The integrated GPU in the M4 chip also delivers a significant upgrade, with a Metal score of 57603 compared to the M3’s 47414—indicating roughly a 20% improvement in graphics performance. This is particularly advantageous for graphics-intensive workflows, including video rendering, gaming, and creative applications.

Architectural Enhancements

Transistor Count: The M4 chip has 28 billion transistors, compared to the M3’s 25 billion. More transistors mean the M4 can manage more tasks simultaneously, resulting in smoother performance and better multitasking. This makes the M4 ideal for demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and other creative work where efficiency is vital.

Fabrication Process: The M3 and M4 chips are made using a 3 nm process, but the M4 uses a second-generation version of this technology, which makes it slightly more efficient and powerful. The M4 also features ARMv9 architecture, while the M3 uses ARMv8. This updated architecture means the M4 can perform tasks faster, with less delay, and handle more complex workloads more easily.

Overall, the Apple M4 chip offers substantial upgrades over the M3, especially in processing speed, core count, memory bandwidth, and graphics performance. These improvements make it a powerful choice for users seeking enhanced performance for their creative and professional workflows.

What It Means for Apple’s Lineup

If you’re a MacBook Pro user, upgrading to the M4 Pro or M4 Max could mean a big boost in your daily workflow. Faster multitasking and a smoother experience overall are on the horizon. The new Mac mini, now even smaller but packed with more power, will be perfect for those who need a compact yet capable desktop. And for iMac fans, the new M4 chip means better performance without losing the classic look everyone loves.

Make sure to mark your calendar for October 28, and keep coming back for our coverage of all the exciting news. We’ll have everything you need as Apple reveals its latest updates.

The post Apple’s Blazing Fast Performing M4 Macs Are Coming on October 28! first appeared on Yanko Design.

These Awesome Apple Intelligence Features Are Coming to iPhones Next Week

Happy Mobile Monday to our Yanko Design readers! This week, we’re diving into an exciting new chapter for Apple as they roll out Apple Intelligence, launching next week. These new features will be available for iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Let’s look at how these features will enhance our daily experiences, making our devices smarter and, frankly, more enjoyable to use.

Designer: Apple

Writing Tools: Making Communication Effortless

Apple’s Writing Tools fix grammar, polish your sentences, and fundamentally change how we interact with written communication on our devices. Picture those times when you’re drafting an important email and need to strike that tricky balance between being polite and assertive. The AI built into Writing Tools can take what you’ve written and enhance it—making it sharper, more concise, and clearly communicating your intent without stressing over every word. For those hectic mornings when every minute matters, these tools help save time and mental energy, letting you focus on what counts.

The beauty of these tools is how seamlessly they integrate throughout the Apple ecosystem. If you’re jotting down a quick note, sending a text, or drafting a work email, Writing Tools are there, and they are always ready to assist. Picture managing work emails, your child’s school schedule, and dinner plans all at once. The AI can summarize long message threads into key points, create quick response templates, and ensure your tone stays consistent—all without needing you to jump between apps.

For those who enjoy making lists or drafting detailed summaries, Writing Tools can transform lengthy paragraphs into bulleted lists or tables with just a click. It’s perfect for work presentations, project reports, or even just organizing your own thoughts quickly.

Upgraded Siri: A More Intuitive Assistant

The upcoming Siri upgrade features a new interface and a complete reimagining of how Siri fits into our daily routines. One of the biggest changes is Siri’s ability to take written commands. Picture being in a quiet place—a library, a meeting, or even a shared workspace—where speaking out loud to Siri isn’t appropriate. Now, you can type your command to Siri and get the help you need. It’s a new level of convenience for those times when silence is golden.

But Siri’s upgrades go beyond typing. The new language model means Siri is better at understanding more nuanced requests. Picture planning a trip and asking Siri for the best route that includes multiple stops. Siri’s new capabilities make it better at understanding complex phrasing and personal context, so it gives directions that are accurate and tailored to what you need. It feels natural, as Siri understands, even if you’re not 100% precise.

Another significant enhancement is tech support integration. Siri can now handle more complicated queries, acting like a first-line tech assistant. If you need to troubleshoot an Apple TV issue or reset a Wi-Fi setting, Siri is there to walk you through it step by step. This saves you from having to Google answers or read lengthy manuals—Siri has your back, providing real-time assistance when you need it most.

Smart Reply: Quick Responses, Whenever You Need Them

Smart Reply is Apple’s answer to the fast pace of modern communication. It’s made for those moments when you’re overwhelmed and just don’t have the time to craft a full response. Imagine being on a crowded train, managing incoming texts while trying not to miss your stop. With Smart Reply, your iPhone offers pre-generated, context-aware responses that fit the situation. You can quickly reply with “Sure, let’s do it!” or “I’ll get back to you soon,” without needing to type it all out.

These Apple Intelligence-suggested replies are based on the context of the conversation, which significantly reduces response time. Gmail users might be familiar with something similar. Whether it’s a quick work confirmation or a friend making lunch plans, Smart Reply helps keep the conversation moving without the stress of coming up with the perfect response.

Smart Reply provides efficient assistance for quick replies or acknowledgments but knows when to step aside for more complex conversations requiring a personal touch. For complex questions or sensitive discussions, the AI lets you take the lead, ensuring your personal touch isn’t lost. It’s about enhancing your workflow without taking over the parts that matter most.

Call Recording and Transcriptions: Never Miss a Detail

The new Call Recording and Transcriptions feature is a major upgrade, especially for anyone who needs to capture details accurately. Now, you can hit record during a call—whether it’s a regular phone conversation or FaceTime audio—and every detail will be saved as both audio and a written transcript. This is a huge win for people who need to remember every detail, from journalists conducting interviews to business professionals hashing out client agreements.

Think about those calls where important points are being discussed—deadlines, project requirements, or the finer details of an agreement. Instead of scrambling to take notes and potentially missing something, you can record the whole conversation and have a transcript saved directly in the Notes app. It makes going back to check on specific topics or quotes simple and quick—no more playing the entire conversation back and forth to find that one key moment. It’s about ensuring you never miss a beat, even when things get hectic.

For those with newer models like the iPhone 15 Pro, there’s an added convenience: real-time transcription and call summaries. Picture having a transcript generated in real-time while you’re still on the call, ready for reference once the call ends. It’s like having a personal meeting assistant that captures every nuance without you needing to lift a finger.

Notification Summaries and Summaries in Mail and Messages

Managing notifications can sometimes feel like a full-time job, but Notification Summaries are here to lighten the load. Apple Intelligence uses AI to group related notifications together, so instead of being hit with multiple reminders—like payment due, confirmation received, and receipts—you’ll get one clean, consolidated notification. This reduces clutter and keeps you informed without the constant barrage of pings. Your iPhone becomes a tool that serves you, not something that distracts you.

This summarizing power extends into Mail and Messages as well. Think of a long email chain where multiple people have chimed in. Instead of scrolling through every response, you get a neat summary that tells you what’s happened so far. Group messages benefit from this, too—especially when conversations go off-topic. Apple Intelligence boils it down so you can stay updated without sifting through the less relevant bits.

Photos Updates: Capture Moments, Your Way

The Photos app is getting smarter, too, with new AI-driven enhancements that make editing and managing your library a breeze. The new “Clean Up” tool, which works a lot like Google’s Magic Eraser, is one that I use daily. Picture capturing a gorgeous sunset, only to find that a stranger walked right through your shot. With just a tap, that stranger is gone, and your photo looks as perfect as you remember it. It’s a simple way to enhance your photos without needing to be an editing pro.

Searching your photos is also getting a lot easier. Now, you can use natural language to find what you want. Instead of scrolling through endless thumbnails, you can say, “photos of me and Dad at the beach last summer,” and your iPhone will bring those exact pictures to the front. It turns what used to be an exhausting hunt into a quick, pleasant moment of reminiscing.

Apple is also bringing “Memory movies” to the Photos app. You can prompt the AI with something like “last year’s birthday party,” it will create a video collage of the best photos and clips from that event. It’s about more than just storing memories; it’s about reliving them. The Photos app is evolving from a place to dump pictures into a tool that repeatedly helps you cherish those moments.

Intelligent Interruption in Focus Mode: Stay Informed Without the Noise

Focus Mode has been a great way to reduce distractions, but sometimes it can be too strict. Intelligent Interruption fixes that by letting genuinely important notifications get through, even when Focus Mode is on. This is extremely useful if you’re on a tight work deadline and don’t want any disruptions—except, say, an emergency message from your child’s school. With Intelligent Interruption, Apple Intelligence decides which notifications are crucial enough to break through the silence.

Apple’s AI learns what’s important to you over time, so it knows when to step in and when to back off. It could be an urgent email from your boss or a notification from a health app reminding you to take medication. This makes Focus Mode smarter, letting you maintain productivity while also keeping you in the loop when something really matters.

This kind of personalization is what makes Apple Intelligence so effective. By letting in the truly critical stuff, it keeps you productive and responsive, giving you peace of mind that you won’t miss anything important, even when you’re deep into work.

Non-AI System Upgrades: Enhancing the Overall Experience

Even without the AI bells and whistles, iOS 18.1 has plenty of new features to make your iPhone experience smoother. The redesigned Control Center is now more customizable than ever. You can arrange your connectivity shortcuts—like WiFi, Bluetooth, AirDrop, and cellular data—in whatever way makes the most sense for you. It’s all about making what you use most easy to reach, and if you ever decide you don’t like your setup, you can reset it back to the default with just a tap.

There’s also a new feature for file management. Now, you can drag and drop files while mirroring your iPhone to a Mac, making it seamless to move content between devices. Imagine starting a project draft on your phone and then dragging it onto your Mac for further editing—it’s the kind of fluid experience that makes working across devices feel less like a hassle and more like a true ecosystem.

Expanded NFC chip functionality is another welcome addition. Third-party apps can now use your iPhone’s NFC capabilities for things like transit cards or hotel room keys, turning your phone into an even more versatile everyday tool. And if you’re using an iPhone 16, there’s a new capacitive Camera Control button that lets you jump to selfie mode instantly—perfect for capturing those candid moments without fumbling around.

What’s Not Quite Here Yet

While iOS 18.1 has plenty to be excited about, it’s just the beginning. Apple is already working on more features that are expected to roll out soon. Upcoming tools like Image Playground and Genmoji will let you create custom images and emojis, bringing a whole new level of personalization to how you express yourself. Imagine generating an emoji that perfectly captures your mood—it’s all about making tech a little more you.

Siri is also in for more updates down the road. Features like Visual Intelligence will allow Siri to give you information about your surroundings just by snapping a picture—whether that’s identifying a landmark, a plant, or something else entirely. And while Apple Intelligence will initially only be available in U.S. English, there’s hope that expansion into other languages and regions isn’t far behind.

These upcoming features are just a glimpse of what’s to come. For now, iOS 18.1 lays the foundation for a more intelligent and user-friendly iPhone experience, blending convenience with a deeper understanding of how we live our lives. It’s all about making your iPhone not just a tool, but a smarter companion. Stay tuned—this is just the start of what Apple Intelligence can do.

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Apple to launch NEW iPad Mini after 3 years, plus M4 MacBook, iMac, and Mac Mini at upcoming October event

Although Apple just announced latest iterations of the iPhone, Watch, and AirPods, it seems like the company still has new products left to announce. Given that the iPad Pro got the M4 chip earlier this year, it only makes sense that Apple would bring the same flagship chip to their other products. Renowned analyst Mark Gurman announced that Apple has yet another event that’s due for sometime in October. The upcoming October 2024 event is expected to unveil a range of exciting new products, particularly in the Mac and iPad lineup. Among the anticipated announcements are the M4 MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini, along with new iterations of the iPad mini (which hasn’t seen an update since 2021) and iPad 11. These product launches continue Apple’s trend of releasing updated models with each passing year, reflecting its commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance, design, and user experience. This event is expected to mark the debut of the M4 chip series, following last year’s release of the M3-powered devices.

The MacBook Pro is expected to take center stage with updated 14-inch and 16-inch models featuring the new M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips. Apple fans are likely to appreciate the continued refinement of performance, even though there are no expected changes to the external design of these laptops. The MacBook Pro last saw a significant redesign in 2021, and rumors suggest that an OLED display and thinner design may not appear until 2026. However, the anticipated internal improvements promise to elevate multitasking, graphics capabilities, and battery efficiency, catering to professionals and creative users alike. These updates should keep the MacBook Pro in contention as one of the most powerful and efficient laptops in the market.

In addition to the MacBook Pro, Apple is also planning to update the iMac with the M4 chip. While there has been speculation about potential design changes, the primary focus for the iMac appears to be performance enhancement. The Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad accessories are also rumored to switch from Lightning to USB-C, aligning with Apple’s gradual transition to USB-C across its product lines. This would provide a more uniform experience for users who own multiple Apple devices, offering a higher degree of flexibility and compatibility across accessories.

The Mac mini is another product expected to benefit from the M4 series, sort of leapfrogging from the M2 chip that it currently has from 2 years ago. The M4 and M4 Pro chips should deliver significant improvements in speed and efficiency. Notably, the Mac mini is rumored to undergo a physical redesign, potentially shrinking to a size closer to that of an Apple TV. This compact redesign is likely to appeal to users looking for a powerful yet space-efficient desktop solution. However, reports suggest that the new Mac mini may forgo USB-A ports, which could stir some debate among users who rely on legacy devices. Given this news, one could assume that the Mac Studio will get a similar M4 upgrade sometime early next year.

The iPad mini is also on the agenda for the October event, with the seventh-generation model expected to feature a faster chip (possibly the A18 that’s inside the flagship iPhones), upgraded cameras, and improved display performance to address the “jelly scrolling” issue that has affected portrait-mode usage. Additionally, the iPad mini is expected to support Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, making it more future-proof in terms of wireless connectivity. For users seeking a more portable alternative to the full-sized iPad, the iPad mini continues to offer an excellent balance of power and portability. The introduction of new color options will also cater to those who prioritize personalization in their devices.

Lastly, Apple is expected to reveal new lower-end iPads, including the iPad 11 (which hasn’t been updated since 2022). These devices will likely focus on offering accessible entry points into Apple’s ecosystem while maintaining solid performance, making them ideal for education and general productivity purposes.

This October event is shaping up to be an important one for Apple’s computing division, with a strong focus on incremental improvements in performance, user experience, and design efficiency across its product lineup. The introduction of the M4 series will undoubtedly enhance the capabilities of the MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini, while updates to the iPad lineup will maintain Apple’s leadership in the tablet market. It’s just been a week since Apple’s last keynote and the company’s still waiting for consumers to get their hands on the iPhone 16 and Watch 10 devices, so it doesn’t seem like Apple will announce for at least a few weeks. However, if the event’s due for October, we can expect Apple to either announce it formally at the end of the month or silently update devices like they’ve done in the past although the latter seems less likely.

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Top 10 Sleek and Portable MacBook Accessories To Elevate Your Efficiency On-the-Go

One of my favorite and most beloved devices is my MacBook. I honestly cannot do without my MacBook, probably because it is one of my most prized possessions! It contains basically everything I hold important in my life – from work documents to memorable pictures from even ten years ago. And not to mention, I do end up spending most of my day, typing away and working on my MacBook. Since it is such an integral part of my daily and work routine, I’m always looking for ways to elevate my MacBook. I love innovative and nifty gadgets that function as the perfect sidekick to my MacBook, helping me boost my daily productivity and efficiency. Here, we’ve curated a few of our favorite MacBook accessories that’ll promise to level up your already awesome and beloved MacBook. Dive in!

1. Magic Bar

Named the Magic Bar, this portable Touch Bar is designed to pair up perfectly with any Apple peripheral. It is an innovative device, amped with a sleek, seamless, and easy-to-carry form. It functions as a portable and functional gadget which is quite similar to the Touch Bar in terms of functionality, utility, and form. The features of the Magic Bar are similar to the Touch Bar as well. The design is quite recognizable, and it aligns horizontally with your keyboard.

2. TAIM

Named TAIM – this cable management solution can be attached to a MacBook charger, providing a nifty way to let you wrap the cable around the block, securing it, so you don’t lose it and can access it with ease. This innovative solution saves time, making sure you don’t waste essential minutes on dealing with the table. With TAIM you can focus on getting your tasks and work done. TAIM helps in saving time obviously, but it also cuts down on the frustration you may experience while untangling cables.

3. HUB-OX

Called the HUB-OX, this portable and compact USB-C hub is divided into two halves, featuring loads of charging slots, HDMI connections, and ethernet ports. The lightweight and palm-sized HUB-OX works great with MacBook Pro models with four USB-C ports. The HUB-OX elevates your laptop to a range of 7.7°, which not only keeps your laptop charged but also offers a comfortable eye level for your entire workday. It helps you keep your neck straight, and spine against the chair.

4. HyperJuice

Meet the HyperJuice – the world’s most powerful USB-C battery pack. The HyperJuice is an airline-safe 27000mAh battery pack with dual USB-C (100W+60W) + 18W USB-A. It is designed to quickly charge your MacBook Pro or any other USB-C laptop/device. It is a new high-power connection that can charge almost any modern device. It provides the 2 most powerful USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 profiles (100W and 60W) in a single battery pack! It can also charge cameras, GoPros, headphones, speakers, VR headsets, Nintendo Switches, and even drones.

5. Bluebonnet

This classy leather housing for your MacBook is called the Bluebonnet! Designed to protect your laptop from accidental bumps and scuffs, the Bluebonnet also stores your planner, notebook, and papers neatly. You can even add a pen of your choice. This nifty case frees your hands while storing and carrying everything you could need for a meeting or conference. The stylish leather product gives your MacBook a sophisticated yet functional upgrade. It is available in different color options.

6. DGRule

This is the DGRule – the invisible hub for the MacBook. The DGRule is designed to be a nifty and convenient alternative to the Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports, as they aren’t compatible with most devices. The DGRule is lightweight, subtle, and discreet, snapping seamlessly onto both sides of your MacBook. It is a cushion pad intended to stick to your laptop, irrespective of which position you work in or place it in. It is made from CNC aluminum, and available in Space Gray or Silver, perfectly camouflaging with your laptop.

7. NuType

Say hello to the NuType – a wireless mechanical keyboard that fits perfectly with your MacBook, iPad, and other devices. The sleek and stylish device features Kailh Choc low-profile mechanical switches, an aluminum frame, and ultra-thin keycaps that measure less than 2mm. The keyboard is also equipped with “T” shaped slats at the base, and they’ve been created to perfectly pair up with the original keyboard of MacBook and Surface. The slats impart both the devices with excellent portability and an improved typing experience.

8. Maotoam

Say hello to the Maotoam – an ergonomic laptop stand amped with premium design aesthetics and ergonomic flexibility. The stand helps you work comfortably through the day and builds a stress-free working environment for you. It features multiple height adjustable angles and forward and backward position adjusting liberties for your MacBook. You can orient your MacBooks in multiple positions, letting you work in a style and position that is comfortable for you.

9. Nifty Minidrive

Dubbed the Nifty Minidrive, this card adapter sits cozily inside your MacBook. You can place any MicroSD card with storage up to 200GB, providing your laptop with an excellent data boost. You can remove or add the card based on your needs and requirements. The Minidrive is nothing like the visually unattractive pen drives that pop out of your USB ports. The Minidrive sits flush inside the card reader, and it is truly almost unnoticeable to the human eye.

10. FLIKK Laptop Stand & Sleeve

FLIKK Laptop Stand by Jexter Lim

Dubbed the FLIKK laptop stand and sleeve, this innovative design is set to handle the drawbacks of conventional laptop stands. Traditional laptop stands don’t provide options to elevate, and different viewing angles. But, this is where the FLIKK laptop stand and sleeve come to the rescue! It creates the desired viewing angle for you, building a comfortable and efficient working regime for you. FLIKK can also be converted into a laptop sleeve, storing and carrying your laptop for you as you move around.

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10 Best Accessories Designed To Make Your MacBook More Efficient & Productive

My MacBook is one of my most beloved belongings. I honestly cannot do without my MacBook, probably because it is one of my most prized possessions! It contains basically everything I hold important in my life – from work documents to memorable pictures from even ten years ago. And not to mention, I do end up spending most of my day, typing away and working on my MacBook. Since it is such an integral part of my daily and work routine, I’m always looking for ways to elevate my MacBook. I love innovative and nifty gadgets that function as the perfect sidekick to my MacBook, helping me boost my daily productivity and efficiency. Here, we’ve curated a few of our favorite MacBook accessories that’ll promise to level up your already awesome and beloved MacBook. From an ingenious wrap to handle your MacBook cables to a Satechi Triple 4K docking station – these are must-have accompaniments to your MacBook, and the best investments of 2024 for Apple lovers!

1. Magic Bar

Named the Magic Bar, this portable Touch Bar can be teamed up with, and used with essentially any Apple peripheral. It is a sleek, seamless, and portable toolbar that is quite similar to the Touch Bar in terms of features and functionality. It also has a pretty recognizable design that aligns horizontally with your keyboard. You can pair up the Magic Bar with your iPhone, to create and use multiple smart home shortcuts.

2. TAIM

Meet TAIM – a cable management solution that can be attached perfectly around a MacBook charger, offering a way to let you wrap the cable around the block, and secure the cable so that it doesn’t get loose, and you can access it whenever you need it. It saves time, ensuring you don’t waste unnecessary minutes managing the cable. You can focus on actually getting tasks at hand done. TAIM helps not only save time but also reduces the frustration experienced when untangling cables.

3. Woolnut’s Sleeves

Woolnut’s beautiful sleeves for the MacBook are made by combining fine vegetable-tanned full-grain Nappa leather with pure natural wool felt. The sleeves are beautiful and bespoke, and offer expansive protection to your expensive equipment, ensuring no irreversible physical damage is caused. The sleeves follow the highest Scandinavian design standards, and the intricately designed sleeves fit the MacBook like a glove.

4. Belkin’s Continuity Camera

Designed by Belkin, and called the Continuity Camera accessory, this all-white circular peripheral can be easily attached to the back of your iPhone using MagSafe. The accessory is made from soft silicone, and you can easily mount it onto your Mac, leaving behind no scratches. Once the accessory is attached to where the webcam is located, the Continuity Camera instantly activates, allowing the iPhone to be used as a webcam. How cool is that?

5. Bluebonnet

Bluebonnet is a leather housing for your MacBook! It provides protection against accidental bumps and scuffs, while also serving as a neat place to store your notebook, papers, and pen. The case frees your hands while holding everything you may need for a meeting or to work in a coffee shop. The svelte sleeve has a leather construction which provides your MacBook with an elegant and professional-looking upgrade. It is also available in multiple colors.

6. Triple 4K Docking Station

Dubbed the Triple 4K Docking Station, this innovative accessory smartly expands the limitations of your MacBook. The dock makes for an excellent fit for the M1 which has a single monitor, or even the M2 which can be extended to two screens. The docking station can extend to three extra displays, and it offers a 4K HDMI port at 60Hz, a pair of HDMI slots or even the DisplayPort outputs, creating a complete system.

7. FLIKK Laptop Stand & Sleeve

FLIKK Laptop Stand by Jexter Lim

Meet the FLIKK laptop stand and sleeve which is designed to overcome the drawbacks of traditional laptop stands. Typical laptop stands don’t offer the needed elevation and viewing angles, and this is where the FLIKK laptop stand and sleeve swoops in. It provides you with the desired viewing angle to create a comfortable and supportive working regime anytime and anywhere. It also transforms into a laptop sleeve to store your laptop as you move around.

8. HybridDrive

Say hello to the HybridDrive – which is the perfect combination of an external hard drive and a USB hub. It is designed to be an all-powerful accessory for your MacBook. It features a two-piece design that can be plugged into each other, and it is compatible with most USB-C devices. It features a multiport on one end, an SSD on another, and a USB-C interface connecting both ends. It seamlessly connects your portable devices and your desktop.

9. iMac

Called the Slim Dock, this accessory by Satechi looks as if it would be released by Apple itself. The sleek design elevates your 24″ M1 iMac with extra ports and extended SSD storage. It features the same machine aluminum outer as the iMac and is also available to purchase in the default silver. You could also go for the anodized blue color to match your blue iMac, creating a complementary pair.

10. SuperTank

Dubbed the SuperTank, this 27,000 mAh portable charger can be powered in sixty minutes, and it is then ready for deployment. It features a dual USB-C PD (100W + 60W), and dual USB-A ports, which can quickly charge your MacBook pros and other devices as well. This is a boon to people who are always on the go since they don’t need to deal with excess wires, multiple power plugs, and compatible sockets – irrespective of where they are.

The post 10 Best Accessories Designed To Make Your MacBook More Efficient & Productive first appeared on Yanko Design.

New 2024 13″ and 15″ MacBook Airs Give Apple’s Thinnest Laptops Their Biggest Performance Boost

Apple has launched the latest 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models. These laptops have a gorgeous design and strong performance. Although slim, their M3 chip provides impressive performance. They handle tasks such as number crunching, video editing, and binge-watching series effortlessly. Apple has again shown the capabilities of laptops by combining appealing design with high performance.

Designer: Apple

Despite their high-performance features, the new MacBook Air models are quiet, thanks to a fanless design that maintains a thin, light design and offers up to 18 hours of battery life. Users can enjoy a Liquid Retina display with up to 500 nits of brightness and support for 1 billion colors, ensuring a visually captivating experience.

The new models can support two external displays and offer Wi-Fi speeds up to double that of previous models. They are available in four appealing colors: midnight, starlight, space gray, and silver. Midnight features an anodization seal to minimize fingerprints. Other significant features include a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, a three-microphone array, and an immersive sound system with Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos.

Claiming up to 60% faster performance than their M1 predecessors and up to 13 times faster than the quickest Intel-based MacBook Air, the new MacBook Air models with the M3 chip are equipped with an 8-core CPU, up to a 10-core GPU, and support for up to 24GB of unified memory, promising a smoother and enhanced user experience.

Additionally, Apple has really stepped up the gaming experience by incorporating hardware-accelerated mesh shading and ray tracing, not to mention a beefed-up 16-core Neural Engine that takes AI capabilities to the next level. The new models even have the muscle to run big, brainy things like large language and diffusion models right on the device. It’s clear Apple is all in on weaving cutting-edge tech into the new laptops.

Running on macOS Sonoma, the new MacBook Air models introduce exciting features such as desktop widgets, better video conferencing, and a Game Mode that amps up gaming. Furthermore, they ensure a seamless connection with iPhone and other Apple devices, thanks to features like AirDrop, Universal Clipboard, Continuity Camera, and Handoff, enriching the overall experience within the Apple ecosystem for users.

Apple maintains its commitment to the environment. The new MacBook Air comprises 50% recycled content, including 100% recycled aluminum in the enclosure and 100% recycled copper in the main logic board. The packaging is 99% fiber-based, with a goal to eliminate plastic by 2025. Apple aims to achieve carbon neutrality across its manufacturing supply chain and product life cycle by 2030.

The 13-inch MacBook Air with M3 is priced at $1,099, with a special education discount of $999. The 15-inch model is priced at $1,299, or $1,199, with an education discount. Orders can be placed starting today, and the products will be available from March 8.

The newest MacBook Air models demonstrate Apple’s position in the laptop market. They provide quicker, more intelligent machines while adhering to environmental sustainability and integrating effortlessly with other Apple devices. Apple is evidently committed to advancing its tech experience.

The post New 2024 13″ and 15″ MacBook Airs Give Apple’s Thinnest Laptops Their Biggest Performance Boost first appeared on Yanko Design.

Astropad Slate turns your iPad into a no-screen Mac drawing tablet

Apple has been pushing the iPads, particularly the iPad Pros, as the next wave of computing, practically replacing laptops for some of the common computing tasks, including content creation. Despite the rich variety of apps for these slates, however, there are still some software and work that can only be done on more powerful computers like Macs and MacBooks. And despite how Apple’s computers have long been loved by designers and artists, the company itself has made no tools to support these use cases, such as drawing tablets or even specialized controllers. That does leave the market wide open for manufacturers like Wacom and its drawing tables, but it also forces people to buy these products when they have a perfectly capable iPad with an Apple Pencil. That’s where Astropad’s latest product comes in, bridging the divide between Macs and iPads once again, but with a curious twist.

Designer: Astropad

In a nutshell, Astropad Slate is an app that lets you remotely control a Mac using an iPad, Pro or otherwise. You can connect using Wi-Fi, a USB cable, or even Peer-to-Peer networking. Although an Apple Pencil would be nice, it isn’t exactly a requirement. With just your fingers, you can already control the Mac as if you were using a gigantic touchpad. That includes supporting gestures like pinching or two-finger scroll.

The Slate app really shines, however, when you involve an Apple Pencil, which is supported by most iPads nowadays. With this precise tool, you can not only hover over the user interface on the Mac, you can also turn handwritten scribbles into text, practically replacing the keyboard. Of course, creators, designers, and artists are more likely to utilize the app’s ability to turn the iPad into a drawing tablet, but one without a screen.

This would be similar to the older and cheaper drawing slates that some artists prefer for their distraction-free experience. It does, however, take a bit of getting used to because you won’t be looking at where your hand is going, unlike the analog pen and paper experience. That does help you focus more on what’s happening on screen and, at least for some, offers a more ergonomic position since you won’t be craning your neck downward.

For those that prefer a more “conventional” display tablet experience, Astropad does have its Studio that turns the iPad into something like a Wacom Cintiq and even has compatibility with Windows PCs. For all that power, however, Astropad Studio requires a $79.99 annual subscription, while this simpler Astropad Slate is a one-time $19.99 purchase only.

The post Astropad Slate turns your iPad into a no-screen Mac drawing tablet first appeared on Yanko Design.

Tame your MacBook charging cables with this ingenious and beautiful wrap

We’ve all been the victims of tangled cables, not just at our desks but especially in our bags. Not only does the mess of jumbled wires make us lose time when we need to quickly plug in our devices, we also lose items in our bags simply because this clutter gets in our way. Cable management solutions exist for many desks, but people on the go are often left at the mercy of hastily cobbled-up bands, ties, and whatnot, none of which are effective, let alone elegant products. You don’t need an elaborate and complicated mechanism to keep charging cables in check, as this innovative wrap for MacBook chargers proves, providing an easy and quick way to tame those unruly wires while looking good at the same time.

Designer: Blair Hesty (Founder and Industrial Designer, BAIR)

Click Here to Buy Now: $28. Hurry, offer ends soon!

Laptop charging cables are a necessary evil for us to be able to work these days. But even the minimalist designs of the MacBook power adapter still fall prey to the problem of getting tangled around not only itself, but everything else in your bag. This costs you time and peace of mind whenever you need to take it out, especially when in a hurry.

TAIM is a cable management solution that looks so simple that you might wonder why it didn’t already exist. It attaches snugly around a MacBook charger and provides a way to let you wrap the cable around the block, and then secure the cable so that it never gets loose until you actually need it. It’s efficient and fast, so you spend less time managing cables and more time actually getting stuff done. Whether you’re at the office about to head home, at home about to rush out the door, or enjoying a freshly brewed cup of coffee while hammering away at that report, TAIM is the perfect solution to save time and reduce frustration.

The ingenuity of TAIM comes from a robust hook and loop attachment that lets you quickly fasten or unfasten the wrap; no need to fiddle with buttons or complicated mechanisms. A machined metal “grab tab” with a beautiful satin bronze finish also makes it easy to see or even just feel the end of the wrap so that you can quickly release the elastic retention band in a flash. Simply pull the tab and let the cable drop free, ready to plug into your MacBook for a quick charge.

Best of all, TAIM is made with high-grade materials that not only look and feel good, it will last you a long time. Durable elastic is used to wrap around the charging block and the captured cables, while custom Merino wool felt adds a luxurious texture to the product, a fitting quality for a design made to match Apple’s high-quality products. Made specifically for single-port USB-C Apple MacBook power adapters, TAIM frees you from the stress of dealing with unruly cables and lost time, providing a design that not only works well but looks striking to boot. Stand out of the crowd, and start crafting your image today with TAIM by BAIR.

Click Here to Buy Now: $28. Hurry, offer ends soon!

The post Tame your MacBook charging cables with this ingenious and beautiful wrap first appeared on Yanko Design.

A MacBook without a Screen? This Apple Keyboard concept comes with a built-in Projector Display

If the iMac is all-screen, the MacBook Go is the absolute opposite – it’s all keyboard. Built with its own DLP projector, this all-in-one keyboard is everything you need to work anywhere. Just find yourself an empty wall, pair a Magic Mouse for convenience, and you’re ready to go. The keyboard-shaped device is, in fact, a full-fledged computer, running on Apple’s own silicon. Who needs spatial computing when you can have a computer in your keyboard!?

Designer: Pablo Rubio Villarroel

Designed by Pablo Rubio, the MacBook Go aims at building a new format for computing. It integrates projector and keyboard into one deceptively compact form factor, creating a novel way to carry your workstation with you, sans screen. Instead, the keyboard projects a high-resolution massive 120Hz screen onto any surface you point it at, giving you something much better than multiple screens – one massive screen that can house all your windows and tabs.

Outwardly, the MacBook Go looks and feels exactly like a MacBook without the display. It has everything the MacBook’s 65% keyboard has to offer, from the function keys on the top with the TouchID key on the top right corner, to even the large speakers on either side. Underneath its hood, however, the keyboard is a Mac computer through and through, with its own projector that can automatically orient, keystone, and focus the screen so you don’t spend half an hour sitting and aligning the display. What the keyboard lacks, however, on first glance, is a kickstand for height adjustment… but I’m probably being pedantic.

The relatively thick design blesses the MacBook Go with an abundance of ports, as well as more powerful speakers that rely on bigger drivers. With a range of video outputs including HDMI and DisplayPort, along with two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, a Micro-SD card slot, and a 10-Gig Ethernet port, this concept device ensures all-round connectivity. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a nod to both traditionalists and professionals who need reliable audio connections.

But what does this mean for the traditional workstation? In the design world, and indeed in many fields, the shift from bulky CPU towers to sleek, powerful laptops is well underway. Some might argue that the Vision Pro is the natural successor to the MacBook, but I’d probably disagree. The MacBook Go feels like a unique intermediary step, albeit portable projectors for work haven’t really caught on. Nevertheless, the MacBook Go sacrifices a stationary display for unparalleled portability and flexibility, giving you a massive projected screen instead of limiting you to a 13 or 15-inch laptop display. The implications are profound, especially for professionals who are always on the move.

Believe it or not, this isn’t the first time someone’s crammed an entire computer into a keyboard. Just a few short years ago, Pentaform managed to fit a full Windows 10 PC into their Abacus Basic keyboard, complete with 4 GB of RAM, 512 GB of storage, and an entirely sustainable outer body made from bioplastic. I doubt Apple would ever make any of their machines from plastic, so the MacBook Go definitely lacks that distinction. It does, however, make up for it with a projector lens, which Pentaform’s Abacus Basic keyboard lacked.

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