The countdown has begun – every tech fan out there will be looking forward to the Apple “One More Thing” event on November 10, starting at 10 a.m. PST. This is the last big Apple event of 2020, and will be held online-only due to Covid-19.

What are the big announcements likely to be?

While the focus will likely be on the launch of Apple Silicon Macs, there’s rumors afoot about a possible revamp of the 13-inch MacBook Pro. Apple has already updated this version of the MacBook Pro with more powerful processors and a new scissor keyboard, but there is serious speculation that even more changes are in the works – including a 14.1-inch screen.

Other possible announcements may be about AirTags – Apple’s Bluetooth trackers that can be attached to things like your keys or wallet and can be tracked in the Find My app just like iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

There may be a launch of the AirPods Studio, which are high-end, retro-styled headphones in an over-ear style. Whispers suggest the AirPods Studio will offer Active Noise Cancellation and will cost around $349. While it has been said that the Air Pods Studio would launch before the end of the year, Bloomberg has stated that there have been development issues, so they may not make an appearance until 2021.

As for the new 14-inch MacBook Pro, just what might the changes be? Let’s take a look at the possible upgrades here.

Magic Keyboard is a Possibility

Apple updates 14-inch MacBook Pro with Magic Keyboard Source: unsplash.com

Apple’s butterfly keyboard has had its share of problems over the years. From repeating keys and stickiness to bigger failure rates, Mac users are hoping for a serious revamp.

The new magic keyboard may just be the answer. It features a new scissor-switch mechanism which has 1mm of travel – and is thought to be a lot more durable than the old butterfly keyboard. The 13-inch MacBook Pro got this upgrade in the 2020 revamp, and Apple will likely keep the magic keyboard for the newer MacBook models in the future.

The magic keyboard features better ergonomics, and the arrow keys have been changed to make it far easier to use while touch-typing.

Higher Resolution Screen

When Apple updated the 16-inch MacBook Pro, they added extra pixels and extra inches. Would they up the resolution if they decide to upgrade the 13-inch version to a larger display? It’s highly likely.

All rumors indicate the new screen will be a 14.1-inch Retina Display, made possible by extending the screen into the bezel space of the 13-inch. This means it won’t affect the physical size of the MacBook Pro.

The other screen specs will probably not change. They didn’t on the 16-inch version, so aren’t likely to on the 14-inch one. More speculation suggests that Apple will use Mini LED on its upgrade, but there again, others say that’s unlikely.

A Brand New Silicon MacBook with own ARM chip Source: unsplash.com

Processors: More Power?

The current version of the 13-inch MacBook Pro uses an 8th-generation Intel core i5 or i7 processors in the base configuration, while the high-end configuration uses 10th-generation processors. The 16-inch MacBook Pro has an i9 option and uses 9th-generation processors.

Apple is going to change their Macs over to Apple Silicon over the next few years, and the new ARM chip Macs are expected to launch by the end of 2020.

However, the new iMac updates in August showed that Apple seems to be sitting on any big redesigns until they have rolled out their major chip transition.

What Might Other Possible Changes be?

The microphones will probably be changed and replaced with three “studio-grade” mics positioned around the keyboard for better sound capture.

There’s talk about the Thunderbolt 3 ports, too. The current version of the 13-inch MacBook Pro has either two or four Thunderbolt 3 ports, with the higher-spec model having a larger number of ports. No one knows yet whether this configuration will change or stay the same on a newer model.

A new battery is a big possibility. Regulation filings with China and Korea indicate that Apple is preparing to launch a new battery for a MacBook Air sized machine, so that means the new battery could be used in a 14-inch MacBook Pro too.

How Much Might a 14-inch MacBook Pro Cost?

The current 13-inch MacBook Pro starts at $1,299 and will be replaced by the 14-inch model once it launches. Future models may be more expensive though, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who predicts that the introduction of the ARM chips could drive prices upward.

How to Keep a New MacBook Pro in Great Shape

Whether you’re desperate to get hold of one of the new 14-inch MacBook Pros when they appear, or if you have decided to stick with your older 13-inch MacBook Pro, there’s a quick and simple way of keeping old and new Macs in good shape.

There’s an Apple-approved app called CleanMyMac X that will work to clean junk, optimize performance, and protect your Mac from malware, whatever type of Mac you use.

CleanMyMac X will keep your new Mac running as it did on the first day you got it, and it will help clean the junk and speed up older Macs. It even features a performance monitor so you can see how your macOS is running in real-time.

CleanMyMac X is an all-in-one package to awesomize your Mac.

What Does CleanMyMac X Do?

Whatever you want it to! One big button launches the Smart Scan, which will go through your whole system finding junk, freeing space, flagging maintenance issues and protecting your privacy.

There’s also tabs dedicated to working on specific areas of your macOS, including:

  • Freeing up RAM, managing login items, launch agents, and hung apps, as well as running maintenance scripts to keep your system fast and problem-free
  • Deep cleaning! CleanMyMac X chases down all the hidden junk and cleans up outdated caches, logs, broken downloads, and useless localizations. It will also remove junk from iTunes, Mail, Photos, and find large hidden files.
  • Malware and privacy protection. Stop malware, adware, ransomware, and any-other-ware in its tracks. Your privacy is also protected with the removal of online and offline activity and instant removal of your browsing history if you wish.
  • Manage your apps with the Uninstaller and Updater. The uninstaller completely removes apps, and the updater will keep on top of all the updates for your apps without you needing to remember.

If you’re lucky enough to get the new 14-inch MacBook Pro next year, then why not try out CleanMyMac X to keep it running like new? If you can’t quite stretch to a new Mac yet, or love your old faithful Mac, you can still give it some TLC – CleanMyMac X will give your older Mac a new lease of life and help it to run faster.

 

 

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