Meet the future of Mac

November 14, 2020

What a week for the Mac!

We got our first look at Apple's mind-blowing M1 processor, which powers a trio of new machines: MacBook Air, Mac mini and MacBook Pro. It was a risky move switching Macs off Intel chips, but by the look of the first benchmarks, Apple pulled it off.

And then we got macOS Big Sur, which brings the biggest changes in years.

Read all about the future of the Mac in this week's newsletter.

-- Lewis Wallace, managing editor

P.S. If you just got your iPhone 12 mini or Pro Max, we've got updated guides to walk you through the optimal setup.

All about the Mac

The new operating system offers the biggest design overhaul to the Mac user interface in nearly two decades. It also brings big improvements to Apple’s bundled applications like Messages, Maps and Safari.

Plus, more on Big Sur:

Apple took a huge step in switching Macs from Intel processors to Apple Silicon on Tuesday. The M1 processor will bring big performance boosts to a trio of new Macs.

Plus, more on the new Mac lineup:

Switching Macs from Intel chips is a huge gamble for Cupertino. But it looks like it paid off.

Plus, more on Apple Silicon:

More Apple news and opinion

Professional photographer Austin Mann really tested the improved camera, and his laboratory was Zion National Park in Utah, where he pushed the Pro Max to its limits. The results are spectacular and informative.

A wave of superlatives like “impressively powerful,” and even “startling,” make the $99 smart speaker sound like a total champ.

A reliable analyst predicts the iPad will be one of six Apple products that will get mini-LED screens next year.

Plus, more Apple predictions:

How-tos

Apple Watch is a great swimming companion, offering highly accurate length counts, pace measurements and stroke recognition. But the benefits to swimmers don’t stop there.

Got your shiny new iPhone 12 mini or Pro Max? Here's how to set it up the right way using either a local backup or iCloud Backup.

Here's the best way to set up your new iPhone 12 and 12 Pro, including Face ID, and iOS' easy-to-use Automatic Setup.

Deals

Whether you’re packing a bug-out bag or just trying to keep your family’s gear running on a road trip, we’ve got the juice you’re looking for.

Plus, more hardware deals:

You and your viewers deserve better than fluorescent lights and a shaky laptop camera. These tripods and accessory packages will let your video shine.

This compact wireless charger is small enough to carry anywhere.

If you’re jonesing for an iPad but working with a budget, look no further.

Reviews

The Mophie 4-in-1 Wireless Charging Mat is for households with lots of devices that need power. It can handle multiple iPhones and AirPods cases simultaneously, and it designed to make correctly aligning them easy. There’s even an option for Apple Watch.

Werner Herzog’s new Apple TV+ documentary is truly an all-timer for the Bavarian buddha. Fireball: Visitors From Darker Worlds is discursive, loopy and unspeakably beautiful.

Winter is coming. And based on what we know about 2020 so far, it’s likely to be a nasty one. Get set for the wet and miserable months by bagging a rugged band for your Apple Watch.

Powered by the formidable DreamWorks Animation, Apple TV+’s newest children’s show is frequently disarming and deeply cute. Doug Unplugs is perfect for young kids, and not too much for tired parents.

The new Apple TV+ docuseries tackles the earliest development of the human brain in more than a hundred children the world over. Becoming You makes a convincing plea for empathy and togetherness.