In this week’s top stories: Apple unveils a new MacBook Air and a new iPad Pro lineup, plus there’s a new Magic Keyboard accessory as well. We’ve also got more exclusive details on what to expect from iOS 14, the iPhone 9, and more. Read on for all of this week’s biggest news.
Apple this week officially unveiled a new MacBook Air, which finally replaces the unreliable butterfly keyboard. The new MacBook Air features Apple’s scissor switch Magic Keyboard design, which made its return with the 16-inch MacBook Pro last fall.
In addition to the new keyboard, Apple also gave the MacBook Air a performance boost. The MacBook Air now features the latest 10th-generation Intel processors. The base model packs a 1.1GHz Dual-Core Core i3 processor, but you can configure it with up to a quad-core 1.2GHz i7 CPU.
Apple has also doubled the base model’s storage, going from 128GB to 256GB. In conjunction with that, the entry level price has dropped from $1199 to $999. Find out more details in our full coverage right here.
Next up, Apple announced an all-new iPad Pro lineup. The new iPad Pro models feature a more powerful A12Z processor inside, while each model also packs 6GB of RAM. There’s also a new LiDAR camera array on the back of the iPad Pro, which measures the distance to surrounding objects up to 5 meters away.
In addition to the LiDAR scanner, the new camera array on the iPad Pro features a 12MP Wide camera, as well as a 10MP Ultra Wide camera. Read more about the new iPad Pro lineup here.
For the iPad Pro, Apple also announced a new Magic Keyboard with trackpad folio case. Apple describes the new Magic Keyboard as having a “floating design with smooth angle adjustment.” It attaches magnetically to the iPad Pro and features “unique cantilevered hinges” that allow it to adjust up to 130 degrees.
The Magic Keyboard with trackpad will be available in May. It will cost $299 for the 11-inch iPad Pro and $349 for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Apple also said that iOS 13.4 and iPadOS 13.4 will be available on March 24th. This update will bring full trackpad support to the iPad for the first time, which we covered in detail earlier this week.
Elsewhere, 9to5Mac exclusively reported this week that Apple is working on an “iPhone 9 Plus” to go alongside the oft-rumored iPhone 9. That would make sense considering that these iPhones should replace the iPhone 8 lineup, which features the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch versions.
We also reported that Apple is planning major upgrades to Apple Maps, including more details about Apple Stores, specific information about places with discounts for children, IMAX theaters, and more. For CarPlay, iOS 14 will bring the ability to set custom wallpapers for the first time.
These and the rest of this week’s top stories below.
- Mockups imagine what the leaked iOS 14 home screen changes will look like
- iOS 13.4 will be released on March 24, new Magic Keyboard with trackpad compatible with 2018 iPad Pro
- Apple releasing iOS 13.4 and watchOS 6.2 GM to developers
- iOS 14: CarPlay wallpapers, deeper Apple Store integration in Maps
- iOS 14 code confirms Apple planning ‘iPhone 9 Plus’ with A13 as larger version of rumored entry-level model
- iOS 14 code shows only iPhone 12 Pro will gain time-of-flight sensor for generating 3D models of environments
- Apple debuts colorful spring lineup of iPhone cases
- How to set up hourly reminders on iPhone and Apple Watch to wash your hands and stop touching your face
- Apple debuts colorful spring lineup of Apple Watch bands
- Apple unveils new iPad Pro with backlit Magic Keyboard case, available to order today
- Watch Craig Federighi demo the new iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard with trackpad
- New Magic Keyboard with trackpad compatible with 2018 iPad Pro
- All 2020 iPad Pro models feature 6GB of RAM, same U1 chip as iPhone 11
- Here’s how advanced cursor support will work on iPadOS
- Logitech announces new keyboard case with trackpad for iPad and iPad Air
- Apple announces new MacBook Air with scissor switch keyboard, $999 price point
- Opinion: The new MacBook Air and iPad Pro Magic Keyboard are game changers
- Apple updates Mac mini with double the storage
- Apple responds to COVID-19 by closing all stores outside of China until March 27
- Apple provides FAQ for returns and repairs during nearly global store closures
- It’s not just Apple Stores closed: 30+ other major chains closing their doors
- Apple website banner now says retail stores are closed ‘until further notice’
- App Store expediting COVID-19 apps from reputable sources, Apple blocking coronavirus-themed games and entertainment software
- How to get set up with Zoom and Skype on Mac, iPhone, and iPad
- Controversial Sonos S2 app adds hi-res audio but leaves old speakers behind
- Improve your work from home situation with a Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C display
- WSJ: Apple’s shift to remote working faces glitches due to secrecy, unclear guidelines
- Apple highlights the best work from home apps in new App Store editorial story
- How to work from home effectively during the coronavirus outbreak
- Comment: These are my must-have apps and services for remote working
- Working from home? A Thunderbolt 3 dock provides the ultimate in convenience and productivity for a desk laptop lifestyle
- Universal to offer $20 iTunes rentals of movies still in theaters starting this week
- Analyst: Now could be the right time for Apple to buy Disney
- Prepare for WWDC 2020 with these Apple-inspired wallpapers for iPhone, iPad, and Mac
- Apple allowing Apple Card customers to skip March payment without interest due to coronavirus
- All-new Powerbeats replacing Powerbeats3 for $50 less, 3 hours more battery, ‘Pro’ design
Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from . 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.
- 9to5Mac Daily: March 20, 2020 – 5G iPhone 12 on schedule, MacBook Air reviews
- 9to5Mac Daily: March 19, 2020 – iPad Pro details, Apple Maps + CarPlay in iOS 14
- 9to5Mac Daily: March 18, 2020 – New iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard, MacBook Air refresh
- 9to5Mac Daily: March 17, 2020 – iPhone 9 Plus and iPhone 12 details
- 9to5Mac Daily: March 16, 2020 – WWDC 2020, Apple Store closures
Many of us know Casey Liss from Accidental Tech Podcast, Analog(ue), and apps including Vignetteand Peek-A-View, but how much do you know about Casey’s experience with running and the Apple Watch? This week we explore just that.
Sponsored by:
- FlickType Keyboard: FlickType allows you to effortlessly respond to messages from your Apple Watch using a real keyboard. Download FlickType Keyboard on the App Store to get started.
9to5Mac Watch Time is a podcast series hosted by Zac Hall. In this series, we talk to real people about how the Apple Watch is affecting their lives. 9to5Mac Watch Time is available on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, and your favorite podcast player through RSS.
Benjamin and Zac unpack new releases from Apple including a cheaper and improved MacBook Air, Mac mini storage upgrades, the new 2020 iPad Pro model, iOS 13.4 and trackpad support coming to iPad, the new Magic Keyboard coming in May, Beats Powerbeats debut, and more.
Sponsored by:
- : The easiest way to get your email under control and hit inbox zero. Get a free two-week free trial and a $25 credit at .
- ExpressVPN: Take back your Internet privacy today and get 3 months free with a 1-year package at ExpressVPN.com/HappyHour.
9to5Mac Happy Hour is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play Music, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.
The new iPad Pro, native mouse pointer support in iPadOS, tips on working from home, app architecture and system design, picking the right technologies and dependencies for a project, and top tips on indie app development from Kaya Thomas, Casey Liss and Curtis Herbert. It’s the longest, most action-packed episode of Stacktrace that we have ever made!
Sponsored by:
- Try Setapp with over 170+ Mac apps completely free for the first week
Stacktrace by is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.
Apple @ Work is a weekly series from Bradley Chambers covering Apple in education. Bradley has been managing Apple devices in an education environment since 2009. Through his experience deploying and managing hundreds of Macs and hundreds of iPads, Bradley will highlight ways in which Apple’s products work at scale, stories from the trenches of IT management, and ways Apple could improve its products for students.
- Apple @ Work Podcast: Remote Work and Distance Learning Webinar Replay
- Apple @ Work Podcast: Past, present, and future of identity in the enterprise
- Apple @ Work: G Suite has brought immense benefits to Apple focused organizations
- Making the Grade: How to get AirPlay 2 in the classroom without the expense of an Apple TV
- Apple @ Work: Here’s how Apple TV has quietly become a robust digital signage solution
Author: Chance Miller.
Source: 9TO5Mac
