Apple Inc. on Monday announced two new MacBook Pro models that run on more powerful in-house chips, furthering its break from previous supplier Intel Corp and showing its strategy for setting its machines apart from the rest of the PC industry.
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The new 14-inch and 16-inch models start at $1,999 and range up to $6,099 in their most expensive variations. Using two new chips called the M1 Pro and M1 Max, Apple claims they will far outperform rival machines based on Intel and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD.O), especially when the new laptops are used with only battery power.
Johny Srouji, Apple's chip chief, said the M1 Max chip uses up to 100 watts less power than other high-end laptop chips, which translates to better battery life.
Apple also announced several new music-related products at its Monday event. The company announced a $5-a-month version of its streaming music service that will allow access to its full music catalog on Apple devices by using its Siri voice assistant. Apple's full service remains $10 a month, and shares of streaming music rival Spotify Technology SA were up 0.4% on the news, suggesting Spotify's investors do not view the new service as a major threat.
Apple also introduced a third generation of its AirPods wireless ear buds. Apple's new AirPods are sweat- and water-resistant for use with workouts and will have some sound features previously found in the higher-end AirPods Pro, Apple said during the launch event. Apple said the new AirPods will cost $179 and start shipping next week.
