Hands-On With Apple's New 16-Inch MacBook Pro

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With Apple's new 16-inch MacBook Pro now in stores, we were able to pick one up this morning to take a look at it and provide MacRumors readers with our first impressions on the new machine.

Read on below and watch our video to see our overview and our initial thoughts on the new ‌MacBook Pro‌.

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When you glance at the new 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌, it's difficult to tell it apart from the 15-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌, because the design is the same general design that Apple has been using for the ‌MacBook Pro‌ for years now.

Apple bumped up the thickness and the weight of the new ‌MacBook Pro‌, though, and there's a lot of heft here. It feels more dense when toting it around, and the extra weight and size is somewhat noticeable.


The most notable change to the ‌MacBook Pro‌ is the larger 16-inch display with its slimmed down bezels. The new model has a resolution of 3072 x 1920 at 226 pixels per inch, which is an improvement over the 15-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌. In use, the updated display appears to be somewhat sharper and more vibrant than before, but it's not a huge difference from the 15-inch display and it's probably not the sole reason someone should upgrade.


Beyond the display, there are quite a few attractive new features that set the 16-inch machine apart from its predecessors. A new "Magic Keyboard" has been added that does away with the butterfly mechanism and returns to a scissor-style mechanism that's meant to be more reliable and not prone to failure due to crumbs and small particulates.

We liked the feel of the butterfly keyboard in general, and the Magic Keyboard isn't too far off from that feel. There's minimal key travel, but a solid amount of feedback that provides a pleasant typing experience.


Apple added a physical Escape key to the 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌, an upgrade over the virtual Escape key built into the Touch Bar in previous Macs. Apple's Phil Schiller recently said that not having a physical Escape key was one of the top ‌MacBook Pro‌ complaints, and it's nice that Apple has addressed this issue.

Arrow keys have also been returned to an inverted "T" design, which will also be a welcome change, and the Touch ID button is now a separate button to match the aesthetic of a separate Escape key. Aside from these changes, the Touch Bar is the same. There are also no changes to the Trackpad.

There's a new six-speaker sound system and a three-array microphone setup that we used to record the entirety of our YouTube video. The sound system is impressive for a notebook machine. The speakers are super loud, but sound quality is also noticeably improved. The audio is robust with great clarity and just the right amount of bass.


Battery life in the new ‌MacBook Pro‌ is up an hour compared to the 15-inch model, though we haven't been able to test that out yet. It's using the same Intel processors that were included in the 15-inch models released in May, but the new machine supports up to 64GB of RAM and 8TB of storage, which will appeal to pro users.

What do you think of the 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌? Are you upgrading? Let us know in the comments.

We're going to have additional coverage of the 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ coming next week, including a deeper dive into performance, so make sure to stay tuned to MacRumors.

Related Roundup: MacBook Pro

Buyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Buy Now)

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MacRumors Giveaway: Win a Leather Apple Watch Band From BluShark

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For this week's giveaway, we've teamed up with BluShark to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win a high-quality leather band designed for the Apple Watch.

BluShark makes a whole range of watch bands for traditional watches. Right now, BluShark offers a collection of nylon and silicone designs in a variety of colors, but the company is expanding into ‌Apple Watch‌ bands in the near future.


BluShark will soon launch a series of high-end leather ‌Apple Watch‌ bands crafted from Italian calf hide and ethically sourced crocodile and ostrich leathers, sized to fit both 40mm and 44mm ‌Apple Watch‌ models.

The leather ‌Apple Watch‌ bands will be available in different shades of brown and black, with each one carefully stitched to hold up to wear over time. As with all leather products, expect these bands to take on a unique patina as they age.

BluShark plans to officially debut its ‌Apple Watch‌ band collection in the coming weeks, but winners of the ‌giveaway‌ will be able to choose a band prior to when the launch happens. BluShark is also releasing a series of ‌Apple Watch‌ adapters within the next two to three weeks that will allow existing BluShark bands to work with the ‌Apple Watch‌.

Seven winners will be provided with an $80 gift card to purchase any of the ‌Apple Watch‌ bands in the collection, which will be available for between $40 and $78. The watches come with stainless steel lugs, but BluShark will also be able to provide lugs for other ‌Apple Watch‌ finishes. For those interested in purchasing a BluShark ‌Apple Watch‌ band when the launch happens, make sure to visit the BluShark website and sign up for the newsletter or follow BluShark on Instagram.

To enter to win our ‌‌giveaway‌‌, use the Gleam.io widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winners and send the prizes. You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, following us on Instagram, or visiting the MacRumors Facebook page.

Due to the complexities of international laws regarding giveaways, only U.S. residents who are 18 years or older and Canadian residents (excluding Quebec) who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory are eligible to enter. To offer feedback or get more information on the ‌giveaway‌ restrictions, please refer to our Site Feedback section, as that is where discussion of the rules will be redirected.

BluShark
The contest will run from today (November 15) at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time on November 22. The winners will be chosen randomly on November 22 and will be contacted by email. The winners will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before new winners are chosen.

Tag: giveaway

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iFixit Tearing Down 16-Inch MacBook Pro Live

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Apple's new 16-inch MacBook Pro models are in stores as of today, and iFixit, a site known for its product teardowns, has purchased one and is going to take it apart.

The teardown is happening live on YouTube, which means MacRumors readers interested in getting a peek at what's in side the new machine can follow along as it's deconstructed.


iFixit plans to provide a first look at the inside of the new Magic Keyboard and will also give a brief overview of additional internal components, with more information to come later in a full teardown.

Related Roundup: MacBook Pro

Tag: iFixit

Buyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Buy Now)

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Black Friday Spotlight: Walmart Will Offer Competitive Prices on AirPods, Apple Watch Series 3, and 10.2-Inch iPad

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In an ongoing effort to keep track of upcoming (and current) Black Friday sales, we've begun highlighting the biggest and best discounts offered by major retailers. Last week we started with Best Buy and Target, and today we're moving on to Walmart.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Walmart. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Walmart is set to host its Black Friday sale beginning online on Wednesday, November 27 at 10 a.m. ET, and then starting in stores Thanksgiving day at 6 p.m. ET. You'll find the usual array of TVs, smart watches, smartphones, tablets, headphones, video games, and much more discounted throughout the event.

Apple

This includes Apple devices like the AirPods with Charging Case for $129, down from a regular price of $159. This price undercuts the $134-$144 price of the wireless headphones that will be seen this Black Friday at Best Buy, Target, and Staples.

You'll also have a chance to save on the 32GB 10.2-inch iPad, priced at $249, down from $329, which is the same price seen among the major retailers this season and one of the best all-around deals you can find on Black Friday.

Walmart will have the Apple Watch Series 3 in 38mm for $129, down from $199; while the 42mm will be $159, down from $229. These prices will come below Target's sale on the Series 3, and are looking like some of the best discounts on Black Friday for the 2017 Apple Watch.

For iPhones, you'll be able to get up to $450 in Walmart eGift cards with qualified activation on iPhone XS ($450), XS Max ($400), XR ($400), 11 ($300), 11 Pro ($300), and 11 Pro Max ($300). If you also trade in an eligible smartphone, you'll get an additional $250 on a Walmart eGift card. The retailer will also have the 32GB iPhone 6s Plus for $149 on Straight Talk or Total Wireless plans.

Electronics

Walmart will have a big selection of discounts on various electronics, from audio equipment to smart watches, networking, and more. It should also be a good time to invest in a low-price 4K television if you've been holding out, with prices starting between $148 and $280 for solid options.


Walmart's ONN brand will have a 50-inch 4K Roku Smart TV for $148. If you're looking for higher quality sets, brands like Philips will have a 65-inch 4K Android Smart TV for $278, while Samsung will offer its 50-inch 4K Smart TV for the same price of $278.

Audio

• Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones - $129, down from $199
  
• Powerbeats3 Wireless Earphones - $89, down from $119
  
• Anker Rave Mini Wireless Party Speaker - $100, down from $149
  
• JBL Flip 3 Speaker - $50, down from $100

Smart watches

• Fitbit Inspire HR - $69, down from $99
  
• Fitbit Versa Lite - $99, down from $159

Storage

• SanDisk ImageMate 64GB MicroSD Card - $8, down from $12
  
• SanDisk ImageMate 128GB MicroSD Card - $14, down from $20

Security and Networking

• Arlo 3-Camera Security System - $179, down from $249
  
• Netgear Nighthwak AX3000 Router - $99, down from $199

Video Games

Many of the same video game deals that we've seen highlighted at Target and Best Buy will emerge at Walmart this year. Sony's 1TB PlayStation 4 bundle with God of War (2018), Horizon Zero Dawn: Complete Edition, and The Last of Us Remastered will be $199, down from $299.


On Microsoft's side, you'll be able to get the 1TB Xbox One S All-Digital Console for $149, down from $249, just like Best Buy. There will also be a bundle with the 1TB Xbox One X Console and Gears 5 at $349 and the 1TB Xbox One S with Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order at $199. These bundles offer savings between $100 and $150.

For both Microsoft and Sony, the Xbox Wireless Controller and DualShock 4 will both be on sale for $39 in select colors, matching Target and Best Buy. These sales make for perfect opportunities to save on wireless controllers that work with iOS 13 and tvOS 13 as well.

Nintendo's 2019 holiday bundle will also be available at Walmart, offering the original 2017 Nintendo Switch for $299 alongside a free digital copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The new Nintendo Switch with an updated battery, as well as the Nintendo Switch Lite, is not on sale this year.

Other miscellaneous video game sales include Call of Duty: Modern Warfare for $38, one of the lowest prices we've tracked so far this year, and the Turtle Beach Recon 70 Universal Gaming Headset for $25. This headset is compatible with both PS4 and Xbox One consoles.

$15 video games:

• Spider-Man (PS4)
  
• Watch Dogs 2
  
• Overwatch: Legendar Edition (PS4/Xbox One)
  
• Borderlands: The Handsome Collection
  
• Trials Fusion

$20 video games:

• Team Sonic Racing
  
• Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
  
• Assassin's Creed: Odyssey
  
• World War Z
  
• Days Gone
  
• The Division 2
  
• Kingdom Hearts 3

$25 video games:

• Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled
  
• Spyro Reignited Trilogy
  
• Just Dance 2020
  
• Overwatch: Legendary Edition (Switch)
  
• Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
  
• Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville

$30 video games:

• Super Mario Party
  
• Mario Tennis Aces
  
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
  
• Splatoon 2
  
• Super Mario Odyssey
  
• Red Dead Redemption II
  
• Borderlands 3
  
• Need For Speed: Heat
  
• Gears 5

To keep track of these Black Friday sales and more, head to our full Black Friday Roundup as well as our separate Deals Roundup.

Related Roundups: Apple Black Friday, Apple Deals

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Airtel VoLTE Now Live in All Telecom Circles in India with Support for Over 250 Mobiles

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Germany Passes Law Forcing Apple to Open Up iPhone's NFC Chip to Apple Pay Rivals, But Loophole May Exist

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A parliamentary committee in Germany on Wednesday passed an amendment to an anti-money laundering law that would force Apple to open up the NFC chip in iPhones to competing mobile payment providers, according to Reuters. The report claims the law is set to come into effect early next year.


In a statement to Reuters, Apple said it was "surprised" about the sudden decision and expressed security concerns.

"We are surprised at how suddenly this legislation was introduced," an Apple spokesperson said. "We fear that the draft law could be harmful to user friendliness, data protection and the security of financial information."

As noted by German financial website Finanz-Szene, however, there appears to be a provision in the law that could allow Apple to keep the NFC chip locked down. Specifically, it appears that Apple might be able to argue that opening up the NFC chip would put the security of its customers at risk.

A rough translation of the passage:

Exceptionally, the system undertaking is not required to comply with paragraph 1 if there are reasonable grounds for refusal to make the provision available. These exist, in particular, if the system undertaking can demonstrate that the safety and integrity of the technical infrastructure services is specifically jeopardized by the provision of such facilities. The rejection must be reasonably justified.

Earlier this month, the European Union's competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager acknowledged that her department has received "many concerns" over Apple Pay and potential anticompetitive issues. Australia's big banks have also sought open access to the NFC chip on the iPhone in recent years.

Related Roundup: Apple Pay

Tag: Germany

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The Chrome Cast 36: One week in November 2019 will reshape the way we stream media

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