New MacBooks expected at WWDC 2023

Image: Apple

Aside from its rumoured mixed reality headset, Apple is reportedly introducing new MacBook models during its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) this year. While WWDC is typically a software- and developer-centric event, hardware has also appeared frequently. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman claims new MacBook laptops are coming to the conference.

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Foxconn tipped to start manufacturing MacBooks in Vietnam as early as May 2023

Source: Apple

Apple has been looking to diversify its supply chain, and one of the new major product lines is in Vietnam. Rumours have it that Foxconn will begin producing MacBook models in Vietnam as early as May 2023. The Taiwanese company was granted a license in January 2021 to build a US$270 million plant in Vietnam for manufacturing MacBooks and iPads. 

This new plant is developed by Fukang Technology and will be located in the northern Vietnamese province of Bac Giang. The factory is projected to produce eight million laptops and tablets annually. Aside from the Apple MacBook, the Vietnam plant is expected to produce the Apple Watch and HomePod as well.

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Anker's new USB-C hub allows M1 MacBooks to connect to up to 3 external monitors

The Apple M1-powered MacBooks, by default, can only output to a single external monitor. Anker saw this issue and unveiled a new 10-in-1 USB-C hub that can allow the MacBook to support up to three external displays. The Anker 563 dock retails for US$249.99 (around CA$321) and includes USB-C, USB-A, 3.5mm audio, and Ethernet. Of course, you'd want to learn more about the HDMI ports. One can go up to 4K but only up to 30Hz, a second HDMI port can support 2K at up to 60Hz, and a DisplayPort can support 2K at 60Hz. 

That 4K at 30Hz wouldn't feel particularly smooth to use. But as The Verge pointed out, if you're just watching video content or have productivity software opened there, you might not have an issue with that. Another limitation is that you'll need DisplayLink software to get the M1 MacBook to output to these many monitors, which could be a troublesome experience.

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New 'Behind the Mac' ad features big Canadian music talents

Apple has just released a new "Behind the Mac" campaign ad called "Made In Canada," featuring big names in the music industry that hail from the country. The 30-second clip features Shawn Mendes, Justin Bieber, Kaytranada, Jessie Reyez, Daniel Caesar, Orville Peck, and more. It shows these singers, songwriters, and other music industry pros using MacBooks. 

Apple even launched a new webpage on its Canadian site for the campaign with a brief description of each talent included. The company also highlights the M1 chip and the Mac apps used by these professionals, including GarageBand and Adobe Photoshop.

Source: 9to5Mac