Apple launches new MacBook Pro models and AirPods

Apple launched two new MacBook Pro models fueled by new in-house Apple silicon chips, and a new iPhone AirPods wireless earbuds and a $5 music subscription service with a 15 day free trial.

The new MacBook Pro laptops with 14 - inch and 16 - inch displays are powered by the new chipsets. The models restored the Touch Bar that apple s fans had groused about and eliminated several connectors — including the MagSafe power connector - that disappeared in recent years, angering some of the company s users.

Apple said the 16-inch model will start at $1,999 and the 14 inch model will start at $2,499. Apple said Wednesday that both computers will start shipping next week.

Apple s two new high-powered chips are called M 1 Pro and M 1 Max. The chips are meant to have better performance than the company s previous M 1 chips, but do so while using less power than rival chips from firms like Intel and Advanced Micro Devices.

Johny Srouji, Apple's chip chief, said the M 1 Max chip uses up to 100 watts less power than other high-end laptop chips which translates into better battery life.

It is the powerful chip we ve ever built, Srouji said of the M 1 Max.

Before Monday, Intel was trying to sell Apple s most powerful laptops with chips from Apple. The company has already designed a first-generation in-house M 1 chip in some MacBooks as well as its Mac Mini and iMac desktop machines.

This time, Apple announced that the newly released AirPods are waterproof and sweat-resistant to use for workouts and will feature some sound features previously found in the premium AirPods Pro. Apple said the new AirPods would cost $179 and will start shipping next week.

Apple s new AirPod are available to order online at the United States and more than 26 other countries and regions beginning on Monday. The earphones will be available starting Oct. 26 in stores, with the phones out 10 days later than expected.

Add-on devices like AirPods tend to be large sellers during holiday shopping seasons and have become one of Apple's fastest-growing categories, with the Apple home and accessories segment growing 25% to $30.6 billion in fiscal 2020.