Apple launched new MacBook Pro laptops, AirPods and HomePod minis at an online event on Monday.
This was the company’s second major product launch event of the year.
Last month, the most valuable company in the world, rolled out its latest iPhone 13 series, Apple Watch 7 and new iPads.
US venture capital firm Loup Ventures expects the devices announced during these two events to account for up to 50 per cent of Apple's revenue over the next 12 months.
Here are eight takeaways from the “Unleashed” event that was streamed live on various platforms.
Easy being green
Apple’s new MacBook Pros come in an enclosure made of 100 per cent recycled aluminium. They also use reprocessed rare earth elements in all magnets used in various components.
Both models are built with 35 per cent or more recycled plastic and all of the packaging wood fibres are from “responsibly managed forests or recycled sources,” the company said.
“MacBook Pro remains free of harmful substances … is manufactured using even more renewable energy and meets Apple’s high standards for energy efficiency,” it added.
Faster chips
Apple introduced its own M1 chip in November last year to avoid Covid-induced supply chain disruptions and reduce its products’ reliance on Intel chips. The next-generation chips — M1 Pro and M1 Max — are being used in its latest laptops, which they say are the “most powerful and capable chips” they've ever produced.
Using the latest 5-nanometre process technology, the new chips contain 33.7 billion transistors — more than two times the amount in M1.
Consumers can expect better performance per watt, increased power efficiency, enhanced memory bandwidth and capacity.
The central processing unit in the new chips is reportedly up to 70 per cent faster than M1, so tasks like compiling projects in Xcode — an ecosystem created by Apple for app development — are much faster than before.
While the graphic processing unit in the M1 Pro is up to two times faster than M1, the M1 Max is up to four times faster, the company said.
AirPods lost and found
Apple’s latest third-generation AirPods will now be included in the Find My network enabling users to keep track of their belongings. This network includes iPhones, iPads and Mac computers, offering proximity view in the Find My app and Lost Mode, as well as uncoupling alerts and sounds.
They also come with a new skin-detect sensor that determines if AirPods are in the ear, in a pocket or on a table and stops the playback when they are not in the ear, saving battery life, which can be limited.
Siri, play millions of songs
Later this year, Apple's new Music Voice Plan will allow subscribers access a catalogue of about 90 million songs and hundreds of playlists for $4.99 per month -- though it may not be available in your country.
If available, just tell Siri to start your plan and music can be accessed across all of your Siri-enabled devices, including HomePod mini, AirPods, iPhone and CarPlay.
A one-time, seven-day free preview with no auto-renewal will be offered to non-subscribers who request music through Siri so you won't have to yell at Siri when you are charged on day eight.
HomePod minis like a rainbow
The HomePod mini, which was designed to pair with Apple Music, Apple Podcasts and various other streaming stations, will be coloured yellow, orange and blue — starting at $99.
The company said HomePod mini will send any information to Apple servers only after “Hey Siri” is recognised locally on the device or the user activates it by touch to ensure the security and privacy of users’ confidential information and Apple devices.
“Requests are not associated with the user’s Apple ID, nor is personal information used for Apple’s advertising purposes or sold to other organisations,” Apple said.
Do you know the way to Monterey
Apple’s latest desktop operating system, macOS Monterey, will be available as a free software update from October 25, which was designed with improved productivity in mind.
It also ensures more robust security protections, including hardware-verified secure boot, runtime anti-exploitation technologies and fast encryption for files.
MagSafe makes it return
New MacBook Pros come with MagSafe 3 technology that Apple ditched about five years ago and moved to USB charging on its new laptops.
It features an updated design and supports more power into the system, the company said.
This move will let the company to create an ecosystem of accessories for easy attachment and faster charging, industry experts stated.
“The magnetic connection is strong enough to resist most unintended disconnects, but if someone trips on the cable, it releases so your MacBook Pro stays put,” Apple said on its website.
Prices and availability
The new MacBook Pro models with M1 Pro and M1 Max are available to order from Monday on the company’s website and on the Apple Store app.
Units will also be in select Apple stores and authorised resellers from October 26.
The 14-inch MacBook Pro model starts at Dh8,499 and the 16-inch MacBook Pro model starts at Dh10,599.
MO
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BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Grubtech
Founders: Mohamed Al Fayed and Mohammed Hammedi
Launched: October 2019
Employees: 50
Financing stage: Seed round (raised $2 million)
Our Time Has Come
Alyssa Ayres, Oxford University Press
The five pillars of Islam
The bio
Favourite book: Peter Rabbit. I used to read it to my three children and still read it myself. If I am feeling down it brings back good memories.
Best thing about your job: Getting to help people. My mum always told me never to pass up an opportunity to do a good deed.
Best part of life in the UAE: The weather. The constant sunshine is amazing and there is always something to do, you have so many options when it comes to how to spend your day.
Favourite holiday destination: Malaysia. I went there for my honeymoon and ended up volunteering to teach local children for a few hours each day. It is such a special place and I plan to retire there one day.
Company%20profile
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Classification of skills
A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.
A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.
The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbo flat-six
Power: 480hp at 6,500rpm
Torque: 570Nm from 2,300-5,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Fuel consumption: 10.4L/100km
Price: from Dh547,600
On sale: now
WHAT IS GRAPHENE?
It was discovered in 2004, when Russian-born Manchester scientists Andrei Geim and Kostya Novoselov were experimenting with sticky tape and graphite, the material used as lead in pencils.
Placing the tape on the graphite and peeling it, they managed to rip off thin flakes of carbon. In the beginning they got flakes consisting of many layers of graphene. But when they repeated the process many times, the flakes got thinner.
By separating the graphite fragments repeatedly, they managed to create flakes that were just one atom thick. Their experiment led to graphene being isolated for the very first time.
In 2010, Geim and Novoselov were awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics.
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
The specs
Engine: Two permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors
Transmission: two-speed
Power: 671hp
Torque: 849Nm
Range: 456km
Price: from Dh437,900
On sale: now
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What's in the deal?
Agreement aims to boost trade by £25.5bn a year in the long run, compared with a total of £42.6bn in 2024
India will slash levies on medical devices, machinery, cosmetics, soft drinks and lamb.
India will also cut automotive tariffs to 10% under a quota from over 100% currently.
Indian employees in the UK will receive three years exemption from social security payments
India expects 99% of exports to benefit from zero duty, raising opportunities for textiles, marine products, footwear and jewellery
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
WISH
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Brief scoreline:
Burnley 3
Barnes 63', 70', Berg Gudmundsson 75'
Southampton 3
Man of the match
Ashley Barnes (Burnley)
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The%20specs%20
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League, semi-final result:
Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona
Liverpool win 4-3 on aggregate
Champions Legaue final: June 1, Madrid
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Company%20Profile
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Silent Hill f
Publisher: Konami
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Rating: 4.5/5
Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
- Join parent networks
- Look beyond school fees
- Keep an open mind
Tailors and retailers miss out on back-to-school rush
Tailors and retailers across the city said it was an ominous start to what is usually a busy season for sales.
With many parents opting to continue home learning for their children, the usual rush to buy school uniforms was muted this year.
“So far we have taken about 70 to 80 orders for items like shirts and trousers,” said Vikram Attrai, manager at Stallion Bespoke Tailors in Dubai.
“Last year in the same period we had about 200 orders and lots of demand.
“We custom fit uniform pieces and use materials such as cotton, wool and cashmere.
“Depending on size, a white shirt with logo is priced at about Dh100 to Dh150 and shorts, trousers, skirts and dresses cost between Dh150 to Dh250 a piece.”
A spokesman for Threads, a uniform shop based in Times Square Centre Dubai, said customer footfall had slowed down dramatically over the past few months.
“Now parents have the option to keep children doing online learning they don’t need uniforms so it has quietened down.”
The specs
Price, base / as tested Dh12 million
Engine 8.0-litre quad-turbo, W16
Gearbox seven-speed dual clutch auto
Power 1479 @ 6,700rpm
Torque 1600Nm @ 2,000rpm 0-100kph: 2.6 seconds 0-200kph: 6.1 seconds
Top speed 420 kph (governed)
Fuel economy, combined 35.2L / 100km (est)
