Apple announces new Mac mini, MacBook Pro with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips

Apple announced on Tuesday new Macs that can be purchased with chip M2 Pro or M2 MaxApple’s most powerful processor.

Company launch refresh 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro laptops, both can be configured with the latest processors. Apple also announced a update for its Mac mini with support for M2 or M2 Pro chips. Apple no longer sells the Intel version of the Mac mini, which means the Mac Pro is the ultimate computer that can be configured with an Intel processor.

The launch comes after Apple’s chief financial officer, Luca Maestri, warned in October that the company Mac sales will drop in December quarterly on an annual basis. That could be partly because Apple didn’t ship these computers in time for the holiday shopping season.

The updated Macs are launching in an uncertain economic environment for consumers, as customers may feel the pinch due to inflation or more cautious spending amid fears of a potential recession.

Apple is set to report earnings later this month. In January 2022, it December quarter report Mac revenue was $10.85 billion, up 25% year over year.

The Mac mini starts at $599 with the M2 chip, $100 less than the previous version, or $1,299 with the M2 Pro. The new 14-inch MacBook Pro starts at $1,999. The 16-inch MacBook Pro model will cost at least $2,499. All will be available starting January 24, though customers can order the computers starting Tuesday.