O'Grady's PowerPage

Category: M1

  • Some users report issues with built-in SD card readers on 2021 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro notebooks

    Some users report issues with built-in SD card readers on 2021 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro notebooks

    As nifty as the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro notebooks might be, there might be some bugs with the SD card readers.

    In a long complaint thread, MacRumors readers have detailed the issues that they’re having with some SD cards, and there seems to be little consistency between reports and affected SD cards. Some SD cards crash and can’t be accessed, while some have unusually slow transfer speeds. 

    Per reader “Wildct“:

    Same issues with 14″ M1 Pro. Just seems to be super flakey and inconsistent. Half the time it’ll recognize the card successfully (though it takes anywhere from 30s to 1m) and half the time it’ll throw an error. These are all Sandisk Ultra cards, both XC and HC, that were formatted in my camera. I tried reformatting them w/ the MBP and that didn’t seem to make a difference. All my cards work as expected in my 3 other USB card readers.

    In some situations, there’s an error message when attempting to use the SD card. In other cases, the Finder will crash or the SD card will take several minutes to become accessible.

    Given the thread, the card’s formatting doesn’t appear to be the central issue, though it could be a factor. Other readers have reported that using a USB-C SD card reader can work when the built-in SD card reader fails:

    I tried many cards, and could find no pattern of brand, size, type, format, age. Seems to be completely random. The only thing that is consistent is that if a card works, it always works, and if a card does not work properly it never works properly. Reformatting, even to all other possible formats, makes no difference. Sandisk, Sony, Samsung, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, UHS-I, UHS-II, micro-SD, FAT32, exFAT, makes no difference. 100% of my cards work perfectly via a dongle.

    Some readers who reached out to Apple for help were informed that the company is aware of the issue, and that a fix is en route via a future software update, although it’s unknown if this is due to a hardware or software issue. Other readers stated that Apple replaced their MacBook Pro notebooks and did not continue to have issues with the new machines.

    Many of the reports are about older SD cards and there may be a particular issue with some 128GB cards, but for the most part, complaints are all over the place in terms of SD card brand, speed, and capacity.

    One user reported that the current macOS Monterey 12.1 beta resolved the issue, while another user reported that the issue remained under the beta.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via MacRumors and Reddit

  • Rumor: Apple’s M3 processor enters pilot production phase, uses 3 nanometer “N3” process

    Rumor: Apple’s M3 processor enters pilot production phase, uses 3 nanometer “N3” process

    Apple’s next-gen processor, the M3, may have already entered its pilot production phase.

    According to DigiTimes, TSMC, Apple’s chipmaking partner, has begun producing the processor using it 3 nanometer process, known as “N3.”

    The report, citing unnamed industry sources, claims that TSMC will move the process to volume production by the fourth quarter of 2022 and start shipping 3nm chips to customers like Apple and Intel in the first quarter of 2023.

    It’s thought that this process advancement will allow for both performance and power efficiency improvements, which can lead to faster speeds and/or longer battery life on future Apple devices and Macs.

    The first Apple devices with 3nm chips will likely debut in 2023, including iPhone 15 models with an A17 chip and Apple silicon Macs with M3 chips — all names are tentative. 

    According to a November report by The Information’s Wayne Ma, the M3 chips will have up to four dies, which could translate into a 40-core CPU, compared to the 8-core M1 chip and 10-core M1 Pro and M1 Max chips.

    In the meantime, Macs with M2 chips and iPhone 14 models are expected to use chips based on TSMC’s N4 process, which is another iteration of its 5 nanometer process.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via MacRumors, DigiTimes, and The Information

  • Rumor: Apple AR/VR headset SDK could be released in the first half of 2022

    Rumor: Apple AR/VR headset SDK could be released in the first half of 2022

    If you’re hankering for Apple’s AR/VR headset, a number of analysts and insiders have recently suggested that the software development kit (SDK) for the device could come as early as the first half of 2022.
    Necessary Time for App Development for the Apple AR/VR Headset.

    It’s been noted that Apple’ ARKit, which allows for augmented reality software creation) is already mature and well-developed in iOS, and it’s been rumored that official details of the headset could be just months away. It’s also been suggested that the SDK could be released in the first half of 2022, which would coincide with Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference in June.

    WWDC is usually when Apple announces new software releases and developer kits. The conference would be an ideal time and place to take the wrappers off the headset SDK. If Cupertino plans to launch sales for the AR/VR headset during 4Q22, that would give developers the necessary time to begin populating the device’s App Store.

    Per noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, “Apple’s goal is to replace the iPhone with AR in ten years”. Kuo believes the headset will have hardware comparable to that found in Apple’s silicon Macs.

    Kuo has offered the following prediction:

    “We predict that Apple’s AR headset to be launched in 4Q22 will be equipped with two processors. The higher-end processor will have similar computing power as the M1 for Mac, whereas the lower-end processor will be in charge of sensor-related computing.


    The power management unit (PMU) design of the high-end processor is similar to that of M1 because it has the same level of computing power as M1.”

    Kuo also said the headset, along with the upcoming iPhone 14, will support Wi-Fi 6E technology. That tech will offer the increased bandwidth and lower interference required for AR and VR experiences.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via The Mac Observer and Bloomberg

  • Apple launches Mac upgrade program, allows for some businesses to upgrade their Macs every 90 days through CIT financing

    Apple launches Mac upgrade program, allows for some businesses to upgrade their Macs every 90 days through CIT financing

    If your business is looking to upgrade its Macs a bit more often, this might be for you.

    Apple has recently launched a new program via its business portal that allow for Mac upgrades every 90 days with financing through a certified third party. Through CIT, businesses can get a base model ($999) Macbook Air for $30/month with the option to upgrade it in three months if a new model comes out.

    Although Apple currently offers multiple financing options for business from its own Apple Financial Services division, the new offering through CIT seems to offer a genuine Mac upgrade program for the first time in Apple history.

    The program was first spotted by Max Weinbach on Twitter, who offered the following screenshot:

    As mentioned earlier, business customers can return or swap their Macs after three months.

    CIT’s fine print says that the financing is 3 percent of the total cost, so as you add upgrades to your Mac, the monthly cost would change slightly. According to CIT’s website, you apply for financing through them, sign paperwork, CIT issues a purchase order to Apple, and then your product is purchased. 

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via 9to5Mac and @MaxWeinbach

  • Apple launches Self Service Repair program, will expand support in 2022

    Apple launches Self Service Repair program, will expand support in 2022

    If you love fixing your own Apple gear but have been wanting access to Apple’s premium parts for a while, you’re going to like this.

    Apple has announced its Self Service Repair program, which will give individuals access to genuine Apple parts and tools for repair. The program will be available early next year in the US and expand to additional countries throughout 2022.

    From the onset, the program will support iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and M1 Macs. The first phrase will focus on the most common repairs, such as the iPhone’s display, battery, and camera. Support for additional repairs will be available late next year.

    Per Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer:

    “Creating greater access to Apple genuine parts gives our customers even more choice if a repair is needed. In the past three years, Apple has nearly doubled the number of service locations with access to Apple genuine parts, tools, and training, and now we’re providing an option for those who wish to complete their own repairs.”

    The company says the process for a repair should be consulting the official Repair Manual, then ordering parts and tools using the Apple Self Service Repair Online Store. The new store will offer more than 200 individual parts and tools. Afterwards, customers who return their used part for recycling will receive credit toward their purchase.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via The Mac Observer and Apple