Final Cut Pro on Apple Silicon, monitors on the Mac, iPad rumors on the AppleInsider podcast

On this week's AppleInsider podcast we describe Final Cut Pro performance on Apple Silicon M1 MacBooks, using a Mac laptop with external monitors, using an Apple Watch for vlogging, and how Apple could use AR for customer support.

Apple made a big deal about video editing on the new Apple Silicon M1 Macs, and the company wasn't kidding. We take a deep dive what it's really like editing 4K video on an M1 MacBook Pro, including the use of Final Cut Pro and Compressor. The incredible performance on these first M1 Macs have us excited for the future of high-end Apple Silicon MacBook Pro models and iMacs.

There is a downside to producing video on a 13-inch MacBook, though, and that is the screen size. It turns out that finding a high-quality monitor with Thunderbolt connectivity that works well with the M1 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro is a little tricky. Options are limited and the LG UltraFine monitors available directly from Apple are still some of the best options.

While we're at it, we also browse through available Thunderbolt 3 docks and which are best for iPad and MacBook use.

It's the editing that we're focusing on, though, and 4K video production in question was the full review of WaterField's AirPod Max case which you can see now.

Also in this episode of the AppleInsider podcast, we go further and compare that WaterField case to other inexpensive options from Amazon. While not all cases feature WaterField's key ability to put the AirPods Max to sleep, many fully protect your headphones and you can even buy silicon covers for the ear cups as well.

Looking ahead, there are conflicting iPad Pro rumors that make it difficult to predict its launch date, but point to the inclusion of mini LED technology in the display. Our hosts discuss the advantages of the larger 12.9-inch iPad when it comes to battery life, and what combination of laptop and tablet they prefer to carry.

Next, TikTok makes use of LiDAR in the new iPhone 12 Pro to create compelling filters. Their "New Year" filter shows confetti landing on objects throughout a room, giving viewers an impressive augmented reality experience.

We round out the show with Facebook's continued attack on Apple's privacy policies, if Google has delayed updating their iOS apps to avoid the privacy label requirement, and the upcoming court case between Epic Games and Apple.

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