The new MacBook Pro is expected to arrive later this year, with some of the biggest product line improvements to date, including some surprising changes, so now is not the time to buy a new MacBook. Pro.
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With major updates expected for key features such as chipset, display, touch bar, charging, ports and design, customers looking at a new MacBook Pro may be better off waiting for the updated models to arrive later this year.
Most reliable rumors about the new MacBook Pro come from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and BloombergMark Gurman, who established his reputation for providing accurate information about Apple’s plans. Based on their reports, the MacBook Pro 2021 line is currently expected to include:
- The new 14-inch model replaces the current 13.3-inch model, facilitated by the reduced frames.
- A new, flatter design that is said to be “similar to the iPhone 12.”
- Newer-generation Apple Silicon chips with up to 16 cores and four cores of efficiency instead of Intel processors.
- Potentially a custom “Apple Silicon” GPU with 16 or 32 cores.
- Updated thermal design for the 14-inch model, currently used by the existing 16-inch MacBook Pro, with a larger heat pipe, added thermal buffers and a 35% larger radiator.
- Display panels “brighter, with a higher contrast”, with the possibility of a mini-LED option.
- Additional ports to reduce the need for dongles, including an SD card reader.
- MagSafe connector with higher charging speeds.
- No touch bar with physical function key row.
Design changes
The MacBook Pro 2021 is expected to come in 14- and 16-inch sizes, with the new 14-inch model replacing the current 13.3-inch model. The 14-inch MacBook Pro is likely to keep a very similar footprint to the 13.3-inch model by reducing the frames around the screen.
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Both models are expected to receive a flat-edged design that is “similar to the iPhone 12”. While it is possible that the overall look will still be quite similar to current models, as Gurman suggests, Kuo says that Apple will eliminate the slight curvature of the top and bottom, resulting in a thinner and flatter look.
Internal updates
After the 13-inch entry-level MacBook Pro, which won a NovemberM1 chip in November last year, all 2021 MacBook Pro models should have Apple Silicon cip chips, with Intel processors completely eliminated to provide performance and significantly better energy efficiency. .
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The latest generation MacBook Pro models are very likely to contain Apple Silicon chips that are more powerful than M1 and it is believed that Apple is developing options with up to 16 cores and four cores of efficiency. Apple is also working on custom GPU technology with 16- and 32-core options that can be used in the new MacBook Pro.
The 14-inch MacBook Pro is believed to adopt the improved thermals of the current 16-inch MacBook Pro, with a larger heat pipe, added thermal buffers and a 35% larger radiator. This would probably increase the car’s performance potential and allow it to operate at lower temperatures.
Display enhancements
The MacBook Pro is expected to receive a “brighter, higher contrast” display panel. In addition, there have been suggestions that the updated devices will be the first Macs to have mini-LED displays, marking a significant improvement in display quality, with an improved wide color gamut, greater contrast, and a more dynamic black and white range. true.
Restored functions
Apple is also expected to back down some of its controversial design decisions that were first made with the 2016 MacBook Pro. For example, the 2021 models will gain more ports to reduce the need for dongles. Previous models from 2012 to 2015 included a MagSafe connector, Thunderbolt ports, USB-A ports, an HDMI port, an SD card reader and a 3.5mm headphone jack, before being reduced to just four ports. USB-C and a headphone jack in 2016.
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Although it’s unclear what ports might come on the MacBook Pro in addition to its current selection of USB-C ports, Gurman said the SD card reader will be among the restored features.
The SMagSafe charge is also expected to return to the MacBook Pro this year. SMagSafe connectors have been used for 2006 MacBook Pro models, allowing users to easily connect and disconnect the magnet power cord before removing the USB-C charging feature alone in 2016.
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Both Kuo and Gurman expect the new MacBook Pro models to be equipped with a “MagSafe” charging connector, which is also expected to achieve faster charging speeds than via USB-C.
Finally, Apple is looking to remove the touch bar and restore the physical function key row. Apple introduced the Touch Bar on the MacBook Pro 2016, offering a small strip of OLED touch screen along the top of the keyboard to offer customizable controls and various application-based functions, but the Touch Bar never seemed to catch consumers.
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Gurman confirmed that Apple has tested versions of the MacBook Pro that do not have a Touch Bar, and Kuo has gone a step further, saying that the Touch Bar will be completely removed on the 2021 MacBook Pro models to be replaced with physical function. keys.
How about M1 MacBook Pro or Air?
In November last year, Apple unveiled a 13-inch MacBook Pro with an M1 Apple Silicon chip, so some customers may feel compelled to buy this fairly new MacBook Pro now. However, it is important to note that this model is the latest generation MacBook Pro, indicated by the fact that it has only two Thunderbolt ports. Apple still offers the four-port high-end MacBook Pro with Intel processors, and these more powerful machines are expected to be upgraded this year.
The BookM1 MacBook Air is very similar to the M1Book MacBook Pro both in terms of features and performance, so it should be considered if you want to buy a device right now.
Release day
Several sources have set the launch date of the new MacBook Pro in the second half of 2021, with Kuo zoning in the third quarter of 2021. This means we could see the updated MacBook Pros arrive immediately in July.
Therefore, MacBook Pro customers can expect to wait only five to seven months for new models. Given the magnitude of the update, which seems to drastically affect almost every aspect of the MacBook Pro, it certainly seems worth the wait.
We have more about current MacBook Pro models and future MacBook Pro models redesigned in our dedicated 13-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro versions.