Apple introduced a new MacBook Pro M1 in November 2020, but the new model did not include design changes. This will change in 2021, with rumors suggesting that Apple has a major update to the MacBook Pro design in the works.
The 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models that will come in 2021 will feature the most significant design review on the MacBook Pro line we’ve seen since 2016, and the updated cars will also address user complaints. had with the MacBook Pro for years by bringing back older features that include MagSafe, multiple ports and physical function keys.
The rumors in this guide come from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and BloombergMark Gurman, both of whom often provide accurate information about Apple’s plans.
Design
Apple has updated the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models in the works. The 14-inch model will replace the current 13.3-inch model, while the 16-inch model will replace the existing 16-inch version available.
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For the refurbished 14-inch model, the overall case size is likely to remain similar to the 13-inch MacBook Pro, with the increase in display size largely coming from the reduction in the top and side frames of the device.
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The current 13-inch MacBook Pro
However, there may be a slight increase in physical size. When Apple switched from the 15.4-inch MacBook Pro to the 16.1-inch MacBook Pro, the physical size went from 13.75 x 9.48 inches to 14.09 x 9.68 inches and I could see something similar to the 14-inch MacBook Pro.
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16-inch MacBook Pro
Both new models are expected to feature some notable design changes. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the new MacBook Pro models will have a flat-edged design that is “similar to the iPhone 12,” with no curved edges like current models.
Gurman corroborated Kuo’s report, but his information suggests that the flat-edged design may not be too large a deviation from the current design. He says the updated models will “look similar” to current models, but will show “minor design changes”, so we’ll have to wait to see how important these changes are to the overall design.
The updated MacBook Pro models will use the same heat pipe design used by the current 16-inch MacBook Pro model. Apple has renovated the 16-inch MacBook Pro’s thermal system, increasing the size of the heat pipe, adding thermal pads and increasing the size of the radiator by 35%.
This new thermal system will increase computing power due to improved airflow and heat management, which is a good result for the performance of Apple’s silicon chips that are expected to be included.
Ports
Even though the chassis updates have a smaller scale than Kuo made them exist, there are other changes in the works that will make the 2021 update a major update. Kuo believes that Apple will add additional ports to the MacBook Pro models, although he did not specify which ports they could be.
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Apple launched a new MacBook Pro design in 2016 that removed all ports except the USB-C ports and 3.5mm headphone jack, but previous models from 2012 to 2015 included a MagSafe connector, Thunderbolt ports, USB-A ports, an HDMI port, SD card reader and 3.5 mm headphone jack.
With the cars of 2021, we could see the return of some of these long-interrupted ports. Most ports will probably continue to be USB-C, as Apple has been switching to USB-C for years, but there could be additions such as an SD card slot or an HDMI port.
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Given Apple’s emphasis on USB-C and the slim design of the MacBook Pro range, it’s unlikely to see the return of USB-A, but Kuo said the new machines will have enough ports, so most users won’t need to buy extra dongles. ”
The Gurman report mentions the inclusion of USB-C ports, but does not mention other types of I / O.
MagSafe
Along with additional ports, the new machines are expected to bring MagSafe back to the Mac line. MagSafe connectors were used for MacBook Pro models from 2006 to 2016, when Apple replaced the MagSafe connector with a USB-C port, but now it seems we are returning to a MagSafe design.
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Both Kuo and Gurman expect the new MacBook Pro models to be equipped with MagSafe for charging, and the MagSafe charging port will be separate from the other included USB-C ports.
MagSafe in the new MacBook Pro models is expected to be similar to the MagSafe 2 connectors and ports used before 2016, which allowed a quick-release magnetic connection that prevented damage to the computer and cable when the cable was removed.
MagSafe charging functionality is expected to allow higher charging speeds than those available with USB-C, and as Apple moves to a new charging technology, we can expect future MacBook Pro models to come with a cable MagSafe charger and power adapter.
No touch bar
Apple introduced a touch bar in Macs in 2016, offering a small OLED display that contained the physical function buttons. Apple had big plans for the Touch Bar and imagined it to be an adaptable mini-display that offered customizable controls and different application-based functions, but the Touch Bar never seemed to catch consumers.
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Kuo says the touch bar will be removed on the MacBook Pro 2021 models and will be replaced with physical function keys. Gurman confirmed that Apple has tested versions of the MacBook Pro that do not have a Touch Bar.
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Display
Gurman believes the new MacBook Pro models will have display enhancements in the form of “brighter, higher-contrast panels,” and in previous rumors, Kuo suggested that the upgraded cars will be the first Macs with mini-LED displays, marking a significant improvement in display quality.
Since Kuo did not mention mini-LED technology in its most recent report, it is possible that the mini-LED functionality may have been delayed until a later date.
If Apple switches to mini-LEDs for MacBook Pro 2021 models, the displays could use up to 10,000 LEDs, each measuring less than 200 microns. Mini-LED technology will allow for a slimmer and lighter design, while offering many OLED-like benefits, such as a wide range of enhanced colors, high contrast, and a more dynamic and true black range.
Processor
The 13-inch entry-level MacBook Pro already has a M1 chip, and in 2021, all new MacBook Pro models will win Apple silicon chips. Apple is not expected to launch MacBook Pro models with Intel chips, gradually removing Intel chips from the notebook line.
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Apple works on state-of-the-art Apple silicon chips that have up to 16 cores of power and four cores of efficiency, which would annihilate any Intel processor in terms of performance. There’s also a new GPU technology in the works, with Apple designing 16- and 32-core GPU options, some of which could be used in the new MacBook Pro models.
Release date
The new MacBook Pro models will be launched in the third quarter of 2021.
read more
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.