New MacBook Pro models are expected to arrive later this year with some of the biggest improvements to the product range to date, including some surprising changes, so this is not the best time to buy a new MacBook Pro.
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As key features like the slider, screen, touchbar, drawer, ports and design are expected to be major upgrades, customers paying attention to a new MacBook Pro can better wait for the model update later this year.
Most reliable rumors surrounding the new MacBook Pros are available from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, who has established a reputation for providing accurate insight into Apple’s plans. Based on their reports, the 2021 MacBook Pro series is currently expected to include:
- New 14-inch model instead of the current 13.3-inch model, facilitated by reduced edges.
- A new, flatter design is “similar to the iPhone 12.”
- More powerful next-generation Apple Silicon chips with up to 16 power cores and four efficiency cores instead of Intel processors.
- Possibly 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 heat blocks and a 35 percent larger cooling barrel.
- “Bright, higher contrast” display panels, with the possibility of a mini-LED option.
- Additional ports to reduce the need for dongles, including an SD card reader.
- MagSafe connection with faster charging speeds.
- No touch bar, with a physical function test drive instead.
Design changes
The Mac21 Pros of 2021 is expected to come in 14 and 16-inch sizes, with the new 14-inch model replacing the current 13.3-inch model. It’s likely that the 14-inch MacBook Pro will retain a similar footprint as the 13.3-inch model by reducing the edges around the screen.
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Both models are expected to have a flat-bottomed design that is ‘similar to the iPhone 12’. While it is possible that the overall look is still very similar to current models as Gurman suggests, Kuo says that Apple will eliminate the slight curvature at the top and bottom, which will result in a slimmer, flatter look.
Internal upgrades
Following the entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro, which acquired a M1 chip in November last year, all 2021 MacBook Pro models are expected to carry sport Apple Silicon chips, with Intel processors being completely phased out, to deliver significantly better performance and power efficiency. .
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The higher-end MacBook Pro models most likely feature ‘Apple Silicon’ chips that are more powerful than the M1, and it is believed that Apple is developing options with as many as 16 power cords and four efficiency cores. Apple is also working on custom GPU technology with 16- and 32-core options, which can be used in the new MacBook Pros.
The 14-inch MacBook Pro is believed to take on the improved temperature of the current 16-inch MacBook Pro model, with a larger heat pipe, added heat blocks and a 35 percent larger heat sink. This is likely to increase the performance potential of the machine and allow it to operate at cooler temperatures.
Display Enhancements
The MacBook Pro is expected to receive a “brighter, higher contrast” display panel. In addition, it has been suggested that the updated machines will be the first Macs to feature mini-LED screens, indicating a significant improvement in display quality, with an improved wide color gamut, higher contrast and dynamic range, and more true blacks.
Restored features
Apple is also expected to return to several of its controversial design decisions first made with the 2016 MacBook Pro. For example, the 2021 models will apparently get 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 reaching just four USB-C ports and a headphone jack are reduced. 2016.
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Although it is mostly unclear which ports will be added to the MacBook Pro, in addition to the current choice of USB-C ports, Gurman said the SD card reader will be one of the recovery features.
The MagSafe charging is expected to return to the MacBook Pro this year as well. 2006MagSafe connections have been used for MacBook Pro models since 2006, allowing users to easily connect and disconnect the power cable with magnets before disabling the USB-C charging feature in 2016 alone.
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Both Kuo and Gurman expect the new MacBook Pro models to be equipped with a ‘MagSafe’ charging port, which is also expected to achieve faster charging speeds than via USB-C.
Finally, Apple wants to remove the touch bar and restore the physical function test drive. Apple introduced the Touch Bar on the 2016 MacBook Pros, with a small OLED touch screen strip at the top of the keyboard to offer customizable controls and different features per app, but the Touch Bar never seems to grab the consumer .
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Gurman confirmed that Apple has tested versions of the MacBook Pro that do not have a Touch Bar, and Kuo went a step further, saying that the Touch Bar will be completely removed on the 2021 MacBook Pro models, to be replaced by physical to replace function. keys.
What about the 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 cheapest MacBook Pro, indicated by the fact that it has only two Thunderbolt ports. Apple continues to offer luxury four-port MacBook Pros and Intel processors, and these are the most powerful machines expected to be updated this year.
The M1 MacBook Air is very similar to the M1 MacBook Pro in both features and performance, so you should consider this if you want to buy a machine now.
Issue Date
Several sources put the launch period of the new MacBook Pro in the second half of 2021, with Kuo coming into use in the third quarter of 2021. That means we can see the updated MacBook Pros coming as soon as July.
MacBook Pro customers can therefore expect to wait just five to seven months for the new models. Given the scope of the update, which seems to be drastically affecting almost every aspect of the MacBook Pro, it certainly seems worth the wait.
We have more on the current MacBook Pro models and the upcoming redesigned MacBook Pro models in our dedicated 13-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro range.