Apple introduced a new MacBook Pro M1 in November 2020, but the new model did not include any design changes. That will change in 2021, with rumors suggesting that Apple has a major update to the MacBook Pro’s design in operation.
The 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models that will arrive in 2021 will feature the most important design review of the MacBook Pro line we’ve seen since 2016, and the upgraded machines will also address the complaints users have had with the MacBook Pro for years. recovering old features that include MagSafe, more ports, and physical function keys.
Rumors of this guide have been originated by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and BloombergMark Gurman, who often provides accurate information about Apple’s plans.
Design
Apple has updated the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models in operation. 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 revamped 14-inch model, the overall case size is likely to remain similar to the 13-inch MacBook Pro, with the increase in screen size coming largely from the reduction of the top and side frames of the machine.
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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 we could see something similar to the 14-inch MacBook Pro.
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The 16-inch MacBook Pro
Both new models arriving are expected to feature some notable design changes. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the new MacBook Pro models will have a flat-cut design that is “similar to the iPhone 12,” with no curved edges like current models.
Gurman has corroborated Kuo’s report, but his information suggests that the flat-cut design may not be an excessive deviation from the current design. He says the updated models will “look” like current models, but will include “minor design changes,” so we’ll have to wait to see how important those changes are in overall design.
Upgraded MacBook Pro models will use the same heat pipe design as the current 16-inch MacBook Pro model. Apple revamped the 16-inch MacBook Pro’s thermal system, increasing the size of the heat pipe, adding thermal pads and increasing the size of the heat sink by 35 percent.
This new thermal system will increase computing power through improved airflow and heat management, which augurs well for the performance of Apple’s silicon chips that are expected to be included.
Ports
Even if the chassis updates have a smaller scale than Kuo has defined them, there are other modifications in the works that will make the 2021 update a major update. Kuo believes Apple will add additional ports to the MacBook Pro models, though it has not specified which ports these could be.
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Apple released a new MacBook Pro design in 2016 that removed all ports except USB-C ports and the 3.5mm headphone jack, but previous models from 2012 to 2015 included a agMagSafe connector. Thunderbolt ports, USB-A ports, an HDMI Port, an SD card reader and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
With the 2021 machines, we were able to see the return of some of these ports that had been out of print for a long time. Most ports are likely to remain USB-C, as Apple has been switching to USB-C for years, but there could be additions like 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 line, we probably won’t see USB-A again, but Kuo has said the new machines will have enough ports for most users to “no need to buy additional 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 looks like we are back to a MagSafe design.
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Both Kuo and Gurman expect the new MacBook Pro models to be equipped with agMagSafe to charge, with the MagSafe charging port different from the other included USB-C ports.
ExpectedMagSafe on the new MacBook Pro models is expected to be similar to the iMagSafe 2 connectors and ports used before 2016, allowing for a quick-release magnetic connection that avoided damaging your computer and cable when take the cable.
The MagSafe charging feature is expected to allow faster charging speeds than those available with USB-C, and as Apple switches to a new charging technology, we can expect the next MacBook Pro models to ship with a cable MagSafe and its power adapter components.
No touch bar
Apple introduced a touchscreen to the 2016 Macs, which provided a small OLED screen where the physical function keys used to be located. Apple had big plans for the touch bar and imagined it would be an adaptable mini screen that offered customizable controls and different features per app, but the touch bar never seemed to be in touch with consumers.
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Kuo says the touch bar will be removed on the MacBook Pro 2021 models and replaced with physical function keys. Gurman has confirmed that Apple has tested versions of the MacBook Pro that do not have a touch bar.
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Visualization
Gurman believes the new MacBook Pro models will feature display enhancements in the form of “brighter, higher-contrast panels,” and in previous rumors, Kuo has suggested that the upgraded machines will be the first Macs with mini-LED displays, which marks a significant improvement in display quality.
Given that Kuo did not mention mini-LED technology in his most recent report, it is possible that the functionality of the mini-LED has been delayed until a later date.
If Apple makes the transition to mini-LED for the MacBook Pro 2021 models, the screens could be used around 10,000 LEDs, each less than 200 microns. Mini-LED technology will allow for a slimmer, lighter design, while offering many OLED-like advantages, such as an enhanced wide color gamut, high contrast, and a more realistic black and dynamic range.
Processor
The 13-inch entry-level MacBook Pro already has a M1 chip, and by 2021, all new MacBook Pro models will get silicon chips from Apple. Apple is not expected to release MacBook Pro models with Intel chips, completely removing Intel chips from the line of laptops.
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Apple works on high-end Apple silicon chips that have up to 16 cores of power and four cores of efficiency, which would annihilate any Intel CPU in terms of performance. There’s also new GPU technology in operation, with Apple designing 16- and 32-core GPU options, some of which could be used in the new MacBook Pro models.
Release date
New MacBook Pro models are expected to launch in the third quarter of 2021.
Read more
We have more information on current MacBook Pro models and upcoming redesigned MacBook Pro models in our dedicated 13-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro recommendations.