According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst at TF Securities, at least two MacBook Pro models that will debut in the second half of 2021 will come equipped with an SD card reader and HDMI port.
Adding details to previous predictions, Kuo on Tuesday informed a note to investors that the additions will come with a major design change that includes more external device connectivity options. Over the past six years, Apple has reduced MacBook I / O options to USB-C and Thunderbolt 3. Switching to a more inclusive mobile platform will be welcome for those without dongles.
The MacBook Pro last included an SD card slot and an HDMI port in 2015, with later models completely avoiding those parts.
Genesys Logic appears to be the exclusive provider of drivers for the upcoming SD card reader and could play a bigger role in Apple’s product line, according to Kuo. The company could be ready to fill orders for a hardware update expected in the USB 4.0 protocol.
In a report last month, Kuo said he expects Apple to launch 14- and 16-inch mini MacBook Pros with LEDs that feature a “flat-edged” look more in line with the company’s modern design language. The first of these angular devices was the iPad Pro 2018, with last year’s iPhone 12 series following closely the same.
It will also resurrect MagSafe charging technology from previous MacBooks, a version of which was introduced with the iPhone 12 series last year. The much-maligned OLED touch bar will get the boot in favor of the physical function buttons, according to Kuo.
The analyst predicts a release in the third quarter.
As a result of new design and specification changes, Kuo expects global MacBook shipments to grow by 25% to 30% year-over-year and reach 20 million units by 2021.