New MacBook Pro models are expected to arrive later this year with some of the biggest product line improvements to date, including some amazing changes, so now is not the best time to buy a new MacBook Pro.
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With major updates expected to key features like chipset, display, touch bar, charging, ports, and design, customers looking at a new MacBook Pro may expect the updated models to arrive at the end of this year.
Most reliable rumors about the new MacBook Pros come from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and BloombergMark Gurman, who has established a reputation for providing accurate information about Apple’s plans. According to its reports, the MacBook Pro 2021 range is currently expected to include:
- New 14-inch model instead of the current 13.3-inch model, facilitated by reduced bezels.
- A new flatter design, which is called “similar to the iPhone 12.”
- Most powerful next-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, which currently uses the existing 16-inch MacBook Pro, with a larger heat pipe, added heat pads, and a 35% larger heat sink.
- “Brighter and more 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 connector with faster charging speeds.
- No touch bar, with a row of physical function keys.
Design changes
The 2021 MacBook Pros are expected to measure 14 and 16 inches, and the new 14-inch model will replace 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-cut design that is “similar to the“ iPhone 12hone. ”While the overall look may still be quite similar to current models, as Gurman suggests, Kuo says Apple it will remove the slight curvature at the top and bottom, resulting in a thinner, flatter look.
Internal updates
After the entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro, which got a M1 chip in November last year, all 2021 MacBook Pro models are expected to have SilApple Silicon ,, chips with Intel processors completely removed , to offer much better performance and energy efficiency.
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High-end MacBook Pro models are likely to include Apple Silicon chips that are more powerful than the M1 and Apple is believed to be developing options with up to 16 cores of power and four cores of efficiency. 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 adopt the improved thermals of the current 16-inch MacBook Pro model, with a larger heat pipe, added heat pads, and a 35 percent larger heatsink. This would probably increase the performance potential of the machine and allow it to operate at lower temperatures.
Display improvements
The MacBook Pro is expected to receive a “brighter, higher contrast” display panel. In addition, there have been suggestions that the upgraded machines will be the first Macs to feature mini-LED displays, which marks a significant improvement in screen quality, with an improved wide color gamut, greater contrast and a range dynamic and more real blacks.
Restored functions
Apple is also expected to backtrack on several 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 include 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. 2016.
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While it’s unclear which ports can reach the MacBook Pro in addition to the current selection of USB-C ports, Gurman said the SD card reader will be among the restored features.
Charging MagSafe is also expected to return to the MacBook Pro this year. MagSafe connectors were used for MacBook Pro models from 2006 onwards, allowing users to easily connect and disconnect the power cord with magnets, before removing 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 connector for charging, 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 key row. Apple introduced the touch bar to the 2016 MacBook Pros, providing a small strip of OLED touch screen at the top of the keyboard to offer customizable controls and different features per app, but the touch bar never seemed to keep in touch with consumers.
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Gurman has 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 the touch bar will be completely removed on the MacBook Pro 2021 models, to replace it with a key physical feature .
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 lower-end MacBook Pro, indicated by the fact that it has only two Thunderbolt ports. Apple still offers four-port high-end MacBook Pros with Intel processors, and it’s the most powerful machines that are expected to be upgraded this year.
The MacBook Air M1 is very similar to the MacBook Pro M1, both in terms of features and performance, so it should be considered if you want to buy a machine right now.
Date of publication
Several sources have placed the launch period 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 MacBook Pros updated as early as July.
Therefore, MacBook Pro customers can expect to have to wait five to seven months for new models. Given the scale of the upgrade, which seems to drastically affect almost every aspect of the MacBook Pro, it’s definitely worth the wait.
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.