The 2020 MacBook Air on the left versus the 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro on the right.
Todd Haselton | CNBC
TFI’s Ming-Chi Kuo, one of Apple’s top analysts, said in a note on Friday that Apple will launch two new MacBook Pro models this year with 14-inch and 16-inch screens, a new design and the return of MagSafe. charging ports.
MagSafe charging used to make an appearance in MacBook designs before Apple switched to USB-C charging in recent years. People like it because the cord can be pulled in and out easily, avoiding the risk of damage to the laptop if someone pulls the cord. Apple recently revived the MagSafe branding with the latest iPhone 12 models, which charge with a magnetic puck that attaches to the back of the phones.
“The MacBook Pro hasn’t changed the form factor design in five years,” said Kuo. “We believe the launch of two all-new MacBook Pro models in 3Q21 will capture consumer attention and drive demand for replacements.”
Apple Mac’s revenues were up 28% year-on-year in October, as the company reported fourth-quarter 2020 earnings. Demand has clearly risen as people work from home due to the continued spread of Covid-19. Apple also released the first computers with its new M1 chip in late 2020. But the computers look the same as previous models, and the MacBook Pro has long waited for a design change.
Kuo said Apple plans to get rid of the curved edges and adopt sharper lines, making the edges look a bit more like the beveled edges of the iPhone 12, iPad Air, and iPad Pro. Kuo said Apple will remove the Touch Bar, which allows people to tap shortcuts on a touch screen at the top of their keyboard.
“We have taken advantage of the demand for new model replacement and forecast that the total number of MacBook shipments will grow significantly by 25-30% year-on-year to 20 million units by 2021,” Kuo said in the note.