Apple introduced a new M1 MacBook Pro in November 2020, but the new model didn’t include any design changes. That will change in 2021, with rumors that Apple has a major overhaul of the MacBook Pro design in the works.
The 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models arriving in 2021 will have the major design overhaul of the MacBook Pro line we’ve seen since 2016, and the updated machines will also address complaints users have had with the MacBook Pro for years by bringing back older features including MagSafe, more ports and physical function keys.
The rumors in this guide come from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and BloombergMark Gurman, both of whom often provide an accurate insight into Apple’s plans.
Design
Apple has both 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models in the works. The 14-inch model will replace the current 13.3-inch model, while the 16-inch model will replace the existing 16-inch version.
/article-new/2021/01/Flat-2021-MacBook-Pro-Mockup-Feature-1.jpg?resize=560%2C315&ssl=1)
For the updated 14-inch model, it is likely that the overall case size will remain similar to that of the 13-inch MacBook Pro, with the increase in screen size largely due to a reduction in the size of the top and side panels of the machine.
/article-new/2013/09/13inchmacbookpro20203.jpg?resize=560%2C333&ssl=1)
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 were able to do something similar. with the 14-inch MacBook Pro.
/article-new/2013/09/16inchmacbookpromain.jpg?resize=560%2C370&ssl=1)
The 16-inch MacBook Pro
Both new models to come are expected to feature some notable design changes. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the new MacBook Pro models will have a flat-edged design that is “similar to the iPhone 12,” with no curved edges like the current models.
Gurman has confirmed Kuo’s report, but his information suggests that the flat-edged design may not deviate too much from the current design. He says the upgraded models “look the same” as the current models, but will include “minor design changes,” so we’ll have to wait to see how significant these changes turn out to be in the overall design.
The updated MacBook Pro models will use the same heat pipe design as the current 16-inch MacBook Pro model. Apple has overhauled the 16-inch MacBook Pro’s thermal system by increasing the heat tube, adding thermal pads, and increasing the heat sink by 35 percent.
This new thermal system provides more computing power thanks to improved airflow and heat management, which bodes well for the performance of the Apple silicon chips expected to ship.
Ports
Even if the chassis updates are less significant than Kuo has assumed, other tweaks are in the works that will make the 2021 refresh to be a major update. Kuo believes Apple will add additional ports to the MacBook Pro models, although he has not specified which ports these could be.
/article-new/2021/01/Ports-2021-MacBook-Pro-Mockup-Feature-1.jpg?resize=560%2C315&ssl=1)
Apple introduced a new MacBook Pro design in 2016 that cut out all ports except the USB-C ports and the 3.5mm headphone jack, but earlier 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.
With the 2021 machines, we could see the return of some of these long-disused ports. It’s likely that most ports will remain USB-C as Apple has been moving to USB-C for years now, but there may be additions such as an SD card slot or an HDMI port.
/article-new/2021/01/2015-macbook-pro-side-profile-article.jpg?resize=560%2C310&ssl=1)
Given Apple’s emphasis on USB-C and the sleek design of the MacBook Pro series, we’re not likely to see the return of USB-A, but Kuo has said the new machines will have plenty of ports so most users you do not need to purchase additional dongles. ”
Gurman’s report mentions the inclusion of USB-C ports, but it doesn’t mention other types of I / O.
MagSafe
Along with additional ports, the new machines are expected to bring MagSafe back to the Mac lineup. 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’re reverting to a “MagSafe” design.
/article-new/2021/01/macbook-pro-magsafe.jpg?resize=560%2C342&ssl=1)
Both Kuo and Gurman expect the new MacBook Pro models to be equipped with MagSafe for charging purposes, which sets the MagSafe charging port apart from the other included USB-C ports.
MagSafe in the new MacBook Pro models is expected to be similar to the MagSafe 2 connectors and ports used before 2016, enabling a magnetic shortcut that prevented damage to the computer and cable when the cord was pulled.
The MagSafe verwachting charging functionality is expected to allow faster charging speeds than are available with USB-C, and as Apple moves to a new charging technology, we can expect the upcoming MacBook Pro models to come with a MagSafe charging cable and accompanying charger.
No Touch Bar
Apple introduced a Touch Bar in its 2016 Macs, with a small OLED screen that used to house physical function keys. Apple had big plans for the Touch Bar, envisioning it as a customizable mini display offering customizable controls and different functions per app, but the Touch Bar never seemed to catch on with consumers.
/article-new/2020/11/macbook-pro-touch-bar-m1.jpg?resize=560%2C462&ssl=1)
Kuo says the Touch Bar will be removed in the 2021 MacBook Pro 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.
/article-new/2021/01/touch-bar-close-up.jpg?resize=560%2C315&ssl=1)
Screen
Gurman believes the new MacBook Pro models will include display enhancements in the form of “brighter, higher contrast panels,” and in previous rumors, Kuo has suggested that the updated machines will be the first Macs with mini LED screens, which is a significant improvement. in display quality.
Since Kuo did not mention mini-LED technology in his most recent report, it is possible that the mini-LED functionality has been delayed until a later date.
If Apple moves to mini-LED for the MacBook Pro models from 2021, the displays could use somewhere around 10,000 LEDs, each smaller than 200 microns. Mini-LED technology provides a thinner and lighter design, while offering many OLED-like benefits such as improved wide color gamut, high contrast and dynamic range, and purer blacks.
Processor
The entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro already has an M1 chip, and by 2021, all new MacBook Pro models will receive Apple silicon chips. Apple is not expected to release MacBook Pro models with Intel chips, which will make Intel chips completely out of the notebook line.
/article-new/2019/11/applesiliconbenefits.jpg?resize=560%2C312&ssl=1)
Apple is working on higher-end Apple silicon chips that have a whopping 16 power cores and four efficiency cores, which would destroy any Intel CPU in terms of performance. New GPU technology is also in the works, with Apple designing 16- and 32-core GPU options, some of which can be used in the new MacBook Pro models.
Launch date
The new MacBook Pro models are expected to be launched in the third quarter of 2021.
read more
We have more information 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 roundups.