Apple has become quite minimalist with recent MacBook Pro models, which the company designs to be slim and portable. But how portable can your laptop really be if you have to carry additional dongles and other adapters just to keep your Mac connected?
Apple may have come up with a solution for this for the next crop of MacBook Pro models. And, according to an experienced Apple analyst, it involves more ports.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo told investors in a note identified by MacRumors that the 2021 editions of the MacBook Pros are “equipped with more types of I / O and most users may not need to purchase additional dongles.” It is unclear exactly what type of new ports will be added, but it appears that this is Apple’s main focus for the line going forward.
The 16-inch MacBook Pro and the 13-inch Intel-based model have four Thunderbolt 3 ports, while the MacBook Pro with M1 there are only two (one of our biggest complaints about this model, actually). MacBook Pros come with these ports, despite the fact that many other Apple devices, like the iPhone, use Lightning to connect.
A previous report by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg stated that the 2021 MacBook Pros will bring back the SD card reader, in addition to making other changes (Farewell, Touch Bar). The return of an SD card slot would be of great benefit to creators and individuals who depend on removable storage. This would also eliminate the need for dongles that connect and cause less headaches when transporting the MacBook.
According to Kuo, we can see these changes already in the third quarter of this year, with models of 14 and 16 inches, with the various additions of doors returning.
Apple, of course, remained silent on the situation. But given the lack of access that MacBook Pro laptops offer without additional ports, this is a great decision for anyone looking to switch from PC to Mac, but feel hampered by the lack of options. Nothing has been confirmed yet about the future MacBook Pro, but if you are currently in doubt about purchasing a new MacBook Pro, it may be prudent to wait and see if that rumor comes true.