The 2020 MacBook Air on the left against the 2020 MacBook Pro 13-inch 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 and 16 inch screens, a new design and the return of the doors MagSafe charging system.
MagSafe charging used to appear on MacBook designs before Apple switched to USB-C charging in recent years. People like it because the cable goes in and out easily, avoiding the risk of damage to the laptop if someone pulls the cable. Apple recently revived the MagSafe brand with the latest models of the iPhone 12, which they carry with a magnetic disk that plugs into the back of phones.
“The MacBook Pro hasn’t changed the design of the format for five years,” said Kuo. “We believe that the launch of two entirely new MacBook Pro models in 3Q21 will attract consumers’ attention and increase demand for replacement.”
Apple Mac revenue increased 28% year-over-year in October, when the company reported its fourth quarter fiscal 2020 earnings. There was a clear increase in demand as people work from home due to the continued spread of Covid-19. Apple also launched the first computers with its new M1 chip in late 2020. But, the computers look the same as previous models and the MacBook Pro is long overdue for a design change.
Kuo said Apple plans to get rid of the curved edges and adopt sharper lines, making the edges look a little bit more like the angular 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 touchscreen at the top of the keyboard.
“Benefited by the demand for replacement of new models, we anticipate that total MacBook shipments will grow significantly by 25-30% YoY to 20 million units in 2021,” Kuo said in the note.