Apple released a new M1 MacBook Pro in November 2020, but the new model did not include any design changes. That will change in 2021, with rumors that Apple is planning a major design update for the MacBook Pro.
The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models coming in 2021 will feature the most significant design review for the MacBook Pro line we’ve seen since 2016, and the upgraded machines will also address complaints that users have had with the MacBook Pro for years bringing back older features that include MagSafe, more ports and physical function keys.
The rumors in this guide were obtained from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and BloombergMark Gurman, of whom they often provide accurate information about Apple’s plans.
Project
Apple has updated 14 and 16 inch MacBook Pro models in progress. The 14-inch model will replace the current 13.3-inch model, while the 16-inch model will replace the existing 16-inch version available.
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For the revamped 14-inch model, the overall case size is likely to remain similar to that of the 13-inch MacBook Pro, with the increase in screen size coming in large part from a reduction in the top and side bezels of the machine.
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The current 13-inch MacBook Pro
There may be a slight increase in physical size, however. When Apple transitioned 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 could see something similar with the 14-inch MacBook Pro.
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The 16-inch MacBook Pro
Both new models coming up are expected to feature some notable design changes. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that the new MacBook Pro models will have a flat edge design that is “similar to the iPhone 12”, without curved edges like current models.
Gurman corroborated Kuo’s report, but his information suggests that the flat edge design may not be much of a departure from the current design. He says that the updated models “will look similar” to current models, but will have “minor design changes”, so we will need to wait to see how significant these changes in overall design will unfold.
The updated MacBook Pro models will use the same heat pipe design used by the current 16-inch MacBook Pro model. Apple renewed the 16-inch MacBook Pro thermal system, increasing the size of the heat pipe, adding thermal pads and increasing the size of the heat sink by 35 percent.
This new thermal system will allow greater computing power thanks to the improved airflow and heat management, which bodes well for the performance of the Apple silicon chips that should be included.
Ports
Even though the chassis upgrades are smaller in scale than Kuo made it out to be, there are other tweaks in progress that will make the 2021 update a major upgrade. Kuo believes that Apple will add additional ports to MacBook Pro models, although he has not specified which ports they can be.
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In 2016, Apple launched a new MacBook Pro design that eliminated all ports except the USB-C ports and the 3.5 mm headphone jack, but previous models from 2012 to 2015 included a MagSafe connector, Thunderbolt ports, USB-A ports and HDMI port, SD card reader and 3.5 mm headphone jack.
With the 2021 machines, we were able to see the return of some of these long-discontinued doors. Most of the ports are likely to remain USB-C, as Apple has been making the transition to USB-C for years, but there may be additions like an SD card slot or an HDMI port.
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Given Apple’s emphasis on USB-C and the slim design of the MacBook Pro line, we are not likely to see the return of USB-A, but Kuo said the new machines will have enough ports that most users “are not.” need to buy additional dongles. ”
Gurman’s report mentions the inclusion of USB-C ports, but does not mention other types of I / O.
MagSafe
Along with additional ports, the new machines are expected to bring MagSafe back to the Mac line. The 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 are returning to a MagSafe design.
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Both Kuo and Gurman expect the new MacBook Pro models to be equipped with MagSafe for charging purposes, with the MagSafe charging port different from the other included USB-C ports.
The MagSafe in the new MacBook Pro models is expected to be similar to the MagSafe 2 connectors and ports used before 2016, which allowed for a quick-release magnetic connection that prevented damage to the computer and cable when the cable was pulled.
The MagSafe charging functionality is expected to allow faster charging speeds than those available with USB-C and, given that Apple is switching to a new charging technology, we can expect that the next MacBook Pro models will ship with a charging cable MagSafe and accompanying power adapter.
Without touch bar
Apple introduced a Touch Bar on Macs 2016, providing a small OLED display where physical function keys used to be located. Apple had big plans for the Touch Bar and thought it was an adaptable mini-display that offered customizable controls and different functions by application, but the Touch Bar never seemed to catch consumers.
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Kuo says the touch bar will be removed on the 2021 MacBook Pro models and will be replaced with physical function keys. Gurman confirmed that Apple has tested versions of the MacBook Pro that do not have a touch bar.
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Exhibition
Gurman believes that the new MacBook Pro models will show improvements to the screen in the form of “brighter and more contrast panels” and, in previous rumors, Kuo suggested that the updated machines will be the first Macs with mini-LED screens, marking an improvement significant quality of display.
Given that Kuo made no mention of mini-LED technology in his most recent report, it is possible that the functionality of the mini-LED has been postponed to a later date.
If Apple makes the transition to mini-LED on the MacBook Pro 2021 models, the screens can use somewhere around 10,000 LEDs, each less than 200 microns in size. Mini-LED technology will allow a thinner and lighter design, while offering many OLED-like benefits, such as an improved wide color gamut, high contrast and dynamic range and more true blacks.
Processor
The basic 13-inch MacBook Pro already has a M1 chip, and by 2021, all new MacBook Pro models will get Apple’s silicon chips. Apple is unlikely to launch MacBook Pro models with Intel chips, eliminating chips from the notebook line entirely.
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Apple is working on Apple’s cutting-edge silicon chips that have up to 16 power cores and four efficiency cores, which would wipe out any Intel CPU in terms of performance. There is also a new GPU technology in development, with Apple designing 16- and 32-core GPU options, some of which could be used in the new MacBook Pro models.
Release date of
The new MacBook Pro models are expected to launch in the third quarter of 2021.
Read More
We have more information about current MacBook Pro models and upcoming MacBook Pro models redesigned in our 13-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro comparisons.