Even though Apple has released the entry-level 13 Inch MacBook Pro, which we have tested with Pro Tools Logic Pro and Studio One, there is no doubt that this is the entry-level MacBook Pro and it looks like the 14 and 16-inch versions will be better suited to professionals. It is expected Apple will release these in the 2nd half of 2021. This is what we know so far…
As we reported in our article Apple MacBook Pro M1X Processor Leaked - Find Out More - UPDATED Apple leaker @LeaksApplePro also reported the specs of a new 16-inch Macbook Pro with an M1X chip, up to 64GB of Ram, up to 8TB of storage, starting at $2,399.
In a research note obtained by MacRumors, from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who gathers intelligence from his contacts in Apple's Asian supply chain, translating what he gathers into research notes for clients, has a reliable insight into future products. Ming-Chi said that these MacBook models will feature a new design. However, he did not specify which models these will be, but he has previously claimed that redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with Apple Silicon would launch in the late second quarter or third quarter of 2021 and it is now predicted that these will come in the second half of 2021.
Ming-Chi Kuo then announced on January 14th 2021 in a note to investors that the 14 and 16-inch 2021 MacBook Pro computers will feature a flat-edged design, which Kuo describes as "similar to the iPhone 12" with no curves like current models. Other features that Ming-Chi Kuo has reported will be in the 2021 MBPs will include…
“The MagSafe charging connector design is restored.
The OLED touch bar is removed, and the physical function buttons are restored.
There is no Intel CPU option for the new models.
They are equipped with more types of I/O, and most users may not need to purchase additional dongles”
He also says that the new MBP models will use the same heat pipe design used by the current 16-inch MacBook Pro model, which Kuo says is much better than the current 13-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.
Then on January 16th, 2021 Mark Gurman from Bloomberg reported more details on the return of MagSafe charging to the MacBook Pro, gleamed from their sources, suggesting that it will have a similar design to the Apple’s previous MagSafe design and that return to a dedicated MagSafe will enable faster-charging speeds.
As well as the return of the MagSafe connector, Bloomberg reports that the new MacBook Pro laptops will continue to support USB-C, with two USB-C ports located next to the MagSafe port. Mark Gurman also included a tidbit about the displays on the upcoming MacBook Pro models, indicating they will use "brighter, higher-contrast panels."
On January 22d 2021 Bloomberg's Mark Gurman posted more details that the 2021 MacBook Pro models will also feature an SD card reader…
The upcoming MacBook Pro is an example of Apple's renewed focus on Mac loyalists. The company is planning to bring back an SD card slot for the next MacBook Pros so users can insert memory cards from digital cameras. That feature was removed in 2016, to the consternation of professional photographers and video creators, key segments of the MacBook Pro user base.
When it comes to design changes Bloomberg differs slightly to what Ming-Chi Kuo has stated with Bloomberg saying the although Apple has "tested" versions of the MacBook Pro without the Touch Bar, whereas Kuo seems more definitive that the Touchbar will not be in the final design. Bloomberg are also downplaying the significance of any changes, indicating that they will "look similar" to the current models but with "minor design changes."
Finally, Bloomberg reported that the new 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro laptops will come with Apple silicon chips offering more processing cores and improved graphics compared to the M1 found in the first batch of Apple Silicon Macs.