Apple’s MacBook Pro series may get a solid overhaul later this year.
I January Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo presented detailed plans for brand new models that include the first major redesign of the series since 2016.
Updated 26.02.21: The analyst has now followed up the report with new details. Among other things, he expects Apple to reintroduce both the HDMI port and built-in memory card reader, according to MacRumors.
By comparison, today’s 16-inch MacBook Pro offers only three Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports and a headphone jack.
New design
According to Kuo, there will be two new models of MacBook Pro, a 14- and a 16-inch, which will have a square design similar to the iPhone 12.
Now, admittedly, today’s MacBook Pro models have straight edges, but according to The Verge the top and bottom panels will probably be flatter than before.
Both models will be equipped with Apple’s new M1 chip, which was launched last autumn, and Intel will thus disappear completely.
Test: A little revolution
A new display panel with better contrast and more brightness is also expected, but not a word about higher resolution or touch support.
Scraps controversial changes
Perhaps most interesting is how Apple seems to go back on some of the more controversial changes they made with the current generation, The Verge points out.
- The controversial Touch Bar screen strip disappears and is replaced by physical function keys
- The machines will also be equipped with several ports, which will reduce the need for adapters, according to Kuo. Since 2016, MacBook Pros have only had USB-C ports.
- Apple’s highly regarded MagSafe charging port is making a comeback. That is, they go away from USB-C when it comes to charging.
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According to the Apple analyst, the new machines will be launched during the third quarter of 2021, ie in the autumn.
Bloomberg-journalist Mark Gurman has followed up Ming-Chi Kuo’s report with many of the same details, so there is good reason to believe that the information is correct. Both go on to be highly credible when it comes to Apple rumors.
Apple launched a new 13-inch MacBook Pro with its new M1 chip in November.
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