WTH? You're telling me to chill but you questioned why I'm here? You chill. 🙄
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Buyer's Guide: Don't Buy a MacBook Pro Now
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I said you were welcome! I was very clearly not implying you shouldn’t be here! It appears tone hasn’t been well conveyed here, I’m sorry. Sounds like we’re all chill
The 2019 MacBooks ditched the stupid new keyboard design and went back to what works. Much better. Even better than my 2015 one but maybe not the 2012-2014 ones; for some reason in 2015 the keys got a cheaper feel.
I'd still not buy the 2019 one cause of the ports situation. But I have a corporate-supplied one.
My mom explicitly asks me what to buy. She doesn't know. Maybe the same case.Or you could be a really GREAT son and sell / trade the 16" and buy MOM what she wants at Apple store and not have YOU decide for her.
My mom is in her mid-60s, and couldn't care less of newfangled tech. She uses her current MacBook for reading the news, playing crosswords, sudoku, and trivia games. She enjoys the bigger screen of the 15 (16) inch, or I would have purchased a MBA for her. She'd be ecstatic to receive such a huge upgrade. The MBP she has now is starting to become irreparable.
Look, I grew up using Apple products. My first laptop was an iBook g3 running Mac OS 9 and had Macs before that so my whole growing up and figuring out technology and I mean actually figuring it out through tinkering (because back then we didn't have YouTube to show us how to do things and had to learn from trial and error.) I had the first iPod when it was released. I had the first iPhone when it was released and the first iPad when it was released. I fell in love with technology because of Apple. As of now I don't plan on buying anything Apple and have switched to the Surface products because I love touch screens and 2-in-1's and Apple won't go that route because they don't want to cannibalize iPad and want you to buy both. My father works for Merril Lynch and for my HS Graduation in 2002 told me I could have $2000 dollars to use on any stocks I want and against his best advice put it all in Apple. (Price was like 7 dollars per share at the time - you do the math). So the reason why i still come here and "rant" about apple products even though I don't plan on buying the is because, and probably like others, is because Apple was a big part of my life and still have interest and opinions for a company I once loved. I was in the Navy and still post my thoughts on current navy news related forums even though I don't plan on ever rejoining and it's accepted there, so why is it a problem here for people to do that?
The GPU is really a nightmare: when using the MBP 15,4" connected to a usb c dongle, it turns on and the battery struggles to last 2 h. So, for me that's not a laptop, but a desktop computer that you can easy move. And of course, any Adobe app (I use daily InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator + VSCode for Lua programming + web browser + mail app) always turns on discrete GPU, no matter if the laptop is plugged or not: battery drain in record time, vents on and heat generation enough to maintain hot your coffee. So, for me, ALL latter Intel Mac Book Pros with discrete GPU are a total disaster, a Frankenstein computer that does not deserve the name of laptop, worst computer ever used from Apple (and the latest i9 versions are still worse).
So, if you want a laptop to be used as a laptop, go for a M1 MacBook Air. If you want a power computer, go for an iMac or a Power Mac. Forget Apple Intel Laptops.
Discrete GPU in a laptop is problematic whether the CPU is Intel or AS. I consider it a feature *not* to have one. If it's Intel, Iris is fast enough for most (including me).
Seriously? We are now in the "MacBook" commodity exchange? Don't buy pig bellies in December...
If you need one now, get one. If you don't need it, don't get it.
For my part, the MBP M1 is the best MacBook by a far cry since the redesign in 2016/17.
My prediction: the MBP/MBA M1 will remain the lowest cost entries into the Apple Silicon MacBook market. Do you really think the MBP will become cheaper with more cores, redesign, better/bigger screen etc...
My only reason to upgrade would be a reasonably priced 64GB RAM option on the 14"!
I wish that new Apple silicon generation Mac mini had a option to put at least two M.2 optional SSD drives or even 4 - there are space in it. Will turn it in great mini editing station. 🙂
That will be amazing and for sure be my "Number one choice!" Of course with more than two thunderbolt ports also!
Silent and minimalistic power house.
But let's see what Apple brings at March event. Or maybe editing guys need to wait of end of the year and see much rumored MacPro in half of the size of current MacPro... 🤷‍♂️
What you think guys and girls? Next gen Mac mini with optional space for M.2 SSD's sounds ok?
That will be amazing and for sure be my "Number one choice!" Of course with more than two thunderbolt ports also!
Silent and minimalistic power house.
But let's see what Apple brings at March event. Or maybe editing guys need to wait of end of the year and see much rumored MacPro in half of the size of current MacPro... 🤷‍♂️
What you think guys and girls? Next gen Mac mini with optional space for M.2 SSD's sounds ok?
I think this is exactly what is going to happen. They'll ditch it from the MacBook and implement it in a new external as a separate touch strip IN ADDITION to traditional function keys.
I was just saying this the other day. However, if they re-add all of the ports they removed before, I will more than likely become an Apple “fan boy” again considering the new M chip Performance. I have not bought an Apple product in nine years because of their poor design situation, but they would win me back if they brought back the ports.
Change your terminology from dumping Apple product X in favor of Microsoft product Y to the reverse and post that on a Microsoft centric site. I’m sure that the post will be treated with kindness and tolerance. If you want to leave then do so, but what are you expecting, a crowd to beg you to stay? Most people for either product’s sites won’t care whether you are coming or going.
Go check out the Alternative to Mac Hardware forum and just notice the different atmosphere there is over there. No one demeans anyone for switching to windows and no one demeans anyone for trying windows and switching back to a mac. People here are toxic when someone criticizes Apple or Tim Cook. I don't get toxic when someone criticizes Microsoft or samsung which are the products I prefer.
I never worshiped at the altar of Steve Jobs, whereas a lot of people (not just on this site) seem to think he could do no wrong. I don’t care what OS or hardware/product people prefer. I just don’t want to continually see them trying to convince other people when it ends up with people who are adamant that they are right and the other side is horribly wrong continue to argue. People on all sides do this. I am about 55% happy with Apple products. I am a lot happier with their official stand on privacy but I don’t completely believe they actually stand behind them. I can’t stand Apple’s driving need for secrecy about what and when products will be available and at least some of what improvements are coming. I had a lot of things that I didn’t like about Windows when I was using that technology and software. But I don’t think most people would change their minds to or from whatever system they like because of my opinions.
Like my mother used to say to my brother and I: “If you’re going to fight go outside.” This is an Apple site. Complain if something Apple is doing or threatening to do happens but don’t show up just to argue superiority.
Right here with ya rockin an early 2013!
I, too, shall wait… I don’t know if I’m happy about it though!
It was the post where you talked about why you aren’t an Apple supporter anymore. I have supported then left a number of computers and operating systems over the years, and I used to get into arguments then. Since a lot of these arguments were before the web existed the arguments were more personal, and by that I mean face to face. On the whole, NOT being anonymous and having the person right in front of you made most discussions civil, but even then someone would go to a computer club or another not because they were a fan but because they wanted to tweak the fans there about their poor choices. I just think that if you’ve moved on you should move on. There’s nothing wrong with deciding that a companies priorities no longer match yours, but going on a forum and saying something is usually someone trying to start a fight.
New MacBook Pro models are expected to arrive later this year with some of the biggest improvements to the product line to date, including some surprising changes, so now is not the best time to buy a new MacBook Pro.
With major upgrades expected to key features such as the chipset, display, Touch Bar, charging, ports, and design, customers eyeing a new MacBook Pro may be better off waiting for updated models to arrive later this year.
Most of the reliable rumors surrounding the new MacBook Pros are sourced from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who have established reputations for providing accurate insight into Apple's plans. Based on their reports, the 2021 MacBook Pro lineup is currently expected to feature:
- New 14-inch model in place of current 13.3-inch model, facilitated by reduced bezels.
- New, flatter design, said to be "similar to the iPhone 12."
- More powerful next-generation Apple Silicon chips with up to 16 power cores and four efficiency cores instead of Intel processors.
- Potentially a custom Apple Silicon GPU with 16 or 32-cores.
- Updated thermal design for the 14-inch model, currently used by the existing 16-inch MacBook Pro, with a larger heat pipe, added thermal pads, and a 35 percent larger heat sink.
- "Brighter, higher-contrast" display panels, with the possibility of a mini-LED option.
- Additional ports to reduce need for dongles, including an SD card reader.
- MagSafe connector with faster charging speeds.
- No Touch Bar, with physical function key row instead.
Design Changes
The 2021 MacBook Pros are expected to come in 14 and 16-inch sizes, with the new 14-inch model replacing the current 13.3-inch model. It is likely that the 14-inch MacBook Pro will retain a very similar footprint to the 13.3-inch model by reducing the bezels around the screen.
Both models are expected to receive a flat-edged design that is "similar to the iPhone 12." While it is possible that the overall look may still be quite similar to current models as Gurman suggests, Kuo says that Apple will eliminate the slight curvature on the top and the bottom, resulting in a slimmer, flatter appearance.
Internal Upgrades
Following the entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro, which gained an ‌M1‌ chip in November last year, all 2021 MacBook Pro models are expected to sport Apple Silicon chips, with Intel processors being phased out entirely, to deliver significantly better performance and power efficiency.
The higher-end MacBook Pro models are highly likely to feature Apple Silicon chips that are more powerful than the M1, and Apple is believed to be developing options with as many as 16 power cores and four efficiency cores. Apple is also working on custom GPU technology with 16 and 32-core options, which may be used in the new MacBook Pros.
The 14-inch MacBook Pro is believed to adopt the improved thermals of the current 16-inch MacBook Pro model, with a larger heat pipe, added thermal pads, and a 35 percent larger heat sink. This would likely increase the machine's performance potential and allow it to run at cooler temperatures.
Display Improvements
The MacBook Pro is expected to receive a "brighter, higher-contrast" display panel. In addition, there have been suggestions that the updated machines will be the first Macs to feature mini-LED displays, marking a significant improvement in display quality, with an improved wide color gamut, higher contrast and dynamic range, and truer blacks.
Restored Features
Apple is also expected to backtrack on several of its controversial design decisions that were first made with the 2016 MacBook Pro. For example, the 2021 models will reportedly gain more ports to reduce the need for dongles. Prior models from 2012 to 2015 included a ‌MagSafe‌ connector, Thunderbolt ports, USB-A ports, an HDMI port, an SD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, before being reduced to just four USB-C ports and a headphone jack in 2016.
While it is mostly unclear what ports may be coming to the MacBook Pro in addition to its current selection of USB-C ports, Gurman has said that the SD card reader will be among the restored features.
MagSafe charging is also expected to return to the MacBook Pro this year. ‌MagSafe‌ connectors were used for MacBook Pro models from 2006, allowing users to easily connect and disconnect the power cable with magnets, before eliminating the feature for USB-C charging alone in 2016.
Both Kuo and Gurman expect the new MacBook Pro models to be equipped with a ‌MagSafe‌ connector for charging, which is also expected to achieve faster charging speeds than via USB-C.
Finally, Apple is looking to remove the Touch Bar and restore the physical function key row. Apple introduced the Touch Bar on the 2016 MacBook Pros, providing a small OLED touchscreen strip along the top of the keyboard to offer customizable controls and different functions on a per-app basis, but the Touch Bar never seemed to catch on with consumers.
Gurman has confirmed that Apple has tested versions of the MacBook Pro that do not have a Touch Bar, and Kuo has gone one step further, saying that the Touch Bar will be removed entirely on the 2021 MacBook Pro models, to be replaced by physical function keys.
What About the M1 MacBook Pro or Air?
In November last year, Apple revealed a 13-inch MacBook Pro with an M1 Apple Silicon chip, so some customers may feel compelled to buy this fairly new MacBook Pro now. However, it is important to note that this model is the lower-end MacBook Pro, indicated by the fact that it has only two Thunderbolt ports. Apple still offers high-end four-port MacBook Pros with Intel processors, and it is these more powerful machines that are expected to be updated this year.
The M1 MacBook Air is very similar to the M1 MacBook Pro in both features and performance so should be considered if you are looking to buy a machine right now.
Release Date
Multiple sources have placed the new MacBook Pro's launch timeframe in the second half of 2021, with Kuo zoning in on the third quarter of 2021. This means that we could see the updated MacBook Pros arrive as soon as July.
MacBook Pro customers can therefore expect to have to wait just five to seven months for the new models. Considering the scale of the update, which looks to drastically affect almost every aspect of the MacBook Pro, it certainly seems to be worth the wait.
We have more on the current MacBook Pro models and the upcoming redesigned MacBook Pro models in our dedicated 13-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro roundups.
Article Link: Buyer’s Guide: Don't Buy a MacBook Pro Now
New MacBook Pro models are expected to arrive later this year with some of the biggest improvements to the product line to date, including some surprising changes, so now is not the best time to buy a new MacBook Pro.
With major upgrades expected to key features such as the chipset, display, Touch Bar, charging, ports, and design, customers eyeing a new MacBook Pro may be better off waiting for updated models to arrive later this year.
Most of the reliable rumors surrounding the new MacBook Pros are sourced from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who have established reputations for providing accurate insight into Apple's plans. Based on their reports, the 2021 MacBook Pro lineup is currently expected to feature:
- New 14-inch model in place of current 13.3-inch model, facilitated by reduced bezels.
- New, flatter design, said to be "similar to the iPhone 12."
- More powerful next-generation Apple Silicon chips with up to 16 power cores and four efficiency cores instead of Intel processors.
- Potentially a custom Apple Silicon GPU with 16 or 32-cores.
- Updated thermal design for the 14-inch model, currently used by the existing 16-inch MacBook Pro, with a larger heat pipe, added thermal pads, and a 35 percent larger heat sink.
- "Brighter, higher-contrast" display panels, with the possibility of a mini-LED option.
- Additional ports to reduce need for dongles, including an SD card reader.
- MagSafe connector with faster charging speeds.
- No Touch Bar, with physical function key row instead.
Design Changes
The 2021 MacBook Pros are expected to come in 14 and 16-inch sizes, with the new 14-inch model replacing the current 13.3-inch model. It is likely that the 14-inch MacBook Pro will retain a very similar footprint to the 13.3-inch model by reducing the bezels around the screen.
Both models are expected to receive a flat-edged design that is "similar to the iPhone 12." While it is possible that the overall look may still be quite similar to current models as Gurman suggests, Kuo says that Apple will eliminate the slight curvature on the top and the bottom, resulting in a slimmer, flatter appearance.
Internal Upgrades
Following the entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro, which gained an ‌M1‌ chip in November last year, all 2021 MacBook Pro models are expected to sport Apple Silicon chips, with Intel processors being phased out entirely, to deliver significantly better performance and power efficiency.
The higher-end MacBook Pro models are highly likely to feature Apple Silicon chips that are more powerful than the M1, and Apple is believed to be developing options with as many as 16 power cores and four efficiency cores. Apple is also working on custom GPU technology with 16 and 32-core options, which may be used in the new MacBook Pros.
The 14-inch MacBook Pro is believed to adopt the improved thermals of the current 16-inch MacBook Pro model, with a larger heat pipe, added thermal pads, and a 35 percent larger heat sink. This would likely increase the machine's performance potential and allow it to run at cooler temperatures.
Display Improvements
The MacBook Pro is expected to receive a "brighter, higher-contrast" display panel. In addition, there have been suggestions that the updated machines will be the first Macs to feature mini-LED displays, marking a significant improvement in display quality, with an improved wide color gamut, higher contrast and dynamic range, and truer blacks.
Restored Features
Apple is also expected to backtrack on several of its controversial design decisions that were first made with the 2016 MacBook Pro. For example, the 2021 models will reportedly gain more ports to reduce the need for dongles. Prior models from 2012 to 2015 included a ‌MagSafe‌ connector, Thunderbolt ports, USB-A ports, an HDMI port, an SD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, before being reduced to just four USB-C ports and a headphone jack in 2016.
While it is mostly unclear what ports may be coming to the MacBook Pro in addition to its current selection of USB-C ports, Gurman has said that the SD card reader will be among the restored features.
MagSafe charging is also expected to return to the MacBook Pro this year. ‌MagSafe‌ connectors were used for MacBook Pro models from 2006, allowing users to easily connect and disconnect the power cable with magnets, before eliminating the feature for USB-C charging alone in 2016.
Both Kuo and Gurman expect the new MacBook Pro models to be equipped with a ‌MagSafe‌ connector for charging, which is also expected to achieve faster charging speeds than via USB-C.
Finally, Apple is looking to remove the Touch Bar and restore the physical function key row. Apple introduced the Touch Bar on the 2016 MacBook Pros, providing a small OLED touchscreen strip along the top of the keyboard to offer customizable controls and different functions on a per-app basis, but the Touch Bar never seemed to catch on with consumers.
Gurman has confirmed that Apple has tested versions of the MacBook Pro that do not have a Touch Bar, and Kuo has gone one step further, saying that the Touch Bar will be removed entirely on the 2021 MacBook Pro models, to be replaced by physical function keys.
What About the M1 MacBook Pro or Air?
In November last year, Apple revealed a 13-inch MacBook Pro with an M1 Apple Silicon chip, so some customers may feel compelled to buy this fairly new MacBook Pro now. However, it is important to note that this model is the lower-end MacBook Pro, indicated by the fact that it has only two Thunderbolt ports. Apple still offers high-end four-port MacBook Pros with Intel processors, and it is these more powerful machines that are expected to be updated this year.
The M1 MacBook Air is very similar to the M1 MacBook Pro in both features and performance so should be considered if you are looking to buy a machine right now.
Release Date
Multiple sources have placed the new MacBook Pro's launch timeframe in the second half of 2021, with Kuo zoning in on the third quarter of 2021. This means that we could see the updated MacBook Pros arrive as soon as July.
MacBook Pro customers can therefore expect to have to wait just five to seven months for the new models. Considering the scale of the update, which looks to drastically affect almost every aspect of the MacBook Pro, it certainly seems to be worth the wait.
We have more on the current MacBook Pro models and the upcoming redesigned MacBook Pro models in our dedicated 13-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro roundups.
Article Link: Buyer’s Guide: Don't Buy a MacBook Pro No
New MacBook Pro models are expected to arrive later this year with some of the biggest improvements to the product line to date, including some surprising changes, so now is not the best time to buy a new MacBook Pro.
With major upgrades expected to key features such as the chipset, display, Touch Bar, charging, ports, and design, customers eyeing a new MacBook Pro may be better off waiting for updated models to arrive later this year.
Most of the reliable rumors surrounding the new MacBook Pros are sourced from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who have established reputations for providing accurate insight into Apple's plans. Based on their reports, the 2021 MacBook Pro lineup is currently expected to feature:
- New 14-inch model in place of current 13.3-inch model, facilitated by reduced bezels.
- New, flatter design, said to be "similar to the iPhone 12."
- More powerful next-generation Apple Silicon chips with up to 16 power cores and four efficiency cores instead of Intel processors.
- Potentially a custom Apple Silicon GPU with 16 or 32-cores.
- Updated thermal design for the 14-inch model, currently used by the existing 16-inch MacBook Pro, with a larger heat pipe, added thermal pads, and a 35 percent larger heat sink.
- "Brighter, higher-contrast" display panels, with the possibility of a mini-LED option.
- Additional ports to reduce need for dongles, including an SD card reader.
- MagSafe connector with faster charging speeds.
- No Touch Bar, with physical function key row instead.
Design Changes
The 2021 MacBook Pros are expected to come in 14 and 16-inch sizes, with the new 14-inch model replacing the current 13.3-inch model. It is likely that the 14-inch MacBook Pro will retain a very similar footprint to the 13.3-inch model by reducing the bezels around the screen.
Both models are expected to receive a flat-edged design that is "similar to the iPhone 12." While it is possible that the overall look may still be quite similar to current models as Gurman suggests, Kuo says that Apple will eliminate the slight curvature on the top and the bottom, resulting in a slimmer, flatter appearance.
Internal Upgrades
Following the entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro, which gained an ‌M1‌ chip in November last year, all 2021 MacBook Pro models are expected to sport Apple Silicon chips, with Intel processors being phased out entirely, to deliver significantly better performance and power efficiency.
The higher-end MacBook Pro models are highly likely to feature Apple Silicon chips that are more powerful than the M1, and Apple is believed to be developing options with as many as 16 power cores and four efficiency cores. Apple is also working on custom GPU technology with 16 and 32-core options, which may be used in the new MacBook Pros.
The 14-inch MacBook Pro is believed to adopt the improved thermals of the current 16-inch MacBook Pro model, with a larger heat pipe, added thermal pads, and a 35 percent larger heat sink. This would likely increase the machine's performance potential and allow it to run at cooler temperatures.
Display Improvements
The MacBook Pro is expected to receive a "brighter, higher-contrast" display panel. In addition, there have been suggestions that the updated machines will be the first Macs to feature mini-LED displays, marking a significant improvement in display quality, with an improved wide color gamut, higher contrast and dynamic range, and truer blacks.
Restored Features
Apple is also expected to backtrack on several of its controversial design decisions that were first made with the 2016 MacBook Pro. For example, the 2021 models will reportedly gain more ports to reduce the need for dongles. Prior models from 2012 to 2015 included a ‌MagSafe‌ connector, Thunderbolt ports, USB-A ports, an HDMI port, an SD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, before being reduced to just four USB-C ports and a headphone jack in 2016.
While it is mostly unclear what ports may be coming to the MacBook Pro in addition to its current selection of USB-C ports, Gurman has said that the SD card reader will be among the restored features.
MagSafe charging is also expected to return to the MacBook Pro this year. ‌MagSafe‌ connectors were used for MacBook Pro models from 2006, allowing users to easily connect and disconnect the power cable with magnets, before eliminating the feature for USB-C charging alone in 2016.
Both Kuo and Gurman expect the new MacBook Pro models to be equipped with a ‌MagSafe‌ connector for charging, which is also expected to achieve faster charging speeds than via USB-C.
Finally, Apple is looking to remove the Touch Bar and restore the physical function key row. Apple introduced the Touch Bar on the 2016 MacBook Pros, providing a small OLED touchscreen strip along the top of the keyboard to offer customizable controls and different functions on a per-app basis, but the Touch Bar never seemed to catch on with consumers.
Gurman has confirmed that Apple has tested versions of the MacBook Pro that do not have a Touch Bar, and Kuo has gone one step further, saying that the Touch Bar will be removed entirely on the 2021 MacBook Pro models, to be replaced by physical function keys.
What About the M1 MacBook Pro or Air?
In November last year, Apple revealed a 13-inch MacBook Pro with an M1 Apple Silicon chip, so some customers may feel compelled to buy this fairly new MacBook Pro now. However, it is important to note that this model is the lower-end MacBook Pro, indicated by the fact that it has only two Thunderbolt ports. Apple still offers high-end four-port MacBook Pros with Intel processors, and it is these more powerful machines that are expected to be updated this year.
The M1 MacBook Air is very similar to the M1 MacBook Pro in both features and performance so should be considered if you are looking to buy a machine right now.
Release Date
Multiple sources have placed the new MacBook Pro's launch timeframe in the second half of 2021, with Kuo zoning in on the third quarter of 2021. This means that we could see the updated MacBook Pros arrive as soon as July.
MacBook Pro customers can therefore expect to have to wait just five to seven months for the new models. Considering the scale of the update, which looks to drastically affect almost every aspect of the MacBook Pro, it certainly seems to be worth the wait.
We have more on the current MacBook Pro models and the upcoming redesigned MacBook Pro models in our dedicated 13-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro roundups.
Article Link: Buyer’s Guide: Don't Buy a MacBook Pro N
I got 170,000 points on my credit card to used it toward the 16 version. I can't wait and so excited.
New MacBook Pro models are expected to arrive later this year with some of the biggest improvements to the product line to date, including some surprising changes, so now is not the best time to buy a new MacBook Pro.
With major upgrades expected to key features such as the chipset, display, Touch Bar, charging, ports, and design, customers eyeing a new MacBook Pro may be better off waiting for updated models to arrive later this year.
Most of the reliable rumors surrounding the new MacBook Pros are sourced from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who have established reputations for providing accurate insight into Apple's plans. Based on their reports, the 2021 MacBook Pro lineup is currently expected to feature:
- New 14-inch model in place of current 13.3-inch model, facilitated by reduced bezels.
- New, flatter design, said to be "similar to the iPhone 12."
- More powerful next-generation Apple Silicon chips with up to 16 power cores and four efficiency cores instead of Intel processors.
- Potentially a custom Apple Silicon GPU with 16 or 32-cores.
- Updated thermal design for the 14-inch model, currently used by the existing 16-inch MacBook Pro, with a larger heat pipe, added thermal pads, and a 35 percent larger heat sink.
- "Brighter, higher-contrast" display panels, with the possibility of a mini-LED option.
- Additional ports to reduce need for dongles, including an SD card reader.
- MagSafe connector with faster charging speeds.
- No Touch Bar, with physical function key row instead.
Design Changes
The 2021 MacBook Pros are expected to come in 14 and 16-inch sizes, with the new 14-inch model replacing the current 13.3-inch model. It is likely that the 14-inch MacBook Pro will retain a very similar footprint to the 13.3-inch model by reducing the bezels around the screen.
Both models are expected to receive a flat-edged design that is "similar to the iPhone 12." While it is possible that the overall look may still be quite similar to current models as Gurman suggests, Kuo says that Apple will eliminate the slight curvature on the top and the bottom, resulting in a slimmer, flatter appearance.
Internal Upgrades
Following the entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro, which gained an ‌M1‌ chip in November last year, all 2021 MacBook Pro models are expected to sport Apple Silicon chips, with Intel processors being phased out entirely, to deliver significantly better performance and power efficiency.
The higher-end MacBook Pro models are highly likely to feature Apple Silicon chips that are more powerful than the M1, and Apple is believed to be developing options with as many as 16 power cores and four efficiency cores. Apple is also working on custom GPU technology with 16 and 32-core options, which may be used in the new MacBook Pros.
The 14-inch MacBook Pro is believed to adopt the improved thermals of the current 16-inch MacBook Pro model, with a larger heat pipe, added thermal pads, and a 35 percent larger heat sink. This would likely increase the machine's performance potential and allow it to run at cooler temperatures.
Display Improvements
The MacBook Pro is expected to receive a "brighter, higher-contrast" display panel. In addition, there have been suggestions that the updated machines will be the first Macs to feature mini-LED displays, marking a significant improvement in display quality, with an improved wide color gamut, higher contrast and dynamic range, and truer blacks.
Restored Features
Apple is also expected to backtrack on several of its controversial design decisions that were first made with the 2016 MacBook Pro. For example, the 2021 models will reportedly gain more ports to reduce the need for dongles. Prior models from 2012 to 2015 included a ‌MagSafe‌ connector, Thunderbolt ports, USB-A ports, an HDMI port, an SD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, before being reduced to just four USB-C ports and a headphone jack in 2016.
While it is mostly unclear what ports may be coming to the MacBook Pro in addition to its current selection of USB-C ports, Gurman has said that the SD card reader will be among the restored features.
MagSafe charging is also expected to return to the MacBook Pro this year. ‌MagSafe‌ connectors were used for MacBook Pro models from 2006, allowing users to easily connect and disconnect the power cable with magnets, before eliminating the feature for USB-C charging alone in 2016.
Both Kuo and Gurman expect the new MacBook Pro models to be equipped with a ‌MagSafe‌ connector for charging, which is also expected to achieve faster charging speeds than via USB-C.
Finally, Apple is looking to remove the Touch Bar and restore the physical function key row. Apple introduced the Touch Bar on the 2016 MacBook Pros, providing a small OLED touchscreen strip along the top of the keyboard to offer customizable controls and different functions on a per-app basis, but the Touch Bar never seemed to catch on with consumers.
Gurman has confirmed that Apple has tested versions of the MacBook Pro that do not have a Touch Bar, and Kuo has gone one step further, saying that the Touch Bar will be removed entirely on the 2021 MacBook Pro models, to be replaced by physical function keys.
What About the M1 MacBook Pro or Air?
In November last year, Apple revealed a 13-inch MacBook Pro with an M1 Apple Silicon chip, so some customers may feel compelled to buy this fairly new MacBook Pro now. However, it is important to note that this model is the lower-end MacBook Pro, indicated by the fact that it has only two Thunderbolt ports. Apple still offers high-end four-port MacBook Pros with Intel processors, and it is these more powerful machines that are expected to be updated this year.
The M1 MacBook Air is very similar to the M1 MacBook Pro in both features and performance so should be considered if you are looking to buy a machine right now.
Release Date
Multiple sources have placed the new MacBook Pro's launch timeframe in the second half of 2021, with Kuo zoning in on the third quarter of 2021. This means that we could see the updated MacBook Pros arrive as soon as July.
MacBook Pro customers can therefore expect to have to wait just five to seven months for the new models. Considering the scale of the update, which looks to drastically affect almost every aspect of the MacBook Pro, it certainly seems to be worth the wait.
We have more on the current MacBook Pro models and the upcoming redesigned MacBook Pro models in our dedicated 13-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro roundups.
Article Link: Buyer’s Guide: Don't Buy a MacBook Pro Now
Perhaps this is a very silly question, given the thread title, but dammit I'm going to ask anyway.
I recently decided to look hard and long at the M1 MacBooks. I got both of my teen daughters M1 MacBook Airs for Christmas (they love them). I've been window shopping an M1 MBP for a little while now. This MacRumors article/thread gave me pause.
Then, I read a review Mashable wrote just yesterday that seems like it was written with me in mind:
I went way over the top with my last Apple purchase (a fully-loaded 21.5 2019 iMac, which I just recently sold). I don't need all the juice or I/O that a future MBP might bring but I'm not too keen on the fan-less design of the M1 MBA; however competent it may be. Certainly the "Pro" tag has some sort of allure (otherwise they wouldn't continue to use it).
So, I guess what I'm trying to say is, to those that have an M1 MBP, if my use case is that of an "inbetweener" – as the Mashable article suggests – would an M1 MBP be a wise choice at this juncture?
I recently decided to look hard and long at the M1 MacBooks. I got both of my teen daughters M1 MacBook Airs for Christmas (they love them). I've been window shopping an M1 MBP for a little while now. This MacRumors article/thread gave me pause.
Then, I read a review Mashable wrote just yesterday that seems like it was written with me in mind:
I went way over the top with my last Apple purchase (a fully-loaded 21.5 2019 iMac, which I just recently sold). I don't need all the juice or I/O that a future MBP might bring but I'm not too keen on the fan-less design of the M1 MBA; however competent it may be. Certainly the "Pro" tag has some sort of allure (otherwise they wouldn't continue to use it).
So, I guess what I'm trying to say is, to those that have an M1 MBP, if my use case is that of an "inbetweener" – as the Mashable article suggests – would an M1 MBP be a wise choice at this juncture?
I agree the best would be to have a 5g module and be able to connect to a cloud computer with a beefy GPU from eveywhere
The latency of 5G isn't low enough, or the bandwidth great enough, for that. Even Thunderbolt is just barely enough last I checked. And the compatibility problems are even worse; external Thunderbolt GPUs never really took off.
Few people ever *need* a new MacBook. They just buy when they feel like their old machine is getting slow or dated. But there's no hard date for that. Personally I'm holding out.