The next MacBook Pro redesign (merged)

[Oppenheim]

Because this is Apple we're talking about, I'm at the same time excited and scared when it comes to the coming redesign. It will very likely look cooler and be more portable, but they might also cut some really nice features they deem unnecessary. I'm really fearing that the coming 15" (or 16") will have less ports than the current one, and I as a power user really need my ports!

Eh, a lot of devices are wireless now. New OSX is much more fuel efficient + better battery + more fuel efficient CPUs = less need to be plugged in all the time.

I think it's an easy decision - x3 USB-C on the 16" (i.e. 15") and x2 USB-C on the 14" (i.e. 13"). MagSafe retired. MacBook "Air" range also gracefully retired.

This would give evolutionary consistency and design continuity with previous models.

If you're really that much of a "power user" (most of the folks I meet who say this aren't really), maybe a laptop isn't really what you should be doing? I work with high performance computing clusters so I know a fair bit about performance. I would guess that only about 1% or 2% of MacBook Pro customers consistently red-line their machines (weird types who need to be doing CPU intensive stuff locally and need to do it on the road). I'm happy to burst as needed, see my code compile faster and enjoy the snappiness.

 

[Dydegu]

Eh, a lot of devices are wireless now. New OSX is much more fuel efficient + better battery + more fuel efficient CPUs = less need to be plugged in all the time.

I think it's an easy decision - x3 USB-C on the 16" (i.e. 15") and x2 USB-C on the 14" (i.e. 13"). MagSafe retired. MacBook "Air" range also gracefully retired.

This would give evolutionary consistency and design continuity with previous models.

If you're really that much of a "power user" (most of the folks I meet who say this aren't really), maybe a laptop isn't really what you should be doing? I work with high performance computing clusters so I know a fair bit about performance. I would guess that only about 1% or 2% of MacBook Pro customers consistently red-line their machines (weird types who need to be doing CPU intensive stuff locally and need to do it on the road). I'm happy to burst as needed, see my code compile faster and enjoy the snappiness.

MacBook Air has to have a few years left. Apple's entry level laptop can't have one USB-C port nor can it start at $1300. I think we'll see one round of Pros and Airs with features from the MB in 2016, maybe a refresh a year later, and then maybe then the Air will definitely retire after that.

 

[dsmedic10]

If they took the Macbook Air, put in the newest Pro components (higher end CPU/GPU) and gave it a 12-hour battery, I think they would have a grand slam knockout product. Imagine the power of the Macbook Pro in the size/shape of the Air without the bezels (14/16" screens)?

Won't happen until the Intel parts are available, likely in early 2016, but we can always speculate!

 

[doitdada]

First I heard of issues with sub c, but if true makes the decision to abandon normal connectors on the MacBook for 1 usb connector a poor one.
Did they not test it first?

I already owned a lot of wireless solutions, and I use mobile broadband for both home and on the go, so for me the transition was pretty much smooth except for connecting memory cards and sticks to the computer without an adapter. Already owned a few desktops, so that also helped.

Right now the solution for the USB C port is to populate the market with gear. Right now it feels too niche, too fresh and simply useless to use it without an adapter. I see alot of gear, but everything is expensive and pre-order. The USB C cable that came with my Macbook also felt really cheap. Like the worst quality stinky cable you get along with $2 ear plugs. I really like the computer though, but the USB C is just for charging the Mac at the moment.

I feel like an early adaptor with alot of adapters trying to adapt...

Actually bought a Macbook Pro 2015 with dGPU today, and the fan noise is bringing back memories from the days with my MBP 2011 17. Simply a whining monster. It's not like it keeps going and going, but throw a little power task at it, and it ramps up to full speed in a blink. I actually packed it back down in it's packaging, thinking I may return it monday, even though I got it for $750 dollars less than current retail.

I just have to say I really love the Macbook 12" so much. Drop the dGPU in the MBP and give me a slim powerhouse that may tag along whenever I want.

Few things I loved going from nMB to rMBP 15 AMD was the keyboard. It is golden. Never missed a key. Didn't get confused by the new layout. Pure bliss. It feeThe snappiness was also great. The weight is of course "****", but I recognise heat and power will make you carry more kilos.

Another key point is that it was great to have ports and a SD reader. I felt I was back in the drivers seat again. I wasn't sitting on the fence and waiting for the future. I was alive and well right now.

The bigger screen on the 15" is also nice for movies, code and spreadsheets.

 

[ChinkyBob]

I already owned a lot of wireless solutions, and I use mobile broadband for both home and on the go, so for me the transition was pretty much smooth except for connecting memory cards and sticks to the computer without an adapter. Already owned a few desktops, so that also helped.

Right now the solution for the USB C port is to populate the market with gear. Right now it feels too niche, too fresh and simply useless to use it without an adapter. I see alot of gear, but everything is expensive and pre-order. The USB C cable that came with my Macbook also felt really cheap. Like the worst quality stinky cable you get along with $2 ear plugs. I really like the computer though, but the USB C is just for charging the Mac at the moment.

I feel like an early adapter with alot of adapters trying to adapt...

Actually bought a Macbook Pro 2015 with dGPU today, and the fan noise is bringing back memories from the days with my MBP 2011 17. Simply a whining monster. It's not like it keeps going and going, but throw a little power task at it, and it ramps up to full speed in a blink. I actually packed it back down in it's packaging, thinking I may return it monday, even though I got it for $750 dollars less than current retail.

I just have to say I really love the Macbook 12" so much. Drop the dGPU in the MBP and give me a slim powerhouse that may tag along whenever I want.

Few things I loved going from nMB to rMBP 15 AMD was the keyboard. It is golden. Never missed a key. Didn't get confused by the new layout. Pure bliss. It feeThe snappiness was also great. The weight is of course "****", but I recognise heat and power will make you carry more kilos.

Another key point is that it was great to have ports and a SD reader. I felt I was back in the drivers seat again. I wasn't sitting on the fence and waiting for the future. I was alive and well right now.

The bigger screen on the 15" is also nice for movies, code and spreadsheets.

I want and need the Pro as an all day work machine for Cad and video work.
I need all current sockets, usb and thunderbolt, sd slot, etc. I would also like usb 3.1 / C.
I also need a decent dedicated gpu with switchable graphics.
The new MacBooks with AMD appear to have major heating issues (not again ) and no one can find decent info on graphics chips to make an.informed choice.
My biggest concern is that USB 3.1 / C is the best reason to upgrade my laptop, and after all the hoo - haa Apple made about the socket in the first place (not to mention pioneering it as their only socket on the MacBook ) I am astounded that they haven't included it on the refreshed Airs or the new 21 and 27 retina iMacs.
Q. Is usb 3.1 / C dead to Apple??
Every other manufacture is adding it to their laptops in addition to having regular hdmi, mini-dp, usb sockets.
If Apple have u-turned on usb 3.1 / C on the next MacBook Pro it will be a no from me I think.
I hope this isn't the case.

 

[doitdada]

I am astounded that they haven't included it on the refreshed Airs or the new 21 and 27 retina iMacs.

I just read the Hub+ from Nonda (http://www.nonda.co/products/usb-c-hub-for-apple-new-macbook-12-plus) is refunding their pre-orders. Seems USB C was the only port slim enough to fit the casing on the Macbook, and had the power to provide enough electricity to charge it. I had great hopes for this port, but again, it is a charger for truly portable products from phones up to the new Macbook 12", with low power consumption.

Not seeing USB C coming to the Pro as the only option. The redesign will of course be slimmer, more like the Air, probably in some fashion of what Dell has already released.
http://www.dell.com/us/p/xps-15-9550-laptop/pd#overrides=dncwx1630h:760~UHD

 

[ChinkyBob]

I just read the Hub+ from Nonda (http://www.nonda.co/products/usb-c-hub-for-apple-new-macbook-12-plus) is refunding their pre-orders. Seems USB C was the only port slim enough to fit the casing on the Macbook, and had the power to provide enough electricity to charge it. I had great hopes for this port, but again, it is a charger for truly portable products from phones up to the new Macbook 12", with low power consumption.

Not seeing USB C coming to the Pro as the only option. The redesign will of course be slimmer, more like the Air, probably in some fashion of what Dell has already released.
http://www.dell.com/us/p/xps-15-9550-laptop/pd#overrides=dncwx1630h:760~UHD

As nice as it is there are too many compromises on MacBook to make it so thin it's unusable. One port, weak processor, etc. Apple should have stuck with the magsafe charger, there is enough space for that on the side and tbh space for a regular usb port too which is also compatible with 3.1, not to mention there are also micro-usb and micro hdmi options, as inelegant as they may be.
Should have just upgraded the 11inch with a better borderless screen and converted one port to usb 3.1 and bobs your uncle - a desirable and practical option.

 

[AirdanMR]

Since someone said that they are waiting for the Skylake CPUs with Iris Pro 580 I´m almost sure they are going to ditch the dGPU in the MBP 15. Maybe a dual fan / heatpipe only for the SoC which would result in extremely low noise and temperatures even under high loads => thinner desing. Plus +$ for less components.

That iGPU should be similar to the GTX 850M which perform better than the actual AMD 370X. So it is a good point to start a new body design and let Intel get better iGPUs performance in the future.

Now, this is pure fantasy, but that MBP with a small box made by Apple with a GTX 980M via Thunderbolt 3 would be very nice for those who need more power for the home-portable workstation even for gaming. But this would be too much user friendly from Apple so I doubt it.

 

[Oppenheim]

As nice as it is there are too many compromises on MacBook to make it so thin it's unusable. One port, weak processor, etc. Apple should have stuck with the magsafe charger, there is enough space for that on the side and tbh space for a regular usb port too which is also compatible with 3.1, not to mention there are also micro-usb and micro hdmi options, as inelegant as they may be.
Should have just upgraded the 11inch with a better borderless screen and converted one port to usb 3.1 and bobs your uncle - a desirable and practical option.

MacBook is a beautiful machine in my view. "unusable"? That's an exaggeration. It's a LOT faster than my MacBook Pro 2010 (8GB RAM, SSD) and I use that for web dev and iPhone programming.

HDMI? USB ports are awful. There are serious design flaws. You never get the direction right. It has to go.

MagSafe could be finished too IMO. Laptops are lighter nowadays, they've better battery and more efficient operating systems. If you really need to be plugged in all the time, perhaps the thing you're using (designed to be a portable computer) is not really a portable computer anymore?

I will make a bold guess: there may be a MagSafe/USB-C style adapter. If you walk into the power cable, it pulls off gracefully. I guess the magnet won't need to be so strong because machines are getting a lot lighter. Also, if you leave your charger at home (it happens, a lot), you can simply plug it in to your USB-C port.

The OMG scrapping USB/Firewire/3.5mm ports outrage reminds me of the decision to scrap built-in optical drives.

 

[ChinkyBob]

MacBook is a beautiful machine in my view. "unusable"? That's an exaggeration. It's a LOT faster than my MacBook Pro 2010 (8GB RAM, SSD) and I use that for web dev and iPhone programming.
To be fair I am being a bit harsh there.
But can't help but think the Macbook Air 11 inch with its current ports and 50% faster processor but with the MacBooks 12" screen fitted in would have had me first in the queue with the credit card - it would fit and be just 100g heavier and 4mm thicker if the current 11inch dimensions were kept (but as the 12inch screen is thinner and lighter than the LCD in the 11inch it would have been hardly bigger or heavier in reality).

HDMI? MicroHDMI - my point was they were options that fit the chassis.
USB ports are awful. There are serious design flaws. You never get the direction right. It has to go.
Design flaws? Now thats an exaggeration, usb is ubiquitous. If they have to go they should put them on the new iMacs and Airs also. They also missed usb3.1 and thunderbolt 3 also.

MagSafe could be finished too IMO. Laptops are lighter nowadays, they've better battery and more efficient operating systems. If you really need to be plugged in all the time, perhaps the thing you're using (designed to be a portable computer) is not really a portable computer anymore?
You have a point here, but MagSafe still useful and for me was an example of forward thinking which I think may be regarded as a step backwards if removed.

I will make a bold guess: there may be a MagSafe/USB-C style adapter. If you walk into the power cable, it pulls off gracefully. I guess the magnet won't need to be so strong because machines are getting a lot lighter. Also, if you leave your charger at home (it happens, a lot), you can simply plug it in to your USB-C port.
Keep the MagSafe and current ports and but replace one of the USBs with USB-C as per other manufacturers.
USB-C won't work as a magsafe anyway.

The OMG scrapping USB/Firewire/3.5mm ports outrage reminds me of the decision to scrap built-in optical drives.

I was in favour of scrapping optical drives long before apple came up with it - cheap usb optical drives were everywhere. Surely should have kept the headphone socket though.

 

[SuprUsrStan]

I would like to see them make a USB-C based magsafe connector. Perhaps a magnetic proprietary connector on top of a USB-C port or on a connection that could double as a usb-c port.

 

[AirdanMR]

MacBook is a beautiful machine in my view. "unusable"? That's an exaggeration. It's a LOT faster than my MacBook Pro 2010 (8GB RAM, SSD) and I use that for web dev and iPhone programming.

...

I totally agree with that. My laptop is similar to the macbook (early 2008) core 2 duo t8100 with 4gb de RAM and I use it to create and edit relatively complex CAD / 3D models in Autocad and 3Ds Max without any problems at 1440x900 screen resolution.

 

[emir]

Unlike many people in this thread I'm worried more about the quality of that first gen redesign than I am of losing some necessary features. Apple tends to make problematic first get products. Remember the first gen rMBPs back '12? The screens had all sorts of different problems. I also don't want to lose MagSafe, USB and HDMI ports in favour of USB-C for all but the build quality worries me more. Because I use computers for a long time. I'm still using a 2010 MBP albeit with an SSD for the Superdrive, I'll probably use my 2016 redesign Mac into the 20s. Yet the second gen redesign is at least 1.5 years away, which might be too far for my good old MBP.

Oh well, we'll see.

 

[Oppenheim]

I totally agree with that. My laptop is similar to the macbook (early 2008) core 2 duo t8100 with 4gb de RAM and I use it to create and edit relatively complex CAD / 3D models in Autocad and 3Ds Max without any problems at 1440x900 screen resolution.

I was amazed with my mid 2010 when I connected it to an external display (~2600 x 1900) using mini DP. El Cap works beautifully with magic mouse and keyboard.

 

[Oppenheim]

Unlike many people in this thread I'm worried more about the quality of that first gen redesign than I am of losing some necessary features. Apple tends to make problematic first get products. Remember the first gen rMBPs back '12? The screens had all sorts of different problems. I also don't want to lose MagSafe, USB and HDMI ports in favour of USB-C for all but the build quality worries me more. Because I use computers for a long time. I'm still using a 2010 MBP albeit with an SSD for the Superdrive, I'll probably use my 2016 redesign Mac into the 20s. Yet the second gen redesign is at least 1.5 years away, which might be too far for my good old MBP.

Oh well, we'll see.

If you need slow USB 2.0 ports for your aging accessories, 3.5mm audio, VGA connector, Ethernet or whatever, you can buy an adapter. Life moves on and waits for noone.

I would like to see x3 usb-c on 16" model and x2 usb-c on 14" model. No other ports whatsoever (including 3.5mm jack) Nil. Yadda. Not needed 15/16 years into the 21st century with cloud, high speed WiFi, 4G, Bluetooth 4.x, etc.

 

[maartin]

Is it really possible that the redesign will bring 14 & 16' MBPs? I'm waiting for 13' Skylake with 1400$ in my pocket, but if this was the reality, the price for base model of MBP (i guess still with 8GBs but 256Gb SSD) would cost no less than 1700$.

I would go on and buy 13' now, but only need the new computer next year and then the currect model will be a year old already... ahh, I guess we'll have to wait and see.

 

[Oppenheim]

Is it really possible that the redesign will bring 14 & 16' MBPs? I'm waiting for 13' Skylake with 1400$ in my pocket, but if this was the reality, the price for base model of MBP (i guess still with 8GBs but 256Gb SSD) would cost no less than 1700$.

I would go on and buy 13' now, but only need the new computer next year and then the currect model will be a year old already... ahh, I guess we'll have to wait and see.

A 14" Macbook for the price sensitive?

Price is important, but it's not the main factor for Pro users.

 

[maartin]

Sorry, but Macbook Pro is not pro users computer at the moment. At least not the 13' version. And MacBook is not good enough to fill the empty space should the rumors of 14' MBP become a reality.

 

[fisherking]

Sorry, but Macbook Pro is not pro users computer at the moment. At least not the 13' version. And MacBook is not good enough to fill the empty space should the rumors of 14' MBP become a reality.

not pro for who? it's 'pro' for me (logic X), and one of my collabs uses his for Final Cut. we use what we choose to use, and get our work done. his is 2014, mine's older...but we're both happy. so your definition of 'pro' may not be everyones...

 

[ooans]

not pro for who? it's 'pro' for me (logic X), and one of my collabs uses his for Final Cut. we use what we choose to use, and get our work done. his is 2014, mine's older...but we're both happy. so your definition of 'pro' may not be everyones...

I love how some people are such amazing experts on what the term "pro" exactly means and who it can be applied to.

 

[doitdada]

I love how some people are such amazing experts...

This is the driving force behind every forum and message board. We speculate, but wouldn't dare to make a difference ourselves. I kind of enjoy it. Troll expertise requires negative ROI, wild imagination and a burning desire to spill your guts out.

 

[kiranmk2]

Q. Is usb 3.1 / C dead to Apple??
Every other manufacture is adding it to their laptops in addition to having regular hdmi, mini-dp, usb sockets.
If Apple have u-turned on usb 3.1 / C on the next MacBook Pro it will be a no from me I think.
I hope this isn't the case.

Not dead - far from it. It's just Apple not wanting to update the Mac designs to add the new port. There is a full redesign coming probably next year so why waste engineer time adding new USB ports to the existing designs? It would not surprise me if the MBP and iMac go full USB-C when the redesigns hit. If we get any more iterations before then, it'll probably be USB 3 again.

 

[ChinkyBob]

I sort of guessed that, but usb 3.1 with thunderbolt 3 and all other goodies I think is also compatible with regular usb socket.

 

[SuprUsrStan]

With USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 integrated together, it seems like a no brainer for me that Apple will jump on USB-C just like how they pushed thunderbolt.

 

[ChinkyBob]

I love how some people are such amazing experts on what the term "pro" exactly means and who it can be applied to.

Fwiw Pro usually means a that the computer is designed to be robust enough for 8hours daily use at full tilt of professional software without melting the processor or making too much noise in the office (so usually has a higher than usual thermal tolerance ) and robust enough to withstand being daily abuse of a user who didn't pay for it himself, and occasionally throws it in and out of a bag or pounds the keyboard in frustration.
I think the MacBook Pro largely ticks these and other boxes.