William Gallagher
A second report about forthcoming 2021 Apple Silicon MacBook Pro models echoes claims that they will include the return of MagSafe charging, and have better displays versus the 2020 counterparts.
Following analyst Ming-Chi Kuo's claim that Apple will re-introduce MagSafe magnetic charging to two new MacBook Pro models, a separate source is confirming the same details. Specifically, the unnamed source says that there will be a 14-inch MacBook Pro and a 16-inch MacBook Pro with the feature.
According to Bloomberg, a person with knowledge of the plans has confirmed the return of MagSafe, plus the introduction of faster processors, and new displays. This source also claims that the Touch Bar may be removed.
The Bloomberg report is near-identical to the latest Ming-Chi Kuo one. It does, however, add the detail that the new 14-inch MacBook Pro is currently codenamed J314, and the 16-inch is J316.
It also claims that as well as the change to a 14-inch screen for the smaller MacBook Pro, both models will feature new displays that will be brighter, and feature higher contrast. This fits with a previous Kuo report that says the two models will feature mini LED.
Kuo's latest report also says that the new models will feature redesigned chassis. This would mark the first exterior change since 2016, when Apple both introduced the maligned Touch Bar, and dropped MagSafe.
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18 Comments
but seriously, MagSafe coming back is pretty cool. I’m betting that it’s going to be more like the wireless tech in the watch & phones, and there won’t be a physical plug-in with contacts. But maybe there’s not enough room for that in such a small connector yet?
They had better keep the TouchBar. I use that all the time. I fly through sorting e-mail with it.
The touch bar was a solution looking for a problem, creating several problems of its own.
One problem “discovered” by my girlfriend is how the volume control could cause hearing damage when wearing headphones: because of how unexpectedly quickly the volume could be raised to maximum (like instantly).
Then there was the escape key, which Apple did finally relented on. Also the need for first touch to make the controls appear.
Then the idiotic method of editing the bar: how many people think the mouse pointer could possibly be relevant to the touchbar?? The instructions literally made no sense because they didn’t say “yes, the mouse pointer can go down to the Touch Bar”.
Etc.
It’s something that should have been *in addition* to the function key row, not replacing it. There’s room for both. Physical controls should not be eliminated at all costs, and Apple culture seems to still be convinced of this arbitrary mission (looking at you, iPhone/iPad).