AppleInsider Staff
Apple has reportedly rescheduled manufacturing of two new Apple Silicon MacBook Pro models to the second half of 2021, echoing current predictions surrounding rumored 14- and 16-inch models.
The tech giant previously planned to begin mass production of the two unspecified MacBooks in May or June, Nikkei Asia reports in an English version of a story about iPhone 12 mini production originally published by Nikkei on Wednesday. While an exact timeline was not fleshed out, a push into the second half of the year lines up with expectations aired by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and other insiders.
Today's report fails to specify which MacBook Pro models will reach the assembly line, though predictions suggest Apple is primed to introduce a 14-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro in 2021. Both laptops are anticipated to sport Apple Silicon chips — potentially second-generation "M1X" or "M2" designs that build on the M1.
According to Kuo, the two upcoming MacBook Pros will benefit from mini LED screens, a redesigned chassis, and the return of MagSafe charging technology. Also making a comeback are expanded I/O options including an HDMI port and an SD card reader, while the much-maligned Touch Bar will be replaced by physical function keys. Many of Kuo's predictions were echoed by Bloomberg in January.
Kuo expects a launch in the third quarter, while others are quoting a debut date sometime in 2021.
Christine McKee
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
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31 Comments
Well, if it’s November then I suspect M2.
But I think earlier M1X laptops with twice the performance cores and twice the gpu cores of the M1 would be more than enough for a laptop.
The M1 CPU is roughly equivalent to the 2019 i9 iMac I got (GPU aside), so twice that performance in a laptop would be something great imho.
Depending on how "well" are selling Intel versions of 13" MBP Apple may update them with less powerful version of M1X. That is my thought. Is second half of year means summer. Otherwise it will be 14" redesigned one with M2.
I read somewhere few days back that Apple is expected to announce new Macbooks this March. So did that got delayed or these are another set being launched in Q3 2021?
“Much-maligned touchbar”? I would have used something like innovative, versatile, product-defining, or beloved instead. I’m really hoping that Apple doesn’t listen to the vocal minority this time around. Outside this forum are there that many people who long to emulate a VT-100 or otherwise has a need for 20th-century-holdover physical F-keys? Setting volume and brightness is so my better with a slider rather than buttons. Having clearly labeled context-sensitive virtual buttons is clearly better than cryptic, static keys. Don’t go backwards, Apple.
Oh give me a break. Vocal minority.
I work in the field with users and I have asked nearly everyone with a touchbar laptop what they think of the touchbar. I’ve literally not once had a person say they use it. Not one time.