Potential 16-inch MacBook Pro refresh surfaces in regulatory filings

A Chinese regulatory filing for what appears to be a 16-inch MacBook Pro battery has been discovered ahead of a rumored announcement at WWDC 2021.

The regulatory listing, filed on April 14 by Apple supplier Sunwoda Electronic, doesn't specifically mention Apple. However, it carries a model identifier of A2527, which lines up with Apple's other model numbers.

In its filing, first spotted by MacRumors, Sunwoda Electronic says that the battery is rated at 8,693 mAh/11.45V. That's very close to the current 16-inch MacBook Pro battery, which is rated at 8,790 mAh/11.36V.

Credit: MacRumors

The filing doesn't confirm anything about Apple's MacBook plans. However, it lines up closely with rumors about the next generation of Mac professional portables.

Apple is largely expected to unveil a new 14-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro model with upgraded M1 chips in 2021. Those devices could sport a new 10-core Apple Silicon processor, a miniLED display, and a slight chassis redesign. The models could also bring back a MagSafe power port, SD card slot, and an HDMI port.

If the Sunwoda Electronic document turns out to be accurate, it would mean a very slight decrease in battery capacity from the current model. However, since Apple Silicon chips are more efficient than Intel CPUs, the new model would likely feature the same — or even better — battery life.

Although some sources indicate that the new MacBook Pro models could see an announcement in the latter half of 2021, prolific leaker Jon Prosser says he expects the new Mac portables to debut at WWDC 2021.

Beyond potential Mac hardware announcements, Apple's WWDC 2021 conference is expected to focus on software updates. It kicks off with a keynote slated for 10 a.m. Pacific (1 p.m. Eastern) on Monday, June 7.

Follow all of WWDC 2021 with comprehensive AppleInsider coverage of the week-long event from June 7 through June 11, including details on new launches and updates.

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