New MacBook Pro to arrive before end of 2023, claims questionable rumor

Apple will launch new editions of the 14-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro before the end of 2023 says Digitimes, but there are several reasons to doubt the report.

"Apple is expected to ship new models of 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro devices in the fourth quarter of 2023," says Digitimes in a new supply chain report, "with mini LED backlighting that can increase the display brightness by 10% compared to the first-generation specifications."

"The brightness enhancement is not meant to improve picture quality, but rather to save power and improve battery life, the sources said," adding that the new devices will start shipping in the fourth quarter of 2023.

So, the claimed new mini LED display could be 10% brighter when fully cranked up. What Digitimes means with this, is that Apple will use it to maintain the current brightness level and use less power to do so.

The report also says that Apple is going to stick with mini LED for the MacBook Pro range until 2026. This may well be true, and Apple is continually working to improve mini LED and micro LED for its displays.

However, launching a new MacBook Pro update in the remaining months of 2023 doesn't tally with any other recent source. There were repeated rumors of a fall 2023 refresh initially, but both older reports and more recent ones say that there won't be a MacBook Pro update until 2024.

Another reason to doubt the timetable is the credibility of the source. Digitimes has a strong track record for its supply chain sources, but a significantly poorer one for the conclusions it draws about Apple's plans and timetables from those suppliers.