MacBook Pro 2021: All the rumors we heard before tomorrow’s Apple event

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Two things we expect to disappear on this round: the 13-inch MacBook Pro and the Touch Bar.

Dan Ackerman / CNET

If you’re holding onto shelling out for a new MacBook Pro due to FOMO or indecision, Apple may soon have the answers you’ve been waiting for. The company announced its next event, scheduled for Monday, October 18, with a “wild” invitation theme, indicating that we will finally hear about Apple’s high-performance systems. (Here’s how to watch Apple’s October event live tomorrow and what we expect to see.)

As we get to the wire, rumors are reporting that not just a 14-inch MacBook Pro model on the horizon, both it and a new 16-inch could sport new high-pixel density Mini-LED screens, along with a new, more powerful version. Apple’s M1 processor similar to that of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, the return of the much-lost connectors and the abandonment of the not-so-loved Touch Bar.

The upcoming announcements follow Apple’s big event in mid-September where the company showed off the iPhone 13, Apple Watch 7, iPad Mini 6, and the updated entry-level iPad.

Read more: No Macs at Apple iPhone 13 event, but the year isn’t over yet

When will the new MacBook Pros be announced?

It’s almost a given that the company will launch new MacBook Pros and possibly more new Macs next week on October 18th. This agrees with Mark Gurman’s claim in a recent Power On newsletter that he expects new MacBook Pro models to debut this month. He had previously speculated that the new models would arrive by the end of this year.

Apple’s “Unleashed” invitation to its October 18 event.

Apple A more powerful Apple M1X (or M2) CPU?

This is practically a fact. Apple’s M1 CPU has made it all the way to the MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro, 24-inch iMac, Mac Mini and iPad, but so far we haven’t seen any of Apple’s own-made silicon in systems for expert users. Several sources agree that there will be a new version of the CPU – and is reportedly already in production – for the larger MacBook (currently a 16-inch screen version) and possibly the next new desktops.

There have also been rumors that there will be two variants of the new chip, both with 10 cores (eight high-performance and two energy-efficient), but with different configurations of integrated graphics cores: 16 or 32. Conversely, the M1 has eight cores, split equally between performance and power savings, and seven or eight graphics cores. Doubling or quadrupling the number of cores promises significantly better performance which, in combination with the tight integration with MacOS, could compete with the performance of a discrete AMD GPU. And it’s unclear whether a discrete GPU remains an option.

A more powerful version of Apple’s M1 chip may be on the horizon.

Screenshot / Apple

Having two variants (with rumors of future releases with even more basic options targeting the Mac Mini and Mac Pro) makes a lot of sense: In my tests, the M1 chip worked almost identically regardless of the device, giving the iPad the same. power like the Mac Mini. This doesn’t make sense for high-end equipment buyers, where opting for a lower processor can potentially save you thousands or where a discrete GPU can be essential.

The two variants could explain why the hypotheses about the name of the new CPU, M1X or M2, did not end towards one or the other.

As for Intel offers, since last January we started hearing forecasts that there would be no Intel versions of the MacBook Pro and to date there have been no indications to the contrary.

When will we be able to buy them?

Due to the shortage of chips, you probably won’t be able to get one right after the announcement. Earlier this month there were reports that the shortage would at least delay shipments until late October or early November. And these delays are independent of the barriers to the production of Mini-LED-based displays, which could result in only a limited volume of laptops available in 2021.

A new size, but at a higher starting price?

In addition to an updated model of a 16-inch MacBook Pro, we may have a 14-inch replacement for the 13-inch MacBook Pro, which could mean a 14-inch screen that fits into the chassis about the same size as the 13, thanks to the smaller screen bezels. This follows a similar trend we’ve seen in Windows laptops and the same approach Apple took when moving from the 15-inch to 16-inch MacBook Pro models. If the 14-inch uses new panel technology, as indicated by the resolution entry below, that would also explain a price hike.

Most industry watchers think there will be a price hike for the 14-inch model over the 13-inch model, starting at the higher end of the latter’s price range. Given the more expensive screen technology and current shortcomings, I wouldn’t be surprised. Wondering if Apple will continue to offer the M1-based MacBook Pro 13 as a low-cost option.

We expect MacBook Pros to have Mini-LED backlit displays like the iPad Pro 12.9 (left).

Scott Stein / CNET A Whimsical New Mini-LED Screen?

A display based on Mini-LED backlight appears to be another very welcome fact: it would allow MacBook Pros to better support HDR at higher brightness and with better local dimming, essential for video editing or content production. for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro and its Mini-LED screen. Hopefully, it will be accompanied by an update that will allow the MacBook Pro to play HDR content in 4K.

Most recently, Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants (who correctly described the iPad Mini months before it was announced), tweeted that Apple would be using screens from LG Display and Sharp: “MiniLED, 100% confirmed.” .

Panel suppliers are the same between iPad Pro and MacBook Pro: LG Display and Sharp. Expecting similar technology: oxide backplane, miniLED backlight and 120Hz refresh rates. MiniLED, 100% confirmed.

Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) October 12, 2021

The oxide backplane and Mini LED backlight (but not the 120Hz refresh rate) are two technologies used by Apple’s Pro Display XDR, which bodes well for black levels.

MacRumors has identified a reference to the new screen resolutions in a late beta version of MacOS Monterey: “3.456×2.234 Retina” and “3.024×1.964 Retina”. The former would provide nearly the same pixel density – 226 ppi – as the current 16-inch MacBook display. Apple always likes to keep a certain gamut for its Retina displays, but the latter differs only slightly from the current 3,072×1,920; this is a strong sign that Apple will offer a new panel. Alternatively, both resolutions would provide the same 257 ppi on the 16-inch and 14-inch models respectively.

A new aesthetic?

The rumors here vary. Almost all of the devices Apple announced this year, from the iPad to the iMac, have adopted the flat profile aesthetic reminiscent of the iPhone 4. But it remains to be seen whether Apple will adopt it for the MacBook Pro, given its shell design. And there hasn’t been much traction on suggestions that MacBooks might come in bright colors like the iMac 24.

Stay up to date on the latest news, reviews and tips on iPhone, iPad, Mac, services and software.

Goodbye, Touch Bar?

I’ve never been a fan of the Touch Bar, especially as a replacement for fixed function keys, so I get these well-considered rumors about the deprecation of the Touch Bar and the return of real function keys with a bit of chair dancing – and will be very disappointed if turn out to be false. Also, since Mini-LEDs typically generate more heat than other backlights, Apple could probably do less need for heat dissipation near the display.

Return of old favorites?

Apple had stripped its MacBook Pros of the connectors that many people had relied on, including an HDMI connection, an SD card slot, and a MagSafe connector (not to be confused with the MagSafe iPhone charger). Some rumors indicate that we are recovering them, along with another pair of USB4 / Thunderbolt ports. Some news has also indicated a return of the MagSafe connection, but it is also possible that they are confusing them with rumors about a new version of the recent filing with the Federal Communications Commission for an iPhone MagSafe charger.

A 1080p webcam, but still no Face ID?

Since Apple introduced an updated 1080p webcam first with the 27-inch iMac (and discontinued iMac Pro), then with the 24-inch iMac, it makes sense to integrate one into the MacBook Pro as they widely say, as it is probably more used. for video conferencing than many of its other systems. But while Touch ID is likely to remain, there hasn’t been a word of welcome about the much-requested Face ID (or 5G) since we heard in January that it wouldn’t be included.

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