Apple made a significant leap forward with the new iMac earlier this year, introducing a stunning new design and color options that hark back to the iMacs of days gone by. And whilst the release has been a big success, with millions of 2021 iMacs sold already, the truth is that most of us are waiting for the new MacBook Pro range.
Apple has been rumored to overhaul the MacBook Pro for a while now, and although the base model was already given an M1 upgrade in 2020, Apple has been waiting to update both the 13-inch (soon to be 14-inch) and 16-inch models with a new form factor, as well as some significant hardware changes for professionals.
What’s changing on the MacBook Pro?
Although we don’t know anything for certain until Apple announces the new MacBook range itself, we do know from insiders and leakers that the company wants to introduce a new design that’s similar to the iPhone 12 and iMac 2021 form factor. We’ll likely see the same color options as the new iMac, and we might see that the device has smaller bezels around the screen to offer a more attractive screen real estate – ideal for professionals.
In terms of hardware, we’re expecting the devices to feature an upgraded version of the M1 chip – perhaps an M1X chip – as well as the removal of the controversial Touch Bar, which replaced the function keys on the MacBook Pro. It’s also expected that there will be more ports as standard and a return of MagSafe charging.
MacBook Pro 2021 release date
We don’t know for certain the release date of the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models just yet, but we have heard that they will come in the third quarter of 2021. Apple might decide to announce them at a bumper event in September alongside new iPad, iPhones, and Apple Watches, or hold off until October 2021 instead.
We’ll keep you up to date on the latest news on the new MacBook Pro, as soon as we get it.