Kuo: MacBooks redesigned with Apple Silicon to launch in H2 2021

According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple plans to release additional MacBook models with Apple Silicon in the second half of 2021, as part of the company’s two-year transition to Intel processors on its Mac range.

In a research note today, obtained by MacRumors, Kuo said these MacBook models will feature a new design. Kuo didn’t say which models they would be, but he had previously claimed that the redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with Apple Silicon would launch in late Q2 or Q3 2021.

Other rumored Apple Silicon Macs include a redesigned 24-inch iMac and a smaller version of the Mac Pro tower.

Apple’s first Macs with its custom M1 chip, including the new MacBook Air, the low-end 13-inch MacBook Pro, and the Mac mini, started hitting customers last week. Models that continue to use Intel processors for now include the 13-inch MacBook Pro with four Thunderbolt ports, the 16-inch MacBook Pro, iMac, iMac Pro, and Mac Pro.

Kuo added that demand for the new iPad Air was better than expected. For 2021, he expects the growth momentum for the iPad to come from the adoption of new technologies like mini-LED backlighting and 5G support. Kuo expects a new, low-cost iPad to launch in the second half of 2021 – presumably the ninth-generation iPad.

Kuo also expects the third-generation AirPods to launch at the end of the second quarter of 2021. He previously claimed that the design of the third-generation AirPods would be “similar to AirPods Pro”, but likely without active removal of the noise.

Finally, Kuo predicted that “the momentum of the new Apple Watch shipment in 2021 would benefit from innovative health management features and improved form factor design,” but it is not clear whether he is referring to to new Apple Watch Series 6 case options like blue aluminum or to redesigned Apple Watch Series 7 models.