Kuo: New MacBook Pro Models With Flat-Edged Design, MagSafe, No Touch Bar, And More Ports

Apple is working on two new MacBook Pro models that will feature significant design changes, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said today in an investor note obtained by MacRumors.

According to Kuo, Apple is developing two models in 14 and 16 inch size options. The new MacBook Pro machines will feature a flat-rimmed design, which Kuo describes as “similar to the iPhone 12” without curves like current models. This will be the most significant design update for the MacBook Pro in the past five years.

There won’t be an OLED touch bar included, with Apple reverting to physical function keys instead. Kuo says the design of the MagSafe charging connector will be restored, although it’s not entirely clear what that means as Apple has moved to USB-C. Refreshed MacBook Pro models will have additional ports, and Kuo says most people may not need to purchase dongles to supplement the ports available on newer machines. As of 2016, Apple’s MacBook Pro models are limited to USB-C ports with no other ports available.

All new MacBook Pro models will feature Apple silicon chips and no Intel chip options will be included.

1. The two new models are equipped with screens of approximately 14 and 16 inches, respectively.
2. In terms of case design, the new models cancel the curved design of the top and bottom parts of the existing models and adopt a flat-edged form factor design similar to the iPhone 12.
3. The design of the “MagSafe” charging connector is restored.
4. The OLED touch bar is removed and the physical function buttons are restored.
5. There is no Intel processor option for newer models.
6. They are equipped with more types of I / O and most users may not need to purchase additional dongles.

MacBook Pro models will use the same heat pipe design as the current 16-inch MacBook Pro model, which Kuo says is much better than the current 13-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Air because it will allow for more computing power.

Kuo says we can expect to see new MacBook Pro models released in the third quarter of 2021. Due to the redesigned design and strong replacement demand, Kuo expects total MacBook shipments to increase significantly. 25 to 30 percent year over year to reach 20 million units.

Kuo also said high-end iPhone models coming in 2021 would likely adopt a vapor chamber thermal system, which Apple is “aggressively testing.” The VC thermal system will be needed for high-end iPhones due to their higher computing power and faster 5G connection speeds. There are already smartphones from companies like Samsung, Razer, and LG that use vapor chamber cooling technology, which is used to keep a device cooler when under significant stress.

It’s unclear whether the vapor chamber thermal system will meet Apple’s high standards, according to Kuo, but he’s optimistic about the reliability improvement timeline and expects at least top models. range adopt it in the near future.