As expected Apple took the wraps off a bunch or new MacBook Pro laptops that are designed with creative pros in mind at an event on Monday 18 October. Here we are mostly concerned with everything you need to know about the new 16in MacBook Pro models – we have a separate story about the 14in MacBook Pro (read about that here: Apple reveals new 14in MacBook Pro with M1 Pro and M1 Max chips).
The big news about the MacBook Pro is the details Apple revealed about its new processors – not the M1X as expected, but instead the M1 Pro and M1 Max. We cover these processors in more detail here: Apple’s M1 Pro and M1 Max chip, but we do discuss them at length below.
You may also find our Which MacBook article helpful. We also have the following:
Price and availability
The great news is that you will be able to order the 16in MacBook Pro from Monday 18 October, with shipping starting on Tuesday 26 October.
There are three 16in MacBook Pro models:
- At the entry-level is an M1 Pro 10-Core CPU, 16-Core GPU, 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD model for £2,399/$2,499. This is the same price as the top-of-the-range 14in MacBook Pro (although the specs aren’t entirely comparable). Order one here (UK) or here (US).
- There is also an M1 Pro 10-Core CPU, 16-Core GPU, 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD for £2,599/$2,699. Order one here (UK) or here (US).
- And, an M1 Max 10-Core CPU, 32-Core GPU, 32GB Unified Memory, 1TB SSD model for £3,299/$3,499. Order one here (UK) or here (US).
We’re separately looking at where to buy the MacBook Pro 16 and Pro 14 (2021) in both the UK and US.
16in MacBook Pro: Screen
The screen will no doubt be one of the most important features for creative pros. Apple states that this is the world’s best notebook display, which is a big claim, how well does it live up to that statement? Pretty well it seems.
This is a Liquid Retina XDR display with an extreme dynamic range. Apple says it is capable of 1,000 nits standard brightness and 1,600 nits of peak brightness. It also claims 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio for deeper blacks and more vivid colours.
The new screen brings ProMotion to the Mac (as seen in the iPad Pro and the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max). ProMotion offers a refresh rate of 120Hz, which means it can refresh images 120 times a second, but it can also vary the refresh rate to much less than that when it isn’t required (which is more power efficient and means it can save battery life.)
The screen resolution of the 16in MacBook Pro is 3,456 by 2,234 pixels – that’s 7.7 million pixels. In comparison the 2019 16in MacBook Pro offered 3,072 by 1,920 pixels. Interestingly, there are more pixels on the 2021 14in MacBook Pro than there were on the 2019 16in MacBook Pro.
16in MacBook Pro: Specs
At Apple’s October event we learned that, rather than calling the successor to the M1 chip the M1X as was expected, Apple has two new chips: the M1 Pro and the M1 Max. This had actually been revealed in Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman’s newsletter the day before the event when he mentioned that developer logs had referred to the new chips as M1 Pro and M1 Max.
There are three configurations of the 16in MacBook Pro, as mentioned above, two feature the M1 Pro and one features the M1 Max. (The 14in MacBook Pro ships with the M1 Pro as standard, but can be configured with the M1 Max.)
Processor
The 16in MacBook Pro comes with the same 10-core CPU whether you pick the M1 Pro or the M1 Max (the 14in MacBook Pro also has an 8-core option). Apple claims that this CPU offers 70 percent faster CPU performance than the M1.
There are eight high-performance cores and two high-efficiency cores in the 10-core version. By comparison, the M1 offers four high-performance cores and four high-efficiency cores.
Apple uses a 5-nanometer process technology, which enables it to pack in 33.7 billion transistors on the M1 Pro, which is more than two times as many as are on the M1. For the M1 Max Apple has packed 57 billion transistors on to the chip – 70 percent more than M1 Pro and 3.5x more than M1. As a result the M1 Max is the largest chip ever built by Apple.
If your concern is whether this Mac will be powerful enough for your needs, you may be interested that Apple claims that, compared with the latest 8-core PC laptop chip, the M1 Pro delivers up to 1.7x more CPU performance and achieves the PC chip’s peak performance using up to 70 percent less power.
Graphics Processor
As we explained above, the processor isn’t any different whether you pick the Max or the Pro, but there is a big difference between the graphics capabilities of the M1 Pro and M1 Max.
The M1 Pro offers a 14-core or 16-core GPU that Apple claims is up to 2x faster than the M1 and up to 7x faster than the integrated graphics on the latest 8-core PC laptop chip.
The M1 Max GPU, on the other hand, offers 32-cores – and Apple claims that the graphics performance is up to 4x faster than the M1.
Apple says that the M1 Max GPU can deliver performance comparable to a high-end GPU in a compact pro PC laptop, and it does so while consuming “up to 40 percent less power”. That claim is up to 100 watts less power when compared to “the highest-end GPU in the largest PC laptops,” according to Apple.
ProRes acceleration
The M1 Max offers two ProRes accelerators (one more than the M1 Pro does). These should speed up video processing and make it more power efficient. Apple says that as a result the M1 Max in the MacBook Pro delivers up to 2x faster video encoding than M1 Pro.
Apple claims that pros can edit up to 30 streams of 4K ProRes video or up to seven streams of 8K ProRes video in Final Cut Pro with the M1 Max. That’s more streams than on a 28-core Mac Pro with Afterburner!
The ProRes accelerator also enables playback of multiple streams of high-quality 4K and 8K ProRes video, all while using very little power.
RAM
Professional Mac users who were concerned that Apple wouldn’t offer sufficient RAM have no cause for alarm. Both the 14in and 16in MacBook Pro will ship with 16GB Unified Memory that is upgradable to 32GB, for an extra £400/$400, or 64GB (if you opt for a M1 Max chip) for an extra £800/$800. Note that only the M1 Max can support the 64GB RAM.
Apple uses fast unified memory, which is shared by the CPU and GPU, but because everything is on the same chip it can be shared efficiently and quickly.
Apple claims that the M1 Pro Apple delivers up to 200GB/s of memory bandwidth (nearly 3x the bandwidth of M1), while the M1 Max offers an even higher memory bandwidth of 400GB/s. That is 2x that of M1 Pro and nearly 6x that of M1. The extra bandwidth is why 64GB RAM is possible with the M1 Max.
Apple claims: “Having this huge amount of memory available is game-changing for pro workloads.”
Battery life and power efficiency
Both the M1 Pro and M1 Max offer industry-leading performance per watt and incredible power efficiency, according to Apple. As a result Apple says it manages to get 21 hours battery life out of the 16in MacBook Pro – which is 10 hours more than the last generation offered. (The 14in MacBook Pro claims 17 hours of video playback – seven hours more than the predecessor.)
Also of interest to pro users will be the fact that Apple claims that the 2021 MacBook Pro delivers the same level of performance whether it is plugged in or using the battery.
The company also explains that because power use is managed so efficiently there is less heat generated, which means the fans run quietly and less often, allowing for longer battery life.
16in MacBook Pro: Design
We were anticipating a redesign for the new 14in MacBook Pro – after all the screen size was widely predicted to be larger. But the 16in MacBook Pro was only redesigned in 2019, leaving the idea that it could change dramatically in doubt.
However, the 16in MacBook Pro has seen some significant design changes that mean the screen is now fractionally larger than it was (16.2in rather than 16in). The dimensions of the laptop have changed very slightly. They are now 1.62cm x 35.79cm x 24.59cm, which is slightly wider but smaller in every other way. Apple has also managed to shave off a tiny bit of weight: it’s now 2.0kg rather than 2.1kg.
Other notable changes are also seen on the 14in MacBook Pro. Both MacBooks include a ‘Notch’ at the top of the screen – this is how Apple has been able to reduce the size of the bezel at the top of the MacBook and fit in a larger display. The Notch is where the camera sits – it doesn’t house Face ID capabilities, unfortunately. Apple has engineered the menu around the notch, so it shouldn’t feel like it impacts too much, but there are bound to be those that hate it.
The keyboard has also changed. Most notably Apple has removed the Touch Bar (is that a cheer we hear?) In the keynote Apple pretty much admitted that the Touch Bar didn’t suit creative pros – it seems that Apple is still listening to pros as it said it would a few years ago when it admitted it had messed up with the Mac Pro. Apple describes how Physical function keys and a wider escape key replace the Touch Bar, “bringing back the familiar, tactile feel of mechanical keys that pro users love.”
Another change can be seen on the sides of the MacBook Pro. Over the past few years we have seen Apple remove port after port in an attempt to slim down the MacBook Pro, but this time the company is adding more ports.
Yes, Apple has finally recognized that ports might be more important to people than a slim laptop!
The ports include three Thunderbolt 4 ports, the return of the SDXC card slot and HDMI port and an improved headphone jack that supports high-impedance headphones.
If you are wondering where your fourth Thunderbolt port is, fear not: we also see the return of MagSafe for charging. MagSafe 3 supports more power and means that you will be able to fast charge the Mac – up to 50 percent in just 30 minutes, according to Apple.
The new MacBook Pro models will also offer Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
16in MacBook Pro: Camera & Audio
Some will see the notch and assume it conceals a Face ID camera. It doesn’t. The notch does include a 1080p FaceTime HD camera like that found in the M1 iMac launched earlier in 2021. And about time too!
The new camera offers double the resolution of the predecessor and should lead to improved low-light performance. The camera system also works with the image signal processor (ISP) and Neural Engine of M1 Pro and M1 Max to enhance video quality.
Apple has also improved the audio capabilities of the MacBook Pro with studio-quality mics that offer a lower noise floor and should reduce thermal noise and result in clearer calls and better recordings.
There is a six-speaker, high-fidelity sound system with two tweeters and four force-cancelling woofers. Apple claims 80 percent more bass. The sound system also supports spatial audio for a “three-dimensional listening experience”.
That’s all for now, but why not read the rumours and judge how far off the mark they were.
The rumours…
Back in November 2019, the largest MacBook Pro gained a new design with a larger screen, but other than the outward redesign the 16in MacBook Pro kept the components of the 15in model from June 2019. Almost two years on (or more than two years on depending on how you look at it) it’s high time for the 16in MacBook Pro to get an update, but what can we expect, and when?
In this article we’ll look at the rumours about the 2021 16in MacBook’s Apple-made processor and graphics options, talk of a redesign – and reports that the MagSafe charger will be making a comeback, while the Touch Bar makes a departure.
Wondering whether to buy a MacBook Pro now? Read: 16in MacBook Pro: buy now or wait for the new model?
16in MacBook Pro: Release date
It seems that Apple will be updating the 16in MacBook Pro and its smaller sibling (discussed here: New 14in MacBook Pro launch) in the autumn of 2021. We think that the update will arrive at the Apple event on 18 October.
The 16in MacBook Pro certainly looks like it will be updated soon: As of 11 October we noticed that stocks are very low for the 16in MacBook Pro. If you attempt to buy an 16in MacBook Pro on the UK Apple Store there is a six to eight week delivery time for the 2.6GHz 6-core model, and a three week delay for the 2.3GHz 8-core model. Read more here: 16in MacBooks sell out: New Macs coming soon. Low stock on any model does tend to suggest that Apple is getting ready to launch a replacement.
There is other evidence that the MacBook Pro revision is coming sooner rather than later: Code in the seventh beta of macOS Monterey includes two new screen resolutions, suggesting that Apple is readying the operating system to adapt to two new displays.
Plus, a new MacBook Pro was spotted in a Chinese regulatory database. The listing had been published back in April, suggesting that Apple was gearing up to release the new Mac in the summer.
A lot of Apple pundits also expect an update soon. In the Power On newsletter, that arrived the weekend before Apple’s iPhone 13 event, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman revealed that MacBook Pro models with mini-LED displays and M1X processors could hit store shelves “within weeks”.
On Twitter Gurman elaborated further saying that he expects the new MacBook Pro (and a new iPad mini) to be unveiled at an second Apple event.
There will be two events, and I’d expect the latter to be Mac + iPad. iPhone/Watch Tuesday. https://t.co/xfAjhUkigC
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) September 12, 2021
Twitter account Dylandkt has also claimed that the new MacBook Pro, in both 14in and 16in sizes, will “definitely” be launched during the fourth quarter of the year, probably in late October or early November.
Macbook Pro 14 and 16 are definitely coming Q4 of 2021. Either late October or early November.
— Dylan (@dylandkt) June 17, 2021
Was the 16in MacBook Pro delayed?
Given the fact that the current 16in MacBook Pro is now two years old – and the components inside even older – it certainly looks like the new version of the pro version of the MacBook is delayed.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman’s said in May 2021 that, according to his sources, an updated MacBook Pro would launch this summer. Read more in: Apple to overhaul entire Mac line up – Bloomberg.
Even earlier in the year, Gurman had tweeted:
New story: For new high-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros, Apple indeed plans return of MagSafe, the end of the Touch Bar (finally), brighter screens, minor design changes, next-gen M-series chips and more. Launch around mid-2021. https://t.co/eL3r06oexW
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) January 15, 2021
There was no new MacBook Pro in the summer of 2021, but this doesn’t mean that Apple never intended to launch the new MacBook Pro at WWDC in June – that would have been the perfect setting for such a launch.
It seems likely that the new MacBook Pro was delayed due to component shortages that have been plaguing the whole industry. Indeed reports started to appear around that time suggested that the MacBook Pro launches might not happen until later in 2021 because of these component supply problems.
According to Asian newspaper the Nikkei, global component shortages mean Apple’s MacBook Pro is delayed. Some components that should have been available before the summer are now not expected to be delivered until the autumn.
This shortage of chips is said to have led to difficulties getting the circuits mounted on the motherboard on the MacBook model, according to Nikkei.
In early September 2021 DigiTimes also suggested that “Chip shortages may deter rollout of upcoming MacBook Pros”. The main problem with that report is that DigiTimes indicates that the launch of Apple’s new MacBook Pros will be “scheduled in October or even November, instead of the usual September”. Mac launches are almost always during October or November (or at any other time of the year), but never in September.
It’s not only the global component shortages that have delayed things. The usually accurate analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has been saying since 2020 that the MacBook Pro is being held up by coronavirus-related delays affecting a new screen technology Apple is using (more on mini-LED below). Kuo reiterated this in January 2021, and again in February 2021, in notes to investors where he said that the new MacBook Pro models won’t launch until the third quarter of 2021.
Kuo suggests that shortages in the mini-LED panels that Apple wants to use for the new MacBooks are one reason for the delay, but it’s not only mini-LED panels that are facing delays.
However, things do appear to be looking up now: Back in July 2021, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed in an investor report that production of the new 14in and 16in MacBook Pro was on track to commence in the third quarter of the year – between July and September 2021.
16in MacBook Pro: Price
Twitter technology leaker Dylandkt has claimed that the new 14in MacBook Pro will have a higher price than its predecessor. Does this mean that the 16in MacBook Pro will also have a higher price? We hope not as it’s price is already high compared to the other models.
Apple may up prices in line with the rising costs for components in the global component shortages, though. The companies suppliers are said to be increasing costs and Apple may pass these onto consumers. Read: Price hike coming for new iPhones, iPads and MacBooks.
Here’s how the product pricing lines up right now for the MacBook Pro models Apple is expected to update:
- 2.0GHz Quad-Core i5, 512GB, 16GB 3733MHz LPDDR4X RAM, Intel Iris Plus Graphics, (was 2.4GHz Quad-Core, Turbo Boost 4.1GHz, 8GB 2133MHz LPDDR3, 256GB): £1,799/$1,799
- 2.0GHz Quad-Core i5, 1TB, 16GB 3733MHz LPDDR4X RAM, Intel Iris Plus Graphics, (was 2.4GHz Quad-Core, Turbo Boost 4.1GHz, 8GB 2133MHz LPDDR3 RAM, 512GB): £1,999/$1,999
- 16in 2.6GHz 6-core i7, AMD Radeon Pro 5300M with 4GB of GDDR6 memory, 16GB 2666MHz DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD: £2,399/$2,399
- 16in 2.3GHz 8-core i9, AMD Radeon Pro 5500M with 4GB of GDDR6 memory, 16GB 2666MHz DDR4 RAM, 1TB SSD: £2,799/$2,799
16in MacBook Pro: New specs
What can we expect from the 16in MacBook Pro update when it does arrive? The most obvious improvement will be the inclusion of Apple Silicon – either the M1X Chip, or perhaps an M2 Chip. We can expect a few more new features and changes as well.
New Apple processor: M1X
The two entry-level 13in MacBook Pro models ditched Intel for Apple’s own processor line in November 2020 along with the MacBook Air and Mac mini. The same processor has since made its way into the iMac – a new 24in model that Apple launched in April 2021.
The benchmarks for these M1 processors are impressive, but those who use more processor-intensive apps will no doubt be anticipating that something amazing is in the pipeline, and of that we are certain.
The 16in MacBook Pro has always been targeted at high-end use, with creative pros being the group most likely to be impatiently awaiting the launch of a new, Apple powered machine. What can we expect from the successor to the M1 that will almost definitely feature in this new MacBook Pro?
There are rumours indicating that Apple could be working on an M1X Chip or an M2 chip. What exactly will these chips offer?
LeaksApplePro tweeted in November 2020 about a 12-core chip for the 16in MacBook Pro.
Apple M1X: -12 Cores. – 8 performance cores. – 4 high efficiency cores. – Coming first on a MacBook Pro 16” unveiling as a press release. – According to a source who used a prototype, “if you think M1 is fast, you haven’t seen M1X”. -Name isn’t final though. pic.twitter.com/tpBhXpDCad
— LeaksApplePro🎄 (@LeaksApplePro) November 22, 2020
While a Bloomberg report in December 2020 indicated that: “For its next-generation chip targeting MacBook Pro and iMac models, Apple is working on designs with as many as 16 power cores and four efficiency cores.”
And another Bloomberg report in May 2021 suggested that the new MacBook Pro will offer “processors designed in-house that will greatly outpace the performance and capabilities of the current M1 chips.”
That latter report indicates that these more powerful iterations of the M-series chips will have “more graphics and computing cores”.
Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman’s sources claim that there will be two different chips for the 14in and 16in MacBook Pro models. These are codenamed Jade C-Chop and Jade C-Die.
Both chips will offer eight high-performance cores and two energy-efficient cores – bringing a total of 10, according to that report. Read more here: Apple to overhaul entire Mac line up – Bloomberg.
The question is will the new processor in the 16in MacBook Pro be an M1X or M2? According to a surprisingly accurate, but not so well known, Apple leaker, it’s the M1X we should be expecting.
Dylan suggested in April 2021 that the M1X will be the chip that Apple will use:
M1X is an extension of the M1 that will contain more thunderbolt channels, more cpu cores, more gpu cores, and greater power draw. The M1X will be featured in the Higher end Mac Mini, the Macbook Pro 14 and 16, and a higher end iMac.
— Dylan (@dylandkt) April 30, 2021
He then went on to confirm that:
The M1X is slated for a Q4 2021 release The M2 is slated for a Q1 2022 release alongside the 2022 MacBook Air
— Dylan (@dylandkt) April 25, 2021
Dylan correctly predicted that the 24in iMac would use an M1 chip when many were anticipating an M1X chip for that machine.
Apple graphics
The graphics capabilities are another area where these MacBook Pro will need to improve if they are to be considered truly Pro.
The current M1 Macs are beating the Intel integrated graphics in tests, but they are generally being left behind by the discrete graphics used in the 16in MacBook Pro (and the 27in iMac for that matter).
Currently, the 16in MacBook Pro offers the AMD Radeon Pro 5300M or 5500M with 4GB RAM or the AMD Radeon Pro 5600M with 8GB RAM. Many will be concerned that the new Silicon 16in MacBook Pro will lack discrete graphics and will be less appropriate for high-end use as a result of that.
Hopefully, there is no need for concern. Reports suggest that Apple is working on a 16-core graphics solution for the successor to the M1.
In the May Bloomberg report, Gurman indicates that there will be either 16 or 32 graphics core variations for the new MacBook Pro – compared to and seven or eight graphics cores for the M1.
When it announced the plans to move to ARM-based processors, Apple also sought to put minds at rest regarding graphics: in a developer document it said “Don’t assume a discrete GPU means better performance,” and “The integrated GPU in Apple processors is optimised for high-performance graphics tasks.” Read this for more information about Apple’s graphics plans: Details of Apple’s Silicon graphics.
As we discuss in our Apple vs Intel article, Apple is setting expectations high – claiming that we can expect “higher performance GPUs” inside the new Apple Silicon Macs. It is entirely possible that Apple will be able to achieve its promise: Apple uses Tile Based Deferred Rendering (TBDR) rather than the Immediate Mode Rendering (IMR) as used by Intel, Nvidia and AMD GPUs and there are a number of benefits to this.
You might also like to read: Apple’s plans for the Mac Pro.
RAM updates
The current M1 Macs ship with 8GB RAM as standard and can be upgraded to 16GB RAM at point of sale. For many creative pros, 8GB or even 16GB doesn’t sound like enough RAM and this has been an area of concern.
However, maybe this shouldn’t be a concern: the 8GB RAM on the M1 isn’t the same as 8GB RAM with an Intel Mac. This is because it is integrated into the M1 chip, alongside the processor and the graphics, which means that tasks don’t need to be shunted around as much. Read more about Apple’s Unified Memory Architecture.
Regardless of whether or not the amount of RAM matters (it probably does), there are reports claiming that the 16in MacBook Pro will be able to offer 32GB RAM, at least as a build to order option. It’s not clear if this will only be an option for the 16in model though.
I think there will be 4 variants of the M1X chip for 14,16″ MacBook Pro and Mac mini. Think of it like a grid, combining either 16/32gb of RAM and 16/32 GPU cores. Full explanation in my latest video! https://t.co/dQzpOFqJaG pic.twitter.com/fwzQO3uWwV
— Luke Miani (@LukeMiani) August 27, 2021
We can probably expect to see 16GB as standard for the new 16in MacBook Pro, but the way that RAM is allocated will be different, so it is less likely that the new MacBook Pro will have separate graphics memory.
According to the leaker Dylandkt in a 12 October tweet, both the 14in and 16in MacBook Pro will boast 16GB RAM as standard.
As for whether a new Silicon MacBook Pro could support 64GB RAM, like the current model, we don’t know but right now it seems unlikely.
SSD
According to the leaker Dylan, both sizes will boast 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage as standard. The standard model of the current MacBook Pro with M1 chip ships with 256GB SSD. If you want the 512GB model then it costs an extra £200/$200.
MacBook Pro 14 and 16: Mini Led displays Smaller bezels with no bottom logo 1080p webcam Base models will have 16gb of ram and 512gb of storage Base M1X is the same configuration for both models Pricing will be similar between 14 and 16 inch New charging brick
— Dylan (@dylandkt) October 12, 2021
Wi-Fi 6
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) as a Wi-Fi standard is still in its infancy, but it is starting to arrive – and it features on the new 13in MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models.
It seems a safe bet to expect that it will be available on the new 16in MacBook Pro.
For more information about Apple’s plans for the coming months, read our guide to the New Apple products coming in 2021.
16in MacBook Pro: Screen
The smaller MacBook Pro model is reportedly getting a larger 14in screen, made possible by reducing bezels rather than enlarging the case. The 16in MacBook Pro isn’t likely to get an even bigger screen, although there may be some design differences compared to the current generation – it may lose the MacBook Pro logo for example.
Even with there being no change to screen size, it seems as if the resolution and screen quality will improve.
Screen resolution
When macOS Monterey beta 7 arrived on 22 September 2021 it included reference to two new screen sizes in the code.
Among the list of supported screen resolutions are two entries that do not currently correspond to any Mac. These are 3,456 × 2,234 Retina and 3,024 × 1,964 Retina. The current 16in MacBook Pro has 3,072 × 1,920 pixels, so it certainly looks like there will be a much higher pixel density. Indeed, the new densities could rise to 250ppi, equivalent to 2x retina.
The other resolution is likely to represent the 13in MacBook Pro, which is currently just 2,560 × 1,600.
Steve Moser (who writes for MacRumors) tweeted the below:
Found these resolutions in the latest macOS beta. Hopefully this means future MBPs will ship with a native 2x Retina resolution instead of a scaled resolution. https://t.co/3PrFMDarC9
— Steve Moser (@SteveMoser) September 24, 2021
Mini-LED screen
The quality of the new displays might be better than previously due to Apple’s use of a new screen technology.
Back in 2020 analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested that a new 16in MBP would not arrive until 2021 because Apple wanted to adopt mini-LED screen panels for its Macs – and these mini-LED screens have been suffering from COVID-related delays.
These new mini-LED panels offer a rich wide colour gamut as well as better colour reproduction, deeper blacks, higher contrast and greater dynamic range than is possible with the conventional LED screens currently offered. Mini-LED should also result in thinner, more power-efficient panels that don’t suffer from burn-in (which is an issue with OLED).
According to Kuo, the mini LED screens being used for the MacBook Pro will have slightly flatter edges – like the iPad Pro and the iPhone 12 models.
In a tweet on 12 October Apple leaker Dylandkt indicated that the new MacBook Pro will feature mini LED displays – the same display technology used for the 12.9in iPad Pro.
MacBook Pro 14 and 16: Mini Led displays Smaller bezels with no bottom logo 1080p webcam Base models will have 16gb of ram and 512gb of storage Base M1X is the same configuration for both models Pricing will be similar between 14 and 16 inch New charging brick
— Dylan (@dylandkt) October 12, 2021
On the same day Ross Young, an analyst at Display Supply Chain Consultants, wrote on Twitter that the new MacBook Pro is getting a mini-LED backlit screen – and that this is “100% confirmed”.
Panel suppliers are the same between the iPad Pro’s and MacBook Pro’s – LG Display and Sharp. Expecting similar technology – oxide backplanes, miniLED backlights and 120Hz refresh rates. MiniLEDs, 100% confirmed.
— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) October 12, 2021
Whether the frame rate rises to 120Hz, as with the Pro models of the iPhone 13, is unknown. But Young expects that the new MacBook Pro models will get a 120Hz screen refresh rate.
A report from Ming-Chi Kuo in August 2021 reiterated his belief that the new MacBook Pro models will feature mini-LED screens and he claimed that the addition of the tech to the new MacBook Pro will lead to a major breakthrough for mini-LED in general, which could eventually lead to a significant reduction in the price of the backlighting tech.
FaceTime Camera
Apple really needs to up its game with this camera, something that has become very apparent in this age of video conferencing.
The MacBook Pro still offers a shockingly poor 720p camera. The M1 iMac by contract offers a 1080p FaceTime HD camera that uses the M1 image signal processor for an even better image.
Twitter leaker Dylandkt tweeted the following in July 2021:
I know a lot people are referencing Linus’s video (which is a great video by the way) but it’s good to note that the upcoming MacBook Pro will actually be getting an updated improved 1080p webcam for the next model and so will the entire Mac lineup.
— Dylan (@dylandkt) July 10, 2021
Face ID?
We’d also like to see the TrueDepth camera appear on the MacBook range, enabling Face ID on the Mac. It looks like we might indeed get Face ID on the Mac – the Big Sur beta contains code that hints that the TrueDepth camera is coming to the Mac.
Another revelation in a Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter (discussed here: Apple plans to bring Face ID to every device) Apple’s Face ID will come to the Mac within a couple of years. In fact, Gurman believes Apple’s long-term goal is to provide Face ID on all Apple products.
16in MacBook Pro: Design changes
Alongside the better display and the changes on the inside, what might we see change on the outside?
No Touch Bar
According to the January 2021 investor note from Ming-Chi Kuo Apple is removing the Touch Bar from the new MacBook Pro. The physical function buttons will be restored. Read: MagSafe in and Touch Bar out for new iPhone-like MacBook Pro.
Kuo went on to reiterate this claim in an investor note in February 2021, so it looks like the Touch Bar’s days are numbered.
Analysts at Display Supply Chain Consultants in a July 2021 report also predict that Apple will “cancel the Touch Bar”. More here: Touch Bar ‘dropped from next MacBook Pro’.
Alternatively, the new model could include an updated Touch Bar. Read: Apple Patents Force Touch for MacBook Pro Touch Bar.
Read Will anyone miss the Touch Bar?
MagSafe
As you can see from the above link, the return of MagSafe is also predicted for the new MacBook Pro. Both Kuo and a January 2021 Bloomberg report state that Apple will be restoring the MagSafe charging connector, which was popular with people who didn’t want their Mac to crash to the ground when they tripped over the power cable. Find out more about MagSafe here: What is MagSafe?
Kuo also suggests that we could see the return of other ports including the SD card slot and the HDMI port. Read more here: Apple will correct old mistakes with new MacBook Pro models.
Author: Karen Haslam, Editor
Macworld editor since 2008, Karen has worked on both sides of the Apple divide, clocking up a number of years at Apple's PR agency prior to joining Macworld almost two decades ago.
Karen's career highlights include interviewing Apple's Steve Wozniak and discussing Steve Jobs’ legacy on the BBC. Her focus is Mac, but she lives and breathes Apple.