Apple is expected to launch new MacBook Pro 2021 laptops with Apple Silicon processors this year, which could include both 14-inch and 16-inch models.
This is hardly a surprise following the launch of the MacBook Air M1, as Apple looks to continue its transition away from Intel chips. But with the 16-inch Pro catering to a more performance-focused audience, Apple is looking to launch an even more powerful Apple Silicon chip.
Renowned Apple leaker @LeaksApplePro has claimed the MacBook Pro 2021 will feature a new Apple M1X chip with 12 cores (made up of 8 performance cores and 4 high efficiency cores). The leaker also cited a source as saying, “If you think M1 is fast, you haven’t seen M1X”.
Somewhat contradictory, Bloomberg has claimed future MacBook Pro laptops could feature Apple Silicon processors with “as many as 16 power cores and four efficiency cores” although did clarify that only 8 or 12 of those performance cores may be enabled.
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
But when will the laptop be available to buy? A report from IThome claims that both a 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro could launch at end of the second or third quarter of 2021. It also suggests that these new laptops could feature mini LED displays, which have been rumoured for a long time.
Reliable leaker @L0vetodream has hinted at the possibility of new Intel-powered MacBook Pro laptops benefiting from the mini LED upgrade, which would suggest Apple won’t be entirely phasing out Intel configurations just yet.
For everything else we know about the upcoming Apple MacBook Pro 2021 keep scrolling down, and make sure this page is bookmarked for future updates.
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Apple MacBook Pro 2021 release date – When will it launch?
The MacBook Pro 2021 is widely expected to arrive in either the second or third quarter of the year.
This information comes courtesy of trustworthy Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (via Mac Rumours), who was correct in predicting that the MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro would be the first laptops to feature Apple Silicon.
Apple MacBook Pro 2021 price – How much will it cost?
There’s been no indication of price so far, but it’s possible Apple will stick to the same price point as the preceding Intel model, as it did with the Apple Silicon MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro.
The existing 16-inch MacBook Pro has a £2399 starting price, although we’ve no idea how much Apple will charge for the rumoured 14-inch MacBook Pro.
16-inch MacBook Pro 2019
Apple MacBook Pro 2021 specs – How powerful will it be?
The one thing we know regarding the MacBook Pro 2021 specs is that it will feature Apple Silicon. Twitter account LeaksApplePro suggests this new chip could be called ‘M1X’ although did clarify that the name is not final.
A report from Bloomberg claims this new MacBook Pro chip could feature up to 16 power cores and four efficiency cores, as Apple aims to outperform Intel’s fastest processors. Bloomberg also reports that “Apple is testing 16-core and 32-core graphics parts” which is a substantial increase from the 8-core GPU found in the existing Apple M1 chip. All of the signs point towards Apple launching one of the more powerful laptops on the market,
However, trustworthy leaker @L0vetodream has suggested Apple will still be selling Intel models of the upcoming MacBook Pro laptops. We’re not sure whether those Intel models will be entry-level or high-end configurations, but it’s very interesting to hear Apple isn’t ready to ditch Intel entirely for the MacBook Pro range.
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Apple MacBook Pro 2021 design – How will it look?
The most consistent and exciting rumour for the MacBook Pro 2021 is the inclusion of a mini LED display, which will potentially offer superior contrast, wide colour gamut performance and HDR compared to existing Apple laptop displays.
We also expect Apple to retain the super-skinny bezel that was introduced in the 2019 model, as well as the scissor-switch keyboard that represents a massive improvement on the previous Butterfly switches.
There are also rumours indicating the launch of a new 14-inch MacBook Pro, which would be great for creative professionals who like to work on the go. Maybe Apple will even be able to reduce the heft of the 16-inch model, although we’re not very hopeful of that.
Keep this page bookmarked for future updates on the MacBook Pro 2021.