Apple might debut 'MagSafe-like' USB-C adapter with redesigned MacBook Pro line
According to well-informed analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple might launch a USB-C adapter with MagSafe functionality to return easy-on, easy-off functionality to a fully upgraded MacBook lineup, expected for unveiling at next week's "Hello Again" media event.
Kuo in a note to investors obtained by AppleInsider predicts the MagSafe-esque adapter will either be rolled out by Apple or a third-party, citing supply checks and continued customer interest in the venerable breakaway design. Apple began migrating its laptops toward an all-in-one USB-C charging and data transfer solution with the 12-inch MacBook last year, a design shift expected to continue with revamped MacBook Pro models announced on Oct. 27.
In addition to the MagSafe adapter, Kuo predicts Apple's next-generation MacBooks to incorporate processors from Intel's Skylake family. Other notables include a new 2TB SSD storage tier and displays featuring an oxide panel for better image quality and energy efficiency. Screen resolutions should be identical to current-generation models, Kuo says.
The analyst goes on to reiterate past predictions, saying Apple is due to add a 13-inch model to its thin-and-light MacBook lineup. Also on the docket for the "Hello Again" keynote are two redesigned MacBook Pro versions featuring an OLED touch bar with fingerprint sensor, a keyboard with butterfly mechanism keys, Thunderbolt 3 and -- gasp -- a switch to USB-C. New metal injection molded hinges are anticipated for application in all new MacBook iterations.
Kuo also shed a bit more light on the OLED touch bar -- aka "Magic Toolbar" or "Control Strip" -- saying Apple plans to power the component with a sub-processor similar to the one found in Apple Watch. Whether the analyst is referring to the wearable's S2 system-in-package processor or the integrated display controller is unclear.
Finally, today's report notes Apple is working on updates for its all-in-one iMac desktop line, as well as a replacement for the recently discontinued Thunderbolt Display, but those models are due to arrive in the first half of 2017.
Kuo estimates MacBook shipments between 3.8 million to 4 million units in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2016, up 20 to 30 percent quarter-on-quarter but down 5 to 10 percent year-over-year. New MacBooks expected to launch next week will account for 40 to 45 percent of overall shipments during the coming quarter, he says.
Kuo in a note to investors obtained by AppleInsider predicts the MagSafe-esque adapter will either be rolled out by Apple or a third-party, citing supply checks and continued customer interest in the venerable breakaway design. Apple began migrating its laptops toward an all-in-one USB-C charging and data transfer solution with the 12-inch MacBook last year, a design shift expected to continue with revamped MacBook Pro models announced on Oct. 27.
In addition to the MagSafe adapter, Kuo predicts Apple's next-generation MacBooks to incorporate processors from Intel's Skylake family. Other notables include a new 2TB SSD storage tier and displays featuring an oxide panel for better image quality and energy efficiency. Screen resolutions should be identical to current-generation models, Kuo says.
The analyst goes on to reiterate past predictions, saying Apple is due to add a 13-inch model to its thin-and-light MacBook lineup. Also on the docket for the "Hello Again" keynote are two redesigned MacBook Pro versions featuring an OLED touch bar with fingerprint sensor, a keyboard with butterfly mechanism keys, Thunderbolt 3 and -- gasp -- a switch to USB-C. New metal injection molded hinges are anticipated for application in all new MacBook iterations.
Kuo also shed a bit more light on the OLED touch bar -- aka "Magic Toolbar" or "Control Strip" -- saying Apple plans to power the component with a sub-processor similar to the one found in Apple Watch. Whether the analyst is referring to the wearable's S2 system-in-package processor or the integrated display controller is unclear.
Finally, today's report notes Apple is working on updates for its all-in-one iMac desktop line, as well as a replacement for the recently discontinued Thunderbolt Display, but those models are due to arrive in the first half of 2017.
Kuo estimates MacBook shipments between 3.8 million to 4 million units in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2016, up 20 to 30 percent quarter-on-quarter but down 5 to 10 percent year-over-year. New MacBooks expected to launch next week will account for 40 to 45 percent of overall shipments during the coming quarter, he says.
Comments
Only difference I think will be the GPU can be upgraded in the TB3 enclosures, I doubt the new TB3 displays GPU can be upgraded.
One benefit though is that Apple can use it's custom display controller to allow for an external 5k display. Something not possible right now with current display port and HDMI port specs in Thunderbolt 3.
IGZO at last. One more hour of battery life, I'll wager.
if they update the MBA it will be interesting how they market a KabylaKe MBA and a skylake MBP. Aside from performance that is
im also expecting them to add a Lightning port for a 5th option for power and data, not to mention headphones.
You're asking why use USB for power that can be charged with any random USB port, including your car, instead of having an extra USB port for data over having a simple, dedicated MagSafe port that can only be used for power? Is that right?
Isn't Kaby Lake essentially just Skylake with integrated controllers for TB3 and USB3.1? Won't Skylake with separate controller chips provide the same features and performance at the expense of some extra space on the motherboard, or is there something else to it?
We know it can charge the 12inch pro and a small amount of data, we don't know how much power it could handle. I'd think Apple engineers would at least have thought to let it handle USB-c full power specs over time which more than handle the MacBooks and Pro's if they can get a higher enough spec USB-c brick.
Smartconnector when you just want power, USB-c when you want data and power for dock like situations like connecting to a monitor which is going to have a decent power supply built in to feed the laptop.