Apple's unreleased 'A2159' MacBook Pro model approved by US FCC

Posted:
in Future Apple Hardware edited June 2020
A model number for an unreleased MacBook Pro has surfaced via the Federal Communications Commission, a discovery that could be a sign Apple is preparing to ship new models in the product line in the near future, including a potential rumored 16-inch MacBook Pro.

The 15-inch MacBook Pro
The 15-inch MacBook Pro


A search of FCC filings unearthed the model number A2159, registered to Apple Inc in reference to a "Laptop Computer." The model number matches one of seven models unearthed in mid-June at the Eurasian Economic Commission, which strongly indicates it is for the same device.

The full list of seven models from the EEC registry was A2141, A2147, A2158, A2179, A2182, A2251, and the resurfaced A2159. At that time, the models were all described as being for "portable" computers.

At this time, the FCC listing only exists for the A2159 model number, while the rest are not accessible by the public. It is likely that the other six will become visible in the future as the launch time nears.

In the case of supporting documents for the A2159, a cover letter advises it is for a MacBook Pro, but not what size or specifications it will be.

A document showing where the regulatory information on the A2159 MacBook Pro would be located
A document showing where the regulatory information on the A2159 MacBook Pro would be located


While there is no mention of size, measuring the dimensions of elements in an illustration of where the regulatory information would be placed suggests it is for a 13-inch MacBook Pro, based on the size of the feet and the position of the vent in relation to the rear of the case.

Though the existence of the model numbers does not directly advise of the kind of models Apple has planned for release, nor when they will launch, they do indicate that there are new models on the way. Aside from the 13-inch model, it is plausible other sizes of MacBook Pro, or the MacBook or MacBook Air could see some refreshes.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro with Function Keys has not received an update since 2017, making it two years since it was last updated. It is unknown if the model number revealed at the FCC is for that model in particular or for the Touch Bar version.

If it is for the Function Key-equipped model, it is likely to receive an upgrade from a 7th-generation dual-core Intel processor to an 8th or 9th-generation version. In May, Apple updated the 13-inch Touch Bar and 15-inch models with new processors.

One well-rumored candidate is a 16-inch MacBook Pro, which in reports has been tipped to have Samsung as a supplier of OLED panels, while another claims it will use a TFT screen with a resolution of 3072 by 1920 pixels. Current speculation is that it will be unveiled during the usual September iPhone launch event.

Update: The FCC has now taken the listing down.

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 19
    DuhSesameDuhSesame Posts: 1,278member
    Where’s ARM?
    williamlondon
  • Reply 2 of 19
    lkrupplkrupp Posts: 10,557member
    The problem with rumors is that when they don’t come about people go into hate mode. Then the rumor mill starts anew with rumors about why the original rumor did not come to pass. Then come the “fire Cook” recriminations and the “Steve would never have allowed this”. The truth, though, is that it was all bullshit from start to finish. Lather, rinse, repeat. So if the rumored 16 inch MacBook Pro doesn’t materialize I expect the uproar to be loud and hateful. Tech blog denizens are so predictable.
    edited July 2019 berndogmacseekermwhiteAppleExposedRayz2016welshdogwilliamlondon
  • Reply 3 of 19
    wood1208wood1208 Posts: 2,905member
    Rumor may points to Fall 2019 roll out of Macbook Pros with Intel's 10nm and 14+++nm souped up CPU/GPU,WiFi 6,LPDDR4,lower TDP, longer battery,improved keyboard,etc. But, you never know until Apple announces.
  • Reply 4 of 19
    fastasleepfastasleep Posts: 6,408member
    DuhSesame said:
    Where’s ARM?
    Why do you think it’s going to come in the form of a Mac before there’s at least an announcement of the transition at WWDC first? Not going to happen.
    entropysmacplusplusFileMakerFellerchiawilliamlondon
  • Reply 5 of 19
    entropysentropys Posts: 4,152member
    I hope it is updated non Touch Bar version.  The current one is two years old.

    touch bar: the Segway of laptop features.
  • Reply 6 of 19
    mknelsonmknelson Posts: 1,120member
    entropys said:
    I hope it is updated non Touch Bar version.  The current one is two years old.

    touch bar: the Segway of laptop features.
    The 13"… true, but I don't think that would warrant a new model number.
  • Reply 7 of 19
    mobirdmobird Posts: 752member
    Another "Designed by Jony in Hawaii".  ;)
    edited July 2019
  • Reply 8 of 19
    I, for one, am waiting for the G5 PowerBook
    chasmFileMakerFellertadd
  • Reply 9 of 19
    chasmchasm Posts: 3,275member
    DuhSesame said:
    Where’s ARM?
    Not in a MacBook Pro for a very long time yet. WWDC next year *might* see an ARM MacBook (not Pro). Not sure how you would think this would be an ARM MBP unless you just haven't been paying attention.

    As for the rumour of a 16-inch model ... I would note that this would be entirely doable in the existing 15-inch form factor by simply decreasing the bezels, so those expecting a completely new design are very likely to be as off the mark as DuhSesame is about ARM-based MacBook Pros.
  • Reply 10 of 19
    iqatedoiqatedo Posts: 1,822member

    ... Current speculation is that it will be unveiled during the usual September iPhone launch event.

    Update: The FCC has now taken the listing down.
    I'm in need of a new system and given my circumstances, a MacBook Pro would be the way to go (over a desktop system). I value screen realestate though when available, is anyone here willing to comment on their experiences with external monitors and models? September is a while off yet though just for an announcement and then a further wait for deliveries to start, might need to rent a current unit for 6 months.

    I was recently in receipt of a current model 15" MB Pro and quite liked the Touch Bar, guess its a polarising issue.
  • Reply 11 of 19
    mattinozmattinoz Posts: 2,299member
    DuhSesame said:
    Where’s ARM?
    T3 not enough for you?
  • Reply 12 of 19
    fastasleepfastasleep Posts: 6,408member
    iqatedo said:

    ... Current speculation is that it will be unveiled during the usual September iPhone launch event.

    Update: The FCC has now taken the listing down.
    I'm in need of a new system and given my circumstances, a MacBook Pro would be the way to go (over a desktop system). I value screen realestate though when available, is anyone here willing to comment on their experiences with external monitors and models? September is a while off yet though just for an announcement and then a further wait for deliveries to start, might need to rent a current unit for 6 months.

    I was recently in receipt of a current model 15" MB Pro and quite liked the Touch Bar, guess its a polarising issue.
    What about them? There are tons of monitors out there. I personally will stick with my 30" ACDs at home and office (positioned vertically above my 2018 15" MBP) until Apple releases something replace it (not the XDR). :)  You can hook two 5K displays or four 4K displays to this thing if you want.
    edited July 2019
  • Reply 13 of 19
    MisterKitMisterKit Posts: 492member
    The nice thing about new models is that the price drops on used older models.
  • Reply 14 of 19
    alexonlinealexonline Posts: 241member
    DuhSesame said:
    Where’s ARM?
    Connected to your SHOULDER
  • Reply 15 of 19
    DuhSesameDuhSesame Posts: 1,278member
    DuhSesame said:
    Where’s ARM?
    Connected to your SHOULDER
    Ha, Ha...
  • Reply 16 of 19
    DuhSesameDuhSesame Posts: 1,278member
    DuhSesame said:
    Where’s ARM?
    Why do you think it’s going to come in the form of a Mac before there’s at least an announcement of the transition at WWDC first? Not going to happen.
    Well, that's the point.
  • Reply 17 of 19
    DuhSesameDuhSesame Posts: 1,278member
    chasm said:
    DuhSesame said:
    Where’s ARM?
    Not in a MacBook Pro for a very long time yet. WWDC next year *might* see an ARM MacBook (not Pro). Not sure how you would think this would be an ARM MBP unless you just haven't been paying attention.

    As for the rumour of a 16-inch model ... I would note that this would be entirely doable in the existing 15-inch form factor by simply decreasing the bezels, so those expecting a completely new design are very likely to be as off the mark as DuhSesame is about ARM-based MacBook Pros.
    Increasing in size may or may not help the cooling, but I hoped for the best that the Pro Workflow team will take care of it.
  • Reply 18 of 19
    MKbranding.comMKbranding.com Posts: 1unconfirmed, member
    OK, so I'm in a friggin time machine since this happened to me once before: the same thing happened in 2006 - Apple announced it would come out with a 17" Macbook Pro version. It went on and on and on and I really needed a new laptop, so finally I said: I can't wait any longer and I bought the 15" - a week later the 17" came out. Eversince then I do not love Apple anymore - I tolerate them. Guess what: I really really need a new laptop and I am friggin waiting for the friggin 16" because I hope Apple will finally figure out a TOUCHSCREEN
  • Reply 19 of 19
    fastasleepfastasleep Posts: 6,408member
    OK, so I'm in a friggin time machine since this happened to me once before: the same thing happened in 2006 - Apple announced it would come out with a 17" Macbook Pro version. It went on and on and on and I really needed a new laptop, so finally I said: I can't wait any longer and I bought the 15" - a week later the 17" came out. Eversince then I do not love Apple anymore - I tolerate them. Guess what: I really really need a new laptop and I am friggin waiting for the friggin 16" because I hope Apple will finally figure out a TOUCHSCREEN
    It's absolutely not going to have a touch screen. Also, Apple hasn't announced anything yet.
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