MagSafe return & better displays in 2021 MacBook Pro backed in new report
A second report about forthcoming 2021 Apple Silicon MacBook Pro models echoes claims that they will include the return of MagSafe charging, and have better displays versus the 2020 counterparts.
Following analyst Ming-Chi Kuo's claim that Apple will re-introduce MagSafe magnetic charging to two new MacBook Pro models, a separate source is confirming the same details. Specifically, the unnamed source says that there will be a 14-inch MacBook Pro and a 16-inch MacBook Pro with the feature.
According to Bloomberg, a person with knowledge of the plans has confirmed the return of MagSafe, plus the introduction of faster processors, and new displays. This source also claims that the Touch Bar may be removed.
The Bloomberg report is near-identical to the latest Ming-Chi Kuo one. It does, however, add the detail that the new 14-inch MacBook Pro is currently codenamed J314, and the 16-inch is J316.
It also claims that as well as the change to a 14-inch screen for the smaller MacBook Pro, both models will feature new displays that will be brighter, and feature higher contrast. This fits with a previous Kuo report that says the two models will feature mini LED.
Kuo's latest report also says that the new models will feature redesigned chassis. This would mark the first exterior change since 2016, when Apple both introduced the maligned Touch Bar, and dropped MagSafe.
Following analyst Ming-Chi Kuo's claim that Apple will re-introduce MagSafe magnetic charging to two new MacBook Pro models, a separate source is confirming the same details. Specifically, the unnamed source says that there will be a 14-inch MacBook Pro and a 16-inch MacBook Pro with the feature.
According to Bloomberg, a person with knowledge of the plans has confirmed the return of MagSafe, plus the introduction of faster processors, and new displays. This source also claims that the Touch Bar may be removed.
The Bloomberg report is near-identical to the latest Ming-Chi Kuo one. It does, however, add the detail that the new 14-inch MacBook Pro is currently codenamed J314, and the 16-inch is J316.
It also claims that as well as the change to a 14-inch screen for the smaller MacBook Pro, both models will feature new displays that will be brighter, and feature higher contrast. This fits with a previous Kuo report that says the two models will feature mini LED.
Kuo's latest report also says that the new models will feature redesigned chassis. This would mark the first exterior change since 2016, when Apple both introduced the maligned Touch Bar, and dropped MagSafe.
Comments
but seriously, MagSafe coming back is pretty cool. I’m betting that it’s going to be more like the wireless tech in the watch & phones, and there won’t be a physical plug-in with contacts. But maybe there’s not enough room for that in such a small connector yet?
One problem “discovered” by my girlfriend is how the volume control could cause hearing damage when wearing headphones: because of how unexpectedly quickly the volume could be raised to maximum (like instantly).
Then there was the escape key, which Apple did finally relented on. Also the need for first touch to make the controls appear.
Then the idiotic method of editing the bar: how many people think the mouse pointer could possibly be relevant to the touchbar?? The instructions literally made no sense because they didn’t say “yes, the mouse pointer can go down to the Touch Bar”.
Etc.
It’s something that should have been *in addition* to the function key row, not replacing it. There’s room for both. Physical controls should not be eliminated at all costs, and Apple culture seems to still be convinced of this arbitrary mission (looking at you, iPhone/iPad).
MagSafe is awesome and needs to make a comeback.
I prefer 4x Thunderbolt ports.
The M1 is magical.
Personally, there is nothing I do that the Touch Bar does better than the existing on-screen tools. Those on-screen tools (Tool Bars, dialogue boxes etc) are not going to go away because so many Macs (all iMacs, for example) don't have Touch Bars. The only "good" bit is the excellent Touch ID button (the physical bit!).
Trade the Touch Bar for MagSafe: great idea.
At present, I don't miss having physical function keys, but I also don't use the Touch Bar for much. There's a lot of potential there, but it doesn't seem to have been realised.
MagSafe? Do we know which format it will be? I mean, I kind of like the approach of just plugging in a USB-C charger of the appropriate power, rather than a proprietary connector. Although, if they kept USB-C charging, and added Qi-Based MagSafe, that could be interesting. I'm just not sure it's practical.
720p does seem a bit archaic though.
Hoping for a dedicated charging port. The I/O of the current Macbooks seems to be the only downside right now (bar the aforementioned webcam, but that doesn't bother me nearly as much).