Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
14-Inch and 16-Inch MacBook Pros: Everything We Know
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I wonder who will be the respective target consumers for the 14” & 16” MBP?
I moved up from 13” to 15” when I realised I was still traveling but much less so.
Having appreciated the larger screen area, enabling the contents of two items to be displayed much more effectively, I can’t envisage going down rather than up.
Maxim: Area beats weight as frequency of travel declines.
Does that foretell boom sales for the 16” ?
I moved up from 13” to 15” when I realised I was still traveling but much less so.
Having appreciated the larger screen area, enabling the contents of two items to be displayed much more effectively, I can’t envisage going down rather than up.
Maxim: Area beats weight as frequency of travel declines.
Does that foretell boom sales for the 16” ?
Hope so, as larger screens let you see more and be more productive. Small screens constantly moving things around. And for those how argue that a 13/14" hooked to an external display is the answer, how about where you're going DOESN'T have an external display for you to plugin to?
17" is better than 16", which is which Apple should bring it back to provide enough difference from the 15"
By now I think it’s pretty obvious in general the market prefers bigger displays on their devices. Apple have reacted with the iPhone and iPad which have trended larger over the years, they’ve followed up with the recent Apple silicon iMac, but they are massively behind with the MacBook lineup still being heavily based around tiny 13.3” models. At this point I feel like that should be their smallest MacBook Air and there should be more 15/16” models and at least one 17/18” MacBook Pro.
And only a a few years ago everyone was screaming that the 17" is "Too big".. The iPhone Plus phones were "Too big" LOL
I dunno about "everyone". I think most people who actually had a 17" probably understood the tradeoff of size and weight.
It's not like they didn't offer a 15", or a 13" for those who wanted a smaller option.
With Apple silicon though I think the size and weight trade off would be very much reduced, 17 inch laptops seem to be having a bit of a renaissance in general now they can be made significantly smaller and lighter than they were c.2010. For a while they were restricted to a handful of gaming machines and a few specialist models, now there’s even 17 inch ultrabooks!
I had a latte-2005 PowerBook g4 17" and it was a good experience.
With an even slimmer border and a thinner and lighter chassis, I would be pretty good.
But maybe 16" would provide a better ratio between transportability and usability.
When it was 13.3, 15.4 and 17 there was an obvious benefit, screen wise. I'd be surprised if they re-introduced a 17" now that they're at 16". Maybe 18 or thereabouts, if they can minimise the wasted space around the panel.
Presumably if they wanted to bring it back they’d increase the 16” to 17(.3)” and the 14” to 15(.4)”, I don’t think three MBP size options will be returning. With Apple silicon the MacBook Air can cover those who want a 13” (and still pretty potent) machine.
My problem with the 14” is it’s just not a meaningful change to what you can do on screen vs a 13.3”. Dell have shown just how compact a 15.0” 16:10 laptop can be, so practically 13” Air, 15” & 17” Pros seems the ideal lineup now Apple Silicon lets you cram quite a bit of power into a MacBook Air anyway.
That's possible too. It still seems quite odd to me that they released the 2 M1 laptops with such very similar specs. Seems like a left-hand/right-hand ****up to me.
MacMediaNet said:
Apple, please bring back the 12-inch MacBook.
Apple, please bring back the 12-inch MacBook.
Sales of the iPhone 12 Mini are low because of the fact that the iPhone mini (despite it is called mini) is still too big and too heavy compared to the original iPhone SE (20% heavier than SE). If it was smaller and lighter, the sales figures would be certainly much, much higher.
Why Nobody Thinks About These Macbooks To Be Announced on WWDC?
Apple introduced a new M1 MacBook Pro in November of 2020, but the new model didn't include any design changes. That's going to change in 2021, with rumors suggesting Apple has a major MacBook Pro design refresh in the works.
Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.
The 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models that are coming in 2021 will feature the most significant design overhaul to the MacBook Pro line that we've seen since 2016, and the updated machines will also address complaints that users have had with the MacBook Pro for years by bringing back older features that include MagSafe, more ports, and physical function keys.
The rumors in this guide have been sourced from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, both of whom often provide accurate insight into Apple's plans.
Design
Apple has both updated 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models in the works. The 14-inch model will replace the current 13.3-inch model, while the 16-inch model will replace the existing 16-inch version that's available.
For the revamped 14-inch model, it's likely that the overall casing size will remain similar to the 13-inch MacBook Pro, with the increase in display size coming largely from a reduction in the top and side bezels of the machine.
The current 13-inch MacBook Pro
There may be a slight increase in physical size, however. When Apple transitioned from the 15.4-inch MacBook Pro to the 16.1-inch MacBook Pro, the physical sizing went from 13.75 x 9.48 inches to 14.09 x 9.68 inches, and we could see something similar with the 14-inch MacBook Pro.
The 16-inch MacBook Pro
Both of the new models that are coming are expected to feature some notable design changes. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the new MacBook Pro models will feature a flat-edged design that's "similar to the iPhone 12," with no curved edges like current models.
Gurman has corroborated Kuo's report, but his information suggests that the flat-edged design may not be too much of a deviation from the current design. He says that the upgraded models will "look similar" to current models, but will feature "minor design changes," so we'll need to wait to see just how significant these changes to the overall design turn out to be.
The updated MacBook Pro models will use the same heat pipe design used by the current 16-inch MacBook Pro model. Apple revamped the thermal system of the 16-inch MacBook Pro, increasing the size of the heat pipe, adding thermal pads, and increasing the size of the heat sink by 35 percent.
This new thermal system will allow for increased computing power thanks to improved airflow and heat management, which bodes well for the performance of the Apple silicon chips that are expected to be included.
Ports
Even if the chassis updates are more minor in scale than Kuo has made them out to be, there are other tweaks in the works that will make the 2021 refresh a major update. Kuo believes Apple is going to add additional ports to the MacBook Pro models, though he has not specified which ports these might be.
Apple in 2016 rolled out a new MacBook Pro design that did away with all ports except for USB-C ports and the 3.5mm headphone jack, but prior models from 2012 to 2015 included a MagSafe connector, Thunderbolt ports, USB-A ports, an HDMI port, an SD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The next-generation MacBook Pro models are expected to feature an SD card reader as one of the ports that will be added, providing an easier way for people to transfer photos captured with cameras, drones, and other similar devices.
Given Apple's emphasis on USB-C and the slim design of the MacBook Pro lineup, it's not likely we're going to see the return of USB-A, but Kuo has said that the new machines will have enough ports so most users "may not need to purchase additional dongles."
MagSafe
Along with additional ports, the new machines are expected to bring MagSafe back to the Mac lineup. MagSafe connectors were used for MacBook Pro models from 2006 to 2016, when Apple replaced the MagSafe connector with a USB-C port, but now it looks like we're returning to a MagSafe design.
Both Kuo and Gurman expect the new MacBook Pro models to be equipped with MagSafe for charging purposes, with the MagSafe charging port to be distinct from the other included USB-C ports.
MagSafe in the new MacBook Pro models is expected to be similar to the MagSafe 2 connectors and ports used prior to 2016, which allowed for a quick-release magnetic connection that prevented damage to the computer and the cable when the cord was yanked.
The MagSafe charging functionality is expected to allow for faster charging speeds than are available with USB-C, and given that Apple is swapping over to a new charging technology, we can expect the forthcoming MacBook Pro models to ship with a MagSafe charging cable and accompanying power adapter.
No Touch Bar
Apple introduced a Touch Bar in the 2016 Macs, providing a small OLED display where physical function keys used to be located. Apple had grand plans for the Touch Bar and envisioned it being an adaptable mini-display that offered customizable controls and different functions on a per-app basis, but the Touch Bar never seemed to catch on with consumers.
Kuo says that the Touch Bar will be removed in the 2021 MacBook Pro models and will be replaced with physical function keys. Gurman has confirmed that Apple has tested versions of the MacBook Pro that do not have a Touch Bar.
Display
Gurman believes the new MacBook Pro models will feature display improvements in the form of "brighter, higher-contrast panels," and in past rumors, Kuo has suggested the updated machines will be the first Macs with mini-LED displays, marking a significant improvement in display quality.
Given that Kuo made no mention of mini-LED technology in his most recent report, it is possible that the feature has been delayed until a later date. In spite of this, a recent report from DigiTimes has suggested that the new MacBook Pro models will indeed feature mini-LED displays, and it is a technology introduced in the 2021 iPad Pro models.
If Apple does transition to mini-LED for the 2021 MacBook Pro models, the displays could use somewhere around 10,000 LEDs, each one under 200 microns in size. Mini-LED technology will allow for a thinner and lighter design, while offering many OLED-like benefits such as improved wide color gamut, high contrast and dynamic range, and truer blacks.
Processor
The entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro already has an M1 chip, and in 2021, all new MacBook Pro models will gain Apple silicon chips. Apple is not expected to release MacBook Pro models with Intel chips, phasing Intel chips out of the notebook line entirely.
Apple is working on higher-end Apple silicon chips that have as many as 16 power cores and four efficiency cores, which would annihilate any Intel CPU in terms of performance, and there are even higher-core options that Apple is exploring. There's also new GPU technology in the works, with Apple designing 16 and 32-core GPU options, some of which could be used in the new MacBook Pro models.
Apple's "M2" chip allegedly entered mass production in April, which means it could be ready to debut in new MacBook Pro models as soon as July.
Leaked Schematics
Schematics that hackers stole from Apple supplier Quanta Computer confirm Apple's plans to add additional ports to the MacBook Pro and reintroduce MagSafe.
The plans display the logic board of the MacBook Pro. On the right side of the machine, there's an HDMI port accompanied by a USB-C/Thunderbolt port and followed by an SD Card reader. The left side features two additional USB-C/Thunderbolt ports and a MagSafe charging slot, for a total of three USB-C/Thunderbolt ports instead of four as we have today.
The codename for the Mac is "J316," which suggests that the logic board that we've seen is for the 16-inch MacBook Pro. There's also a "J314" model that likely correlates to the 14-inch MacBook Pro that Apple is also rumored to be working on. Both machines are expected to feature the new ports, MagSafe charging option, and upgraded Apple silicon chips.
Launch Date
The new MacBook Pro models are expected to enter production in the second half of 2021 and launch in the third quarter.
The launch of new MacBook Pro models is expected to result in record Mac shipments for 2021.
Read More
We have more on the current MacBook Pro models and the upcoming redesigned MacBook Pro models in our dedicated 13-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro roundups.
Article Link: 14-Inch and 16-Inch MacBook Pros: Everything We Know
Well the current footprint is 21.24 x 30.41cm while a 14.0” 16:10 display is 18.85 x 30.15cm - so it’s going to have to grow a little at least in terms of width. The 16” went back to about the same dimensions as the previous 2012-2015 15” MBPs, so perhaps the same will happen here? (For reference, 2015 MBP 13” = 21.9 x 31.4 cm).
I have reservations about the rumored new 14" & 16" MBPs. On the one hand, I am curious about the new design language, welcome the likely M1X chip, and look forward to a bigger, better screen. I hope they at a minimum put in a 1080p webcam.
I'm not excited about the removal of the Touch Bar. I think it's a good idea that they never pursued hard enough. One way to do that is to include it across the Mac line; only then will third party developers invest the time and effort to make use of it.
I'm also not excited about the rumored inclusion of legacy ports and slots. We should get more USB-C slots, not USB-A, HDMI, SD card, or any other nonsense. These legacy slots will be useful to some, but lay useless wasting space for others. In contrast, more USB-C ports means less chance of requiring a hub. And of course, charging over USB-C frees us to charge with third-party adapters and cables, a definite win for flexibility.
If they were to reintroduce Mag-Safe, the right way would probably be to make a special Mag-Safe USB-C charging cable where a standard USB-C male connector connects to the cable with a magnetic interconnect; the magnetic breakaway could be featured on one or both ends of the cable.
I'm not excited about the removal of the Touch Bar. I think it's a good idea that they never pursued hard enough. One way to do that is to include it across the Mac line; only then will third party developers invest the time and effort to make use of it.
I'm also not excited about the rumored inclusion of legacy ports and slots. We should get more USB-C slots, not USB-A, HDMI, SD card, or any other nonsense. These legacy slots will be useful to some, but lay useless wasting space for others. In contrast, more USB-C ports means less chance of requiring a hub. And of course, charging over USB-C frees us to charge with third-party adapters and cables, a definite win for flexibility.
If they were to reintroduce Mag-Safe, the right way would probably be to make a special Mag-Safe USB-C charging cable where a standard USB-C male connector connects to the cable with a magnetic interconnect; the magnetic breakaway could be featured on one or both ends of the cable.
Exactly this, it's not just USB-C, it's thunderbolt 3. Give us 3 buses with 6 thunderbolt 3/4 ports for the top of the line macbook pro. Thunderbolt can be anything you want it to be, yes it does require an adapter/dock, which is annoying but that one thunderbolt 3 port can support 15 different ports if you like. Unfortunately, it looks like they are removing 1 of the thunderbolt ports for only a SD card reader and HDMI
If they ate going to completley remove a thunderbolt port at least give us a slew of other ports as well (SD, HDMi, multiple USB A, USB-C, Ethernet). At least that way most people won't need hub/adapters any more.
I'm typing this on my fantastic 2012 MacBook Pro. It has 2 USB ports, an HDMI port, card reader and Mag Safe. In other words, way better connectivity than the current models of that size.
I hope that Apple, at least for the new 16 inch, get past this thinner / lighter obsession and include better connectivity. I'd like to use it as a music /video studio on the move and need sockets! And I'm ready for an upgrade.
I have one of the new M1 minis BTW, as well as an iPad 8. Both fantastic. Apple are really on it these days. Looking forward to the new Pros.
I hope that Apple, at least for the new 16 inch, get past this thinner / lighter obsession and include better connectivity. I'd like to use it as a music /video studio on the move and need sockets! And I'm ready for an upgrade.
I have one of the new M1 minis BTW, as well as an iPad 8. Both fantastic. Apple are really on it these days. Looking forward to the new Pros.
totally need magsafe back, such an incredible design, so practical.