Apple References Unreleased 2020 16-Inch MacBook Pro in Boot Camp Update

[MacRumors]

Last week, Apple released an update for Boot Camp, its utility for running Windows on a Mac. While this update would typically be unremarkable, several of our readers noticed that the release notes reference an unreleased 2020 model of the 16-inch MacBook Pro.

While this could easily be a mistake, the 16-inch MacBook Pro is nearly a year old, so it is certainly a worthy candidate for a refresh in the near future. Apple did release a new high-end graphics option for the 16-inch MacBook Pro in June, but it still refers to all configurations of the notebook as 2019 models on its website.

Boot Camp release notes via Atharva Kale​

Apple's release notes for Boot Camp version 6.1.13:

The Boot Camp 6.1.13 update improves the compatibility of your Mac when running Windows through Boot Camp.

This update:

- Improves audio recording quality when using the built-in microphone

- Fixes a stability issue that could occur during heavy CPU load on 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019 and 2020) and 13-inch MacBook Pro (2020)

Introduced in November 2019, the 16-inch MacBook Pro features slimmer bezels, a Magic Keyboard with a more reliable scissor mechanism, 9th-generation Intel Core processors, up to 64GB of RAM, up to 8TB of SSD storage, AMD Radeon Pro 5000M series graphics, and upgraded speakers and microphones. Pricing starts at $2,399.

Rumors suggest that Apple may be planning to host another event on November 17 to introduce its first Mac with a custom Apple Silicon processor, but it is believed that this transition will begin at the lower end for notebooks, such as the MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro, or possibly even the return of an ultra-portable 12-inch MacBook.

(Thanks, Çağatay!)

Article Link: Apple References Unreleased 2020 16-Inch MacBook Pro in Boot Camp Update

 

[GeoStructural]

Yes! I have been waiting for too long!

What excites me the most about ARM Macs is what the basic A-line chips can do in a tiny enclosure... Now imagine that with an active cooling system, larger chasis, more cores, more RAM, more GPU, now we are talking.

Edit: I got excited too quickly, this points to an Intel release.

 

[GoodWheaties]

I assume this confirms it will be Intel based.

 

[cmaier]

Argh. I *desperately* need a new 16" machine, but I am going to wait for Arm.
[automerge]1603727631[/automerge]

I assume this confirms it will be Intel based.

yep

 

[simonmet]

I noticed the update but didn’t pay attention to release notes.

AMD also just updated its graphics (finally) for the first time since the 16” was released, so that might indicate an imminent update also.

 

[tfresquezdxs]

So being its an update for bootcamp, we can say its gonna be Intel and not Apple Silcon. Also can this be 11th gen? or will it be 10th gen only. I know 11th gen CPUs are out for smaller laptops but not sure for more powerhouse laptops.

 

[MacStreamer]

Is this the last Intel release?

 

[Spock]

I posted a comment not to long ago that had a couple people disagree with me but I knew an updated Intel 16 inch MacBook Pro was coming before the switch.

 

[Mac Rules]

Sorely tempted to get the last Intel Mac as I’m not ready to give up dual booting to windows just yet... ?

 

[justperry]

So being its an update for bootcamp, we can say its gonna be Intel and not Apple Silcon. Also can this be 11th gen? or will it be 10th gen only. I know 11th gen CPUs are out for smaller laptops but not sure for more powerhouse laptops.

See #4

------

I want a new AS Mac Mini.

 

[Lobwedgephil]

I assume this confirms it will be Intel based.

Wouldn't have bootcamp otherwise.

 

[nutmac]

So being its an update for bootcamp, we can say its gonna be Intel and not Apple Silcon. Also can this be 11th gen? or will it be 10th gen only. I know 11th gen CPUs are out for smaller laptops but not sure for more powerhouse laptops.

I think you are right. While Apple and Microsoft could always partner and release Windows for Apple Silicon (ARM), one last 16-inch MacBook Pro, which is used by many professionals that depend on running Windows (either via VM or Boot Camp), is far more likely.

 

[ersan191]

Yay I'm glad they are doing another Intel MBP - means mine will get supported longer.

 

[jmgregory1]

Seeing how the iPhone 12‘s can film, edit and export videos faster than just about any Mac, the A14 chip should make for a fantastic starting point for MacBook (Air or Pro) use. I’m excited to see where they go with them in the next couple of years (although I’m more likely to keep using an iPad Pro (12.9”) as my daily driver.

 

[James_C]

Yes! I have been waiting for too long!

What excites me the most about ARM Macs is what the basic A-line chips can do in a tiny enclosure... Now imagine that with an active cooling system, larger chasis, more cores, more RAM, more GPU, now we are talking.

Unfortunately as this relates to boot camp it is going to be the last Intel 16“ MacBookpro rather than ARM.

 

[hoorayforhollywood]

This could be the last Intel release but more likely a mistake? We've got 2 months left of 2020 which Apple will surely want to be dominated by the release of 1 or more Apple Silicon Macs. That said, an Apple Silicon 16" MBP is likely a year away with the A15.... Interesting.

 

[carlos700]

I have no idea what they would even update. The 10th-gen Comet Lake H chips are just 100MHz increase at best on boost speeds. There are no new mobile GPUs. Maybe more memory?

 

[Kylo83]

It just means 2020 updates graphics 5600m not a new MacBook lol come on guys

 

[HeavenDynamic]

Shipping times on the current 16-inch MBP increased on the Apple Store. I guess it’s coming soon

 

[ader42]

Somehow I think this refers to the update we already had in 2020.

”Apple did release a new high-end graphics option for the 16-inch MacBook Pro in June”.

 

[randolorian]

Bootcamp for Windows on ARM? ?

 

[oneMadRssn]

The 16-inch Macbook Pro was "updated" to be configurable to have Radeon Pro 5600M in June 2020. Maybe Apple considered this a sufficient spec-bump to warrant the year designation? In other words, could that be the "2020" model Apple is referring to?

 

[simonmet]

This could be the last Intel release but more likely a mistake? We've got 2 months left of 2020 which Apple will surely want to be dominated by the release of 1 or more Apple Silicon Macs. That said, an Apple Silicon 16" MBP is likely a year away with the A15.... Interesting.

Considering 10th-gen Intel is a minor update, Apple will just push this out silently. It won’t detract from Apple’s ARM hoo-ha.

 

[GeoStructural]

The 16-inch Macbook Pro was "updated" to be configurable to have Radeon Pro 5600M in June 2020. Maybe Apple considered this a sufficient spec-bump to warrant the year designation? In other words, could that be the "2020" model Apple is referring to?

It could be, but they are using Gen 9 Intel chips, if they were to update I presume bringing the latest chips would be the most sound decision. Yes the performance increase is not the greatest but the heat management has been reported to be better, also the basic graphics is better.

 

[simonmet]

The 16-inch Macbook Pro was "updated" to be configurable to have Radeon Pro 5600M in June 2020. Maybe Apple considered this a sufficient spec-bump to warrant the year designation? In other words, could that be the "2020" model Apple is referring to?

Almost certainly not. Apple uses its year designations sparingly. They haven’t indicated a new graphics option warrants a new year moniker for the 16” anywhere else, or for any other Mac either as far as I’m aware!