Apple to Unveil 13-inch M2 MacBook Pro With Unchanged Design Next Month, Claims Original MacBook Pro 'Notch' Leaker

[Fomalhaut]

Couldn't agree more. 13" MBP is the obvious elephant in the room. If you don't need a 14" you may as well just buy the nearly identical MBA and save some money. If you need a more powerful machine than the MBA, you'll be eyeing up the 14" or 16" MBP, not the 13", because the difference isn't worth it unless you have some affiliation to the 1/4" touchscreen which Apple are obviously deprecating.

If the new MBA becomes a "square-edged" design like the MBP13, although thinner, then there isn't that much to differentiate it from the current MBP13, particularly if the Touch Bar goes, which I think it must.

Maybe Apple will offer 2 levels of MBA, one with 3 or 4 TB4 ports plus MagSafe and better specs (mini-LED screen? more GPU cores?), and an entry level model similar to the current one.

The Air may get a bit smaller but maintain the same screen size by having smaller bezels (but probably not as small as the 12" MacBook), but I don't think they will make it 14" to avoid overlapping with the MBP14. It is possible (but I think unlikely) that they will introduce an "Air Plus" with a 15" screen but same specs as the smaller model. However, Apple has typically pushed buyers to getting a more expensive MBP if they want a bigger screen, and I don't see this strategy changing.

If the rumour of a new laptop in March is true, then I'm not sure what it would be. Possibilities include:

• A redesigned MBA with M2 - seems a bit soon for M2, but we could be pleasantly surprised.
• The same MBA design with M2 - would be interesting to see how M2 performs, but a lack of expected redesign would look like a missed opportunity - unless Apple has no plans for this.
• An updated MBP13 with M2.... might just be a stop-gap until they launch an M2 MBA that replaces it?
• A new MBP13 design with either M2 or M1 - again, it's not clear if the MBP13 has a future, so this would be unexpected
• Either an MBA or MBP13 with some kind of upgraded SoC that is M1+ but not M2? i.e. minor design improvements
• Nothing - it was just a rumour, and the quoted EEC filing was for a future machine.

[Update: as @DHagan4755 suggested, an update MBA/MBP13 could be the most likely option. This could have an upgraded SoC - that might be a spec-bumped "M1 v2" or a new M2 - or just be limited to some smaller redesign such removed TouchBar, 1080 web-cam, improved screen / thinner bezels. It could just be a stop-gap until a more significantly redesigned MBA with M2 is launched later this year. ]

 

[DeepIn2U]

Man ...

can't Apple just bring back the Space Grey Magic Keyboard 2 and especially the Magic Trackpad 2, along with the colours of each for retail/online purchase?! Please?

Apple could sell a HUGE amount to existing Mac and even iPad, iPhone and, even PC owners.

Hoping M2 Mac Mini is Space Grey and gets Magic TrackPad 2 in Space Grey as an option or to bundle.

 

[Dwcx27ar]

Apple will next month debut its latest M2 Apple silicon processor in a refreshed 13-inch MacBook Pro model that will have no major design changes, according to a previously reliable source with close links to Apple's supply chain.

Based on the new information seen by MacRumors, the upcoming 13-inch MacBook Pro retains the same design as the current version, including the Touch Bar, but unlike the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, it will not have a notch or a ProMotion display, contrary to some rumors.

If so, that means the headline difference in the new entry-level MacBook Pro model will be the new M2 chip, which features the same number of CPU cores as the ‌M1 processor‌, up to 10 graphics cores, and improved performance.

The above details were relayed by the original source of last year's last-minute MacBook Pro notch rumor that MacRumors was first to report on. In October 2021, we reported that the same leaker said the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models would have a redesigned display with a central notch for the webcam, but no Face ID.

That left-field claim, appearing seemingly out of nowhere and so close to Apple's fall "Unleashed" event, turned out to be completely accurate, and the new redesigned MacBook Pro models were unveiled the next week with the controversial camera housing centered at the top of the screen.

The latest 13-inch MacBook Pro rumor also lines up with a DigiTimes report that appeared last week claiming Apple will launch its first MacBook Pro with second-generation M2 chip at its spring event.

DigiTimes' supply chain sources also claimed that except for the processor, most other components used in the new MacBook Pro will feature almost the same specs as those for the existing model featuring M1 chips, seemingly corroborating the latest rumor.

Well-connected Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman recently said Apple's intention is to release an updated entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro with ‌M2‌ chip in 2022, but this was generally assumed to mean that the machine would appear later in the year, after Apple finishes releasing its final Macs with M1 Pro and M1 Max chips.

Notably, in contrast to the latest rumor, Gurman said he believes Apple will remove the Touch Bar on the new 13-inch machine, although he too expects the notebook will lack a ProMotion display.

Either way, we should know for sure in just a few weeks' time. Apple is working on several new Mac computers to be released this year, and Gurman has suggested the rumored spring event on Tuesday, March 8 will include the launch of "at least one" new Mac. Apple is also expected to introduce new iPhone SE and iPad Air models, which are both believed to feature an A15 chip and 5G support.

Article Link: Apple to Unveil 13-inch M2 MacBook Pro With Unchanged Design Next Month, Claims Original MacBook Pro 'Notch' Leaker

I don't get the logic from a customer point of view. I would expect the MacBook Pro line to come with at least a "Pro" chip and the "non-Pro" line with a regular M chip. Why would you release an "entry" MBP with a new M2 chip only to release a MacBook Air with an M2 later this year. Wouldn't that make it the "entry" model for those who do not need the "Pro" features? seems like a redundant device. In fact, I would throw out that stupid "Air" naming and just call the redesigned one a "MacBook"

MacBook (redesigned "Air") with M2
MacBook Pro 14inch / 16inch with M. Pro / Max

I don’t get how you can comment on something that isn’t out yet. But keep going.

 

[Tagbert]

Good suggestion - but won't work if I switch to Apple Silicon, of course, and plan A is simply to not need those apps any more by the time the new Mini or 27" iMac comes out. It's more a question of getting around to it than some end-of-argument barrier! Plus, Sidecar is about the only thing that really interests me in the newer OSs.

Ah, good point. I forgot about that.

 

[Dwcx27ar]

I thought we were done with the TOUCH BAR

I thought you were over it but your posts keep coming

 

[Dwcx27ar]

Man ...

can't Apple just bring back the Space Grey Magic Keyboard 2 and especially the Magic Trackpad 2, along with the colours of each for retail/online purchase?! Please?

Apple could sell a HUGE amount to existing Mac and even iPad, iPhone and, even PC owners.

Hoping M2 Mac Mini is Space Grey and gets Magic TrackPad 2 in Space Grey as an option or to bundle

And Apple had the courage to blame Intel for lack of innovation....

I understand how they want to have lower price points from the newer 14" and 16" computers, but it would make more sense if they gave the flagship models the newer chip first. Personally, I'd buyers' remorse had a purchased an expensive model only to have it outperformed by a lesser model only a few months later. But I suppose that's tech for ya!

Maybe the m2 chips aren’t as fast as the pro chips . People keep commenting on something that isn’t out yet every time . Lol

 

[DeepIn2U]

And Apple had the courage to blame Intel for lack of innovation....

What has Intel innovated with in the last 12yrs that is not reactionary to competition?
x64 - AMD innovation.
Intel had Apple and Paul Ottellini brought the Intel to Mac but rejected any proposal for mobile processors.
Intel's M3 fanless chip had garbage performance and used more power less efficiency and they have billions of dollars and so much more experience yet couldn't come up with what the m1 could?
NOW they've learned and had to adjust. That's reactionary.

Apple innovated on Arm design with their license,
Apple brought 64-bit Arm chips a FULL year before Qualcomm or even ARM Holdings, Inc themselves! Huge embarrassment!

A7 64-bit remember this slide?

See where it states '64-bit desktop-class architecture? Now we know what Apple meant and where they were going with that statement!


Apple's multi-touch trackpads have literary changed the entire industry, EVERY windows/linux laptop now has this.

 

[CWallace]

you forgot about M1 iPad Pro. Consumer device but aimed at the pro market so that throws a wrench in #1 above Just saying but I get what you meant and I agree.

I did not mention the iPad Pro because my commentary was specifically about the Mac, as I noted.

Apple moved the iPad Pro from an "X" model A-series SoC to the M1 both for economies of scale (compared to making a unique A14X SoC) and because some of the things that an M-series SoC brings (like USB4/TB3) were beneficial to the iPad Pro's use cases.

 

[Fomalhaut]

Maybe the m2 chips aren’t as fast as the pro chips . People keep commenting on something that isn’t out yet every time . Lol

I think it is pretty much guaranteed a base-level M2 will not be as fast as a current M1 Pro, based on the current line-up.

Even after only 2 release iterations, it seems fairly clear that Apple is going to maintain at least 4-5 different families of Apple Silicon SoCs for Macs at different configuration and performance points.

1) A base level M<n> for entry-level machines. These will be have fewer CPU and GPU cores (currently 4 performance/4 efficiency, plus 7-8 GPU cores. These designs may be closely aligned to similar iPad, iPhone A-series SoCs of the same generation

2) an M<n> Pro for mid-tier Pro machines - with 6-8 performance cores + 2 efficiency cores, 14-16 GPU cores. At least 50-70% more powerful than the M<n> SoC in the same generation.

3) M<n> Max for high-tier Pro machines - 8 performance cores + 2 efficiency cores, 24-32 GPU cores, plus other hardware features. Focus of graphical performance - >50% better graphical performance than Pro version.

4) A top-tier configuration possibly combining multiple Pro/Max SoC in a multi-chiplet design. May be called M<n> Max-Duo/Quadro/Ultra etc.

5) Possibly some intermediary between 3 & 4, with a higher spec M<n> Max for desktop machines with a greater number of CPU and GPU cores.

We will expect the numbers of cores to increase over time, as the silicon lithography shrinks (allowing more cores at the same power).

It's not clear yet whether M2 will be on a 4nm TSMC process, or even conceivably a 3nm process if this is ready before the end of the year (https://www.anandtech.com/show/16639/tsmc-update-2nm-in-development-3nm-4nm-on-track-for-2022).

But it looks unlikely to move beyond a 4/4 core CPU, and maybe have a couple more GPU cores. Even if M2 cores were 20% faster than M1 (they may balance increased performance with reduced power consumption), the M2 will still be a long way off the M1 Pro in both CPU and GPU multi-core performance, although single core should expect an increase.

I think the difference between an M2 and and M1 Pro should clear to most people, even if only indicated by the cost of the machines they go into. A cursory look at the spec sheet will explain why an MBP14 with M1 Pro costs more than a new MBA with M2.

If anyone bases their purchase decision on the fact that 2>1, so M2 must be better than any M1, clearly deserves to be disappointed

 

[ihaveanapplecore]

I don't see the point of this product. The entry-level Mac is the MacBook Air and a lower-end Pro device is just confusing people.

YOU might not see the point of it but some of us who actually NEED the features AND WANT a 13 inch rather than 14+ inch and the thickness of those macbook DO! ?

I like 13-inch, good battery life, no throttling in my data analytics tasks for my phd and consulting business and ability to connect multiple monitors.

 

[Mr.PT]

I hear you. The feature I generally care about the most is display quality and ProMotion/refresh rates are def something I notice. If the Air has ProMo, I’m def moving on it - I just can’t see the MBA getting it.

I doubt that this version of the Air gets pro-motion but it's possible that eventually pro-motion will come to the Air. Those pro features tend to migrate down in the models after they mature and are cheaper to produce.

I have an Air and an iPad Pro with keyboard and mouse. I originally hoped to do a lot of my work on the iPad but found that iPad OS still puts up a lot of roadblocks to productivity. If you are just doing the most common and simple task, it works well but if you veer off that main path, you hit bumpy roads and things end up taking longer.

I do still use the iPad a lot but more for video, web browsing, communications and don't use it much for producing content, writing, etc. Once a task gets a little complex, I move to the Air. The fast refresh on the iPad Pro is nice but I would barely notice it if I didn't have it. the input limitations, multitasking limitations, and file management limitations are much more impactful for me.

Same experience, except my Pro use is mostly sketching. Since Apple isn’t offer dual boot, I think Air must get ProMotion so it’s the MacOS equivalent of iPad Pro which I believe it’s the natural spot for it: same footprint different UI. Since it’s being redesigned IMHO can’t see how not to get the display updated it would feel awkwardly undermined. On the other hand the different display could be the justification for having a 13” MBP: Pro line=ProMotion display and additional ports.

 

[yabeweb]

Maybe the m2 chips aren’t as fast as the pro chips . People keep commenting on something that isn’t out yet every time . Lol

I was not commenting on speed... but the fact that IF intel did not release a new chip each year the crowd got mad.

Now Apple is doing the same.

While I do not blame Apple for taking the time to release a new CPU, I find it ridiculous that they blamed on Intel that they could not update yearly their computers and now they are doing the same with their own chip.

Also. this is mac rumors, people always comment on "rumors"... i think it is the purpose of this site.

 

[l0stl0rd]

I think it is pretty much guaranteed a base-level M2 will not be as fast as a current M1 Pro, based on the current line-up.

Even after only 2 release iterations, it seems fairly clear that Apple is going to maintain at least 4-5 different families of Apple Silicon SoCs for Macs at different configuration and performance points.

1) A base level M<n> for entry-level machines. These will be have fewer CPU and GPU cores (currently 4 performance/4 efficiency, plus 7-8 GPU cores. These designs may be closely aligned to similar iPad, iPhone A-series SoCs of the same generation

2) an M<n> Pro for mid-tier Pro machines - with 6-8 performance cores + 2 efficiency cores, 14-16 GPU cores. At least 50-70% more powerful than the M<n> SoC in the same generation.

3) M<n> Max for high-tier Pro machines - 8 performance cores + 2 efficiency cores, 24-32 GPU cores, plus other hardware features. Focus of graphical performance - >50% better graphical performance than Pro version.

4) A top-tier configuration possibly combining multiple Pro/Max SoC in a multi-chiplet design. May be called M<n> Max-Duo/Quadro/Ultra etc.

5) Possibly some intermediary between 3 & 4, with a higher spec M<n> Max for desktop machines with a greater number of CPU and GPU cores.

We will expect the numbers of cores to increase over time, as the silicon lithography shrinks (allowing more cores at the same power).

It's not clear yet whether M2 will be on a 4nm TSMC process, or even conceivably a 3nm process if this is ready before the end of the year (https://www.anandtech.com/show/16639/tsmc-update-2nm-in-development-3nm-4nm-on-track-for-2022).

But it looks unlikely to move beyond a 4/4 core CPU, and maybe have a couple more GPU cores. Even if M2 cores were 20% faster than M1 (they may balance increased performance with reduced power consumption), the M2 will still be a long way off the M1 Pro in both CPU and GPU multi-core performance, although single core should expect an increase.

I think the difference between an M2 and and M1 Pro should clear to most people, even if only indicated by the cost of the machines they go into. A cursory look at the spec sheet will explain why an MBP14 with M1 Pro costs more than a new MBA with M2.

If anyone bases their purchase decision on the fact that 2>1, so M2 must be better than any M1, clearly deserves to be disappointed

Yes it is hard to estimate at the moment, my guess is that the only one the M2 might get somewhat close to is the double binned M1 Pro.

 

[ChrisChaval]

If the rumour of a new laptop in March is true, then I'm not sure what it would be. Possibilities include:

• A redesigned MBA with M2 - seems a bit soon for M2, but we could be pleasantly surprised.
• The same MBA design with M2 - would be interesting to see how M2 performs, but a lack of expected redesign would look like a missed opportunity - unless Apple has no plans for this.
• An updated MBP13 with M2.... might just be a stop-gap until they launch an M2 MBA that replaces it?
• A new MBP13 design with either M2 or M1 - again, it's not clear if the MBP13 has a future, so this would be unexpected
• Either an MBA or MBP13 with some kind of upgraded SoC that is M1+ but not M2? i.e. minor design improvements
• Nothing - it was just a rumour, and the quoted EEC filing was for a future machine.

[Update: as @DHagan4755 suggested, an update MBA/MBP13 could be the most likely option. This could have an upgraded SoC - that might be a spec-bumped "M1 v2" or a new M2 - or just be limited to some smaller redesign such removed TouchBar, 1080 web-cam, improved screen / thinner bezels. It could just be a stop-gap until a more significantly redesigned MBA with M2 is launched later this year. ]

Or a mbp14 with the new design and screen but fewer ports, slower ssd and with base M1 to be upgraded to m2 later this year

which could replace the current mbp13 at a slightly higher price

 

[CWallace]

Yes it is hard to estimate at the moment, my guess is that the only one the M2 might get somewhat close to is the double binned M1 Pro.

And the Pro should still have significantly greater memory bandwidth (200GB/s vs. a projected ~70GB/s for the M2). The Pro would also support double the USB/TB ports. And no word on what, if any, video decoder and encoder engines the M2 will have (the M1 has none while the Pro has 1 of each for h.26x and ProRes).

 

[CWallace]

Since Apple isn’t offer dual boot, I think Air must get ProMotion so it’s the MacOS equivalent of iPad Pro which I believe it’s the natural spot for it: same footprint different UI. Since it’s being redesigned IMHO can’t see how not to get the display updated it would feel awkwardly undermined.

I remain skeptical on the 2022 M2 Air getting ProRes - that is a feature that I feel will be limited to the MacBook Pro 14/16 for the time being.

Moving from the current Edge-Lit LED display to Mini-LED will be a major improvement on it's own.

 

[CWallace]

Or a mbp14 with the new design and screen but fewer ports, slower ssd and with base M1 to be upgraded to m2 later this year, which could replace the current mbp13 at a slightly higher price

A possibility, since Apple did offer a 2-port and 4-port 13" MacBook Pro (though the 4-port model did have more features).

While I don't see it being likely, I could see that maybe around 2023-2024 Apple offers the MacBook Pro 14" with an M3 alongside an M3 Pro and M3 Max:

1. M3 - $1299 with 8GB and 256GB. 16GB and 512GB/1TB storage options.
2. M3 Pro - $1999 with 16GB and 512GB with all the current SoC, RAM and storage options.

 

[chiwaw]

I don't see the point of this product. The entry-level Mac is the MacBook Air and a lower-end Pro device is just confusing people.

As the target customer for this model I respectfully disagree ?

I'm a Pro user (professional game programmer) and I want the power when I'm (most of the time) docked at my desk on my monitor. But I also want my laptop to be as portable as possible when I move around (even at the cost of screen estate). The MacBook Pro 13" is perfect for both of my needs.

 

[l0stl0rd]

And the Pro should still have significantly greater memory bandwidth (200GB/s vs. a projected ~70GB/s for the M2). The Pro would also support double the USB/TB ports. And no word on what, if any, video decoder and encoder engines the M2 will have (the M1 has none while the Pro has 1 of each for h.26x and ProRes).

Yes true.

Personally I don’t care if it has Prores.

Honestly they can keep their Prores if they give us hardware ray tracing cores.

 

[Reason077]

It's probably a one-off. I've owned probably 20 computers and never had a single fan fail in over 30 years' use. I certainly don't lose any sleep over potential fan failure....about the same amount as I worry about being hit by a meteorite

The fan failed on my 2017 MacBook Pro 13”. I didn’t even notice for a while except that it seemed quieter than usual and maybe throttled more than you’d expect when running 3D games etc.

Apple’s diagnostics software detected it and the Apple Store replaced it pretty cheaply despite it being out of warranty (got the keyboard and battery replaced for free at the same time under the service program).

(I agree it’s unusual for a fan to fail like that, but not so unusual for them to become noisy over time. Apple’s fans are built better than average, however!)

 

[fearless22]

For me any rumor about a new MBPro before the M2Pro/Max doesn't make sense

They might introduce an M2 14" MBAir similar to the new Pros, but of course lighter and slimmer, with 2021iMac-like white bezels and a Liquid-Retina display as the one in iPP11". Price could get up to $1,399

And this is only a personal bet, but I wish the "normal" MacBook returns, maybe now with 13.3" display to keep it larger than the iPads. I imagine it almost identical to the M1 MBAir, but with minor tweaks like ditching the "MacBook" text beneath the screen and packing the new keyboard. This device would have a less enabled-core count as the current MBAir does, as the new Air would have the full-powered M2. --- This, or they are just dropping the M1 Air to $899

 

[EntropyQ3]

And the Pro should still have significantly greater memory bandwidth (200GB/s vs. a projected ~70GB/s for the M2). The Pro would also support double the USB/TB ports. And no word on what, if any, video decoder and encoder engines the M2 will have (the M1 has none while the Pro has 1 of each for h.26x and ProRes).

I would speculate that the M2 uses LPDDR5. Still only half the bandwidth of the Pro, but a healthy boost to primarily the GPU.

 

[DeepIn2U]

For me any rumor about a new MBPro before the M2Pro/Max doesn't make sense

They might introduce an M2 14" MBAir similar to the new Pros, but of course lighter and slimmer, with 2021iMac-like white bezels and a Liquid-Retina display as the one in iPP11". Price could get up to $1,399

And this is only a personal bet, but I wish the "normal" MacBook returns, maybe now with 13.3" display to keep it larger than the iPads. I imagine it almost identical to the M1 MBAir, but with minor tweaks like ditching the "MacBook" text beneath the screen and packing the new keyboard. This device would have a less enabled-core count as the current MBAir does, as the new Air would have the full-powered M2. --- This, or they are just dropping the M1 Air to $899

I like that.

except until the last gen of 'Macbook' the previous 2012-2015 MB's carried same processors as the MBA, I don't see the reasoning why the Air's would get higher performance 'if' MacBooks returned.

You maybe onto something where a MacBook get's announced next month - keeps similar design of the 13" MBP (increases profit margins) and can sell out fast for back to school in autumn, then early fall launch thew designed MBA
That's my bet.

Honestly I think - going from rumoured non-bezel M2 MBA being so similar to the 13" MBP - scrap the MBP 13" (it confuses the Pro lineup), intro M2 MBA and keep the Pro's 14/16" design just released. Very clean. MBA pretty much adequately replaced the MacBook.

 

[Fomalhaut]

Do we really expect an M2 SoC to be released next month, despite all the other rumours suggesting release in 2H '22?

AFAIK, the TSMC 4nm process is not yet ready, and in any case, would be largely dedicated to the iPhone 14 later this year. That would mean the M2 would have common design elements with the A15 or a 5P process node, which although slightly better, might be a bit unwhelming as an upgrade.

Is there any chance that the M2 would support up to 32GB RAM? Does the use of LPDDR5 support that? Or would Apple deliberately keep it at 16GB to drive adoption of the more expensive Pro and Max SoCs?

 

[sublunar]

One other thing that probably hasn't been mentioned enough. If Apple are merely CPU bumping the M1 MacBook Pro with an M2 CPU (assuming it's based on the A15 as predicted), then why wouldn't they also do the other M1 Macs?

Surely the 24" iMac should get the M2 before the Mac mini if supply is constrained? If the portable computer listed in the EEC documents is indeed the MacBook Pro 13". then the other 2 desktop Macs mentioned could be both 24" and 27" iMacs.

This assumes Apple are happy leaving the M1 Mac mini and MacBook Air on sale for the moment on the basis that they will sell anyway. Yes, they've been out longer but refreshing both of the iMacs at the same time makes sense because they can then compare the two models side by side.