Could We See a 16-inch MacBook Pro Announcement Today?

[MacRumors]

Apple unveiled AirPods Pro on Monday via press release, and speculation is now rife that Apple plans to trickle out further product announcements this week, with Apple's widely anticipated 16-inch MacBook Pro rumored to be next.

Apple's plans to release a 16-inch MacBook Pro were first revealed by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo back in February. Kuo said Apple was working on a 16-inch MacBook Pro with an all-new design, including the return of a more reliable scissor mechanism keyboard, for release by the end of 2019. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has also reported that the notebook is coming in 2019.

On Monday, Gurman noted that Apple's new AirPods require macOS 10.15.1 to work on Macs, but Apple hasn't released this to the public, despite launching iOS 13.2 with AirPods Pro support. Gurman speculates that Apple could be holding back the next macOS update until later today because it may contain references to the 16-inch MacBook Pro that Apple doesn't want to draw attention to just yet.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1188981329074872320

Technically, that horse bolted earlier this month, when icons likely depicting a 16-inch MacBook Pro were found in the first two betas of macOS Catalina 10.15.1 released to developers. Still, it's possible Apple doesn't want to let the cat out the bag completely by shipping the update to the general public.

Stoking expectations further last week was hit-or-miss industry publication DigiTimes, which cited supply chain sources claiming the 16-inch MacBook Pro will be available by the end of October.

DigiTimes' sources said Quanta Computer had already begun volume shipments of the 16-inch MacBook Pro, which would have an "ultra-thin bezel design," the aforementioned scissor keyboard, and Intel's latest Coffee Lake Refresh or Ice Lake processors (although Intel has yet to announce Ice Lake chips appropriate for a high-end MacBook Pro).

MacRumors confirmed files likely referencing a new MacBook Pro in the second beta of macOS 10.15.1 b2​

The slimmer bezels would result in the 16-inch MacBook Pro being around the same size as the existing 15-inch model, despite having a larger display. IHS Markit analyst Jeff Lin believes the notebook's resolution will be 3,072x1,920 pixels.

Apple is expected to position the 16-inch MacBook Pro at the high end of its notebook lineup, with existing 15-inch and 13-inch MacBook Pro models remaining available and following suit with scissor keyboards in 2020, according to Kuo.

In his latest tweet, Gurman says he has heard that the new scissor keyboard on the rumored 16-inch MacBook Pro is a "delight," although he also notes that "we've heard that before" in relation to Apple's much-derided butterfly mechanism keyboard. Hopefully it won't be long before the public can gauge any improvements themselves.

In March of this year, Apple quietly trickled out new AirPods, iPads, and Macs over the course of three consecutive days. Does the company have more staggered releases in store the same week it announces its September-quarter financial results? Could we see the new Mac Pro, so-called "AirTags," or something more in the lead-up to the official launch of Apple TV+ this Friday? Watch this space.

Article Link: Could We See a 16-inch MacBook Pro Announcement Today?

 

[keysofanxiety]

Hopefully, but seriously where is this new Apple TV? It's been a good 2 years since last release. I'm ready to buy one, I don't know why they're delaying seeing as TV+ will be out imminently.

 

[waquzy]

Yes please

 

[Glockworkorange]

Hopefully, but seriously where is this new Apple TV? It's been a good 2 years since last release. I'm ready to buy one, I don't know why they're delaying seeing as TV+ will be out imminently.

What are you waiting for? ATV already has 4K and HDR support.

 

[frou]

MacBook Pro X

Wallets, prepare for impact

 

[keysofanxiety]

What are you waiting for? ATV already has 4K and HDR support.

To paraphrase Steve, we don’t know what we want until we’re shown it.

More storage options or kinder pricing options would be a few things off the top of my head. There are all sorts of other things they could implement. Split screen, better gaming options, dual output... who knows what they’ll do.

However if I buy a 2017 Apple TV at 2017 Apple prices, I’ll get guaranteed buyer’s remorse when the new model is released shortly. It’s been mentioned in the iOS 13 betas so it’s definitely coming.

 

[chfilm]

If this thing comes, it'll mean another week of press releases, which will mean Mac Pro by the end of this week

 

[tobefirst ⚽️]

I disagree with Gurman's reasoning as Apple hasn't seemed concerned in the least lately with leaks due to references in other products.

 

[Klatti]

I’m just sitting here and waiting for an iPad Pro Upgrade 😟

 

[YaBe]

I do not see them releasing a new form factor without fanfare... a silent update would be a speed bump, a new model def deserve at least a keynote

 

[MacFather]

Deleted.

 

[Klatti]

I do not see them releasing a new form factor without fanfare... a silent update would be a speed bump, a new model def deserve at least a keynote

But a good way to skip discussion about the new keyboard and it’s reasons 😉

 

[seeforyourself]

I doubt it. The AirPods is an accessory. A MacBook Pro is a major update and I think it would require a event.

OR maybe because it’s mostly for the keyboard, they’re too embarrassed to announce the update?

 

[waquzy]

I do not see them releasing a new form factor without fanfare... a silent update would be a speed bump, a new model def deserve at least a keynote

Indeed, it’s very unlikely, but you’ll never know!!

 

[Steve121178]

I'm waiting for a 13" refresh. My late 2013 13" MacBook Pro is starting to show its age.

I think pricing for the 16" will be horrific though, especially in the UK. Probably looking at £3000-£3500 for a well specced unit.

 

[EugW]

I doubt it. The AirPods is an accessory. A MacBook Pro is a major update and I think it would require a event.

OR maybe because it’s mostly for the keyboard, they’re too embarrassed to announce the update?

Personally I think AirPods with noise cancellation is a bigger deal than a 16" MacBook Pro.

 

[Nozuka]

No keynote would be kinda disappointing. But i guess it would be a rather short keynote if they don't have more to show than "smaller bezel, bigger screen, new keyboard"

 

[H.E. Pennypacker]

As a 15” MBP user I can say i don’t think me personally would be able to have anything bigger. The 15” is borderline not comfortably portable.

 

[Shaggymax]

Now you did it...Hitting Browser Refresh All Day!

 

[PastaPrimav]

Yes

 

[canyonblue737]

Hopefully, but seriously where is this new Apple TV? It's been a good 2 years since last release. I'm ready to buy one, I don't know why they're delaying seeing as TV+ will be out imminently.

I'm not sure if they feel there is a need for a new AppleTV since theirs is pretty much 4K / HDR good to go. That said it is entirely possible we see a new AppleTV launch THIS WEEK as part of the "week of new products" that Apple seems to have going to help hype the launch of AppleTV+. *IF* they launch a new AppleTV it will be a high end one, they pretty much signaled they don't want to play in the $50 stick market last week when they launched the AppleTV app for Amazon Firestick.

 

[NinjaHERO]

I love my 15 MBP. I would definitely look at the 16 when it's time to upgrade. I'm excited to see what they offer.

Also, like an earlier poster, I really want a new AppleTV. Been waiting a while. I'm not buying tech that is over two years old. No idea what they'd update. But I'll wait for their latest offering.

 

[waquzy]

As a 15” MBP user I can say i don’t think me personally would be able to have anything bigger. The 15” is borderline not comfortably portable.

You do realise that the 16” will be the exact same size as the current 15” with reduced bezels

 

[fmcshan]

I feel like today could be the announcement of AirTags or the 16” MacBook Pro. I just feel like apple should update the Apple TV with a faster processor and a redesigned Siri Remote seeing that the launch of Apple TV+ is right around the corner.

 

[skaertus]

I doubt it. The AirPods is an accessory. A MacBook Pro is a major update and I think it would require a event.

OR maybe because it’s mostly for the keyboard, they’re too embarrassed to announce the update?

it is an accessory, but still, it may sell in more numbers than a 16-inch MacBook Pro.

If Apple did not announce the AirPods Pro in an event, it will probably not hold an event at all this year. We are already on October 29, and last year's event was on October 30.

I think Apple will either release the 16-inch Pro this week (or sometime in the coming weeks) with a press release (instead of an event), or hold it off until next year.