How i'd like Kuo's predictions to pan out.

[dannys1]

I'll be honest, I was disappointed with the initial reading of and reaction to Kuo's predictions of future MacBook Pros yesterday - though he probably has something's wrong and other things will pan out differently - the stuck in the ways reaction of this forum is the most frustrating.

However I think there's a solution to keep everyone happy.

The touch bar has divided everyone. However, why ditch it all together? Just make it a configurable option. Don't like it? Don't have it! Do like it, add it to config. The Apple Silicon slims down possible CTO configurations anyway so I don't see why this would be an issue. Choice is good and then no one can argue about it. I like it, i'd have it, I understand that others don't/wouldn't - but I don't think totally removing something SOME people have grown to love and reverting to the mid 90s is progress.

Ports. Again MORE ports sounds good - as long as they are more Thunderbolt/USB4 ports. Give us 6 on the 16" MBP and it'd be amazing. I however do not want to ever see USB-A on a laptop again, it shouldn't have ever been released, let alone still exist in 2021. There's also little to no excuse to use it, there are native USB-C cables for every single USB device. I upgraded in 2016 and didn't look back. I still don't think there's a good argument for a HDMI port on a laptop either. Personally i'd never ever want to plug my laptop into a TV it's a hideous solution but if you want to, just get a USB-C to HDMI cable anyway. I don't see why you'd want a single use port over a port with a universal connection that can literally do anything - USB-C was the greatest thing to happen to MacBooks, it's beautiful, functional, fast, flexible, just amazing. I couldn't believe my eyes yesterday when I saw people asking for two of them to be dropped in favour of USB-A, absolute madness.

The SD card reader thing I get - for photographers. But if you're not a photographer you had a dust collecting slot on your laptop you never ever used, like me. It seems a bit ott to put a single card, single type slot on a MacBook for one type of user.

Finally MagSafe. I've not missed it once since 2016. For me USB-C charging is better in everyway. It stays in when you're working from the sofa, you can easily replace the cable if it gets damaged - I went through so many Magsafe chargers because the cable frayed and the entire charger had to be replaced. I can charge on either side, I can use just about any USB-C charger to get juice into my laptop. I haven't had any circumstances where i've pulled a cable and need the MagSafe feature. So much so that when I got my first USB-C MacBook Pro in 2016 i bought a USB-C magnetic connector...and i've never used it.

So hopefully Apple isn't going back to old school MagSafe connection. It makes a mess of the sides and if you have multiple ways to charge I think it'll only serve to confuse the average user. What I do hope is if it is making a return in some form or another that it's Apple USB-C MagSafe solution. Something a bit more elegant than the current 3rd party offering but doesn't use or have yet another port. Then once again it's choice - want a connection that can pull apart? You got it! Want to use USB-C cables as usual, you got it too!

Choice whilst still being progressive and pushing the future forward seems to best way to keep most people happy.

 

[johngoodman6]

this is spot-on!!!

 

[Apple_Robert]

Overall, I was unimpressed with Kuo's latest statements on the upcoming MBP.

I do agree with you about having a choice with the Touch Bar. The problem is there may not be enough consumer demand for the Touch Bar, as far as Apple is concerned.

In my opinion, the regular Mac forum user is not typical of the Joe and Jill average day consumer. As such, what seems as unthinkable and archaic to many here, probably works just fine for Joe and Jill. The trick for Apple is finding the balance between Joe and Jill and those who actually need more for their day to day workflow, and not just a forum user who wants all the bells and whistles he or she can think of for the sake of being king or queen of the MBP for a very small time window.

 

[dannys1]

In my opinion, the regular Mac forum user is not typical of the Joe and Jill average day consumer.

I mean you're spot on there - there's a miserable bunch on here that moan about everything. I just can't believe 5 years later they're still complaining about ports. A supposedly tech savvy audience still wants to use...a USB-A memory stick?!

The most ironic thing about all the daft grumbling about dongles is that the switch from just two USB ports to 4 (or 3 if you need to charge) is that I was able to plug in all my live show gear into one computer WITHOUT a hub that i'd normally have had to use!

People wanting ethernet too. A wired internet connection is great, I won't disagree with that. However that means you've tied yourself to a location. In that case why not build up on that, get a Thunderbolt dock so that when you sit down to work there you get gigabit ethernet, 90w charging, a card reader and whatever else you need with one cable plugged into your laptop.

A MagSafe port after all these years seems bizarre too. I though at the time in 2016 they would have done a MagSafe USB-C cable, so to be thinking about it now seems a bit late. But again i'm sure they couldn't build an line barrel type connection that splits off really well. You still keep all the benefits of USB-C, you give people choice if they want to use it or not. The last thing I want is an old style MagSafe charging port bunged on the side of my laptop in case I want to use it.

It seemed like a step away for the first time since Steve died of Apple simplicity. Don't give people two ways to charge it's just confusing. Don't put loads and loads of different ports on a computer, it ends up being like some cheap Windows laptop that people go "look I can do this with it" and it's some godawful user experience they're demonstrating (like playing sports games on their TV from a laptop plugged into it).

Hopefully some of them are just nonsense too, he only has a 75% success rate.

 

[ipponrg]

However, why ditch it all together?

My guess is this is a supply chain problem. Presenting options is good for the consumer but not for Apple profits. Remember that when Touch Bar came out, it indirectly added $300 to the similar MBP of previous years

I don't see why you'd want a single use port over a port with a universal connection that can literally do anything - USB-C was the greatest thing to happen to MacBooks, it's beautiful, functional, fast, flexible, just amazing.

I actually think this was not a great idea. For work, IT has had to also give out Usb-c docks to everyone. It’s great if you are stationary, but when you are truly mobile and moving around, you need to remember to carry it with you. If you are doing any work standing up, the hanging hub can easily fall out. There have also been weird power issues coming from the hubs. This would have been alleviated if it was just native.

For your other issues, I don’t care too much about MagSafe or ethernet. But it was a nice to have because it made MBP truly a mobile warrior.

Don't put loads and loads of different ports on a computer, it ends up being like some cheap Windows laptop

I think this is very indicative of your use case. I understand there is a sleek appeal but don’t forget there are many people who care more about function over form

 

[dannys1]

I think this is very indicative of your use case. I understand there is a sleek appeal but don’t forget there are many people who care more about function over form

But as I said, for me it is both form AND function. Since 2016 i've had the most functional laptops ever. Having 40gbps ports on both sides for anything I've wanted to plug in is insane. I just upgraded my cables to USB-C a far FAR superior connected back then and never looked back. I genuinely don't understand why people have no hubs or "dongles" hanging off now than before. Sure I have a USB-C adapter on the end of an Ethernet cable for when I want to use it, but I don't see why this is any worse than just an Ethernet cable.

The speed upgrades alone are worth. Crazy that someone would lose two USB4 ports for a USB3 Gen 1 port, absolutely ridiculous.

 

[ipponrg]

But as I said, for me it is both form AND function. Since 2016 i've had the most functional laptops ever. Having 40gbps ports on both sides for anything I've wanted to plug in is insane. I just upgraded my cables to USB-C a far FAR superior connected back then and never looked back. I genuinely don't understand why people have no hubs or "dongles" hanging off now than before. Sure I have a USB-C adapter on the end of an Ethernet cable for when I want to use it, but I don't see why this is any worse than just an Ethernet cable.

The speed upgrades alone are worth. Crazy that someone would lose two USB4 ports for a USB3 Gen 1 port, absolutely ridiculous.

I have a 2011, 2015, 2016, and now currently 2018 for my work MBP. The best for me was the 2015 because it had USB-A built in. I think that one you had to use a thunderbolt to ethernet adapter which I seldom used, so it was not too bothersome

Re: "genuinely don't understand", try to have an open mind. For many, it's nice to not having to remember the dongle. I think users, myself included, have learned to embrace with what we have today and try to be conscious of what we need to do our work for productivity. The speed upgrades are a very particular argument that I think the general public doesn't put a great weight on.

 

[dannys1]

I have a 2011, 2015, 2016, and now currently 2018 for my work MBP. The best for me was the 2015 because it had USB-A built in. I think that one you had to use a thunderbolt to ethernet adapter which I seldom used, so it was not too bothersome

Re: "genuinely don't understand", try to have an open mind. For many, it's nice to not having to remember the dongle. I think users, myself included, have learned to embrace with what we have today and try to be conscious of what we need to do our work for productivity. The speed upgrades are a very particular argument that I think the general public doesn't put a great weight on.

But why in 2021 are you still using USB-A. This to me is like someone using DVDs in 2015. Apple users have moved on in almost every way when Apple has dropped something legacy and useless and getting rid of USB-A was one of the easiest things, it was the worst connector ever invented anyway and shouldn't have ever made in it into laptops in the first place - but it's always very easy to replace as USB-C IS just USB but with a better connector. Just upgrade your cables for cheap, job done.

I personally don't think micro-usb or USB-A or any of it's variations should be seen on any device ever again.

The only bad thing about USB-C is that 7 years later it's still not easy to find USB-C to USB-C hubs, I want access to more USB-C ports not USB-C to A hubs!

 

[ksec]

Just make it a configurable option.

Apple will need to find a way to manufacture in mass easily with this option. And I am not aware how this could be done without basically dividing the MacBook Pro into two line up.

I dont think USB-A and HDMI are mainstream opinion. Most comments dont even mention it, you just happen to pick out a few from thousands. SD Card are also solvable problem once WiFi Direct are properly implemented on Cameras. So I dont see them coming back either.

USB-C..... I can charge on either side

Well. Not really [1], just first links on Google. Along with dozens of other problems with USB 3 and USB-C in General. Whether USB4 revolves those remains to be seen. Judging from the Spec, and TB3, MagSafe for high power charging makes much more sense.

[1] https://www.zdnet.com/article/can-a-simple-charging-mistake-cause-your-macbook-pro-to-overheat/

 

[glenthompson]

I have lots of devices that use micro-usb, mini-usb, and usb-B connections. I have a ton of cables for them, all ending in usb-a connections. The only devices we have that use usb-c are our iPads and my wife’s iMac. I like having usb-a around.
Don’t have a touchbar MacBook and wouldn’t find it very useful because the majority of the time I use it in clamshell mode with an external display and keyboard. If I could get an external keyboard with it I might change my mind.

 

[ipponrg]

But why in 2021 are you still using USB-A. This to me is like someone using DVDs in 2015. Apple users have moved on in almost every way when Apple has dropped something legacy and useless and getting rid of USB-A was one of the easiest things, it was the worst connector ever invented anyway and shouldn't have ever made in it into laptops in the first place - but it's always very easy to replace as USB-C IS just USB but with a better connector. Just upgrade your cables for cheap, job done.

Because I work with devices and USB-A is ubiquitous. USB-C unfortunately is still not today.

The only bad thing about USB-C is that 7 years later it's still not easy to find USB-C to USB-C hubs

Since it’s 7 years later and you still have this problem, that is pretty clear that the industry is hesitant to commit to USB-C 100%.

 

[Geepaw]

My opinion is that it reflects a strategy shift on the part of Apple. Since 2015, Apple has been looking to differentiate its laptops through physical form. Examples include thinness, touch bar and butterfly keys. I think they are abandoning this strategy.

It now appears that Apple will be differentiating its laptops in other aspects -- internals, capabilities and functionality. The new Apple silicon means that Apple does not need to experiment with the laptop chassis and physical features any more. I believe that this will result in a higher quality/more traditionally designed laptop with a resulting upgrade in quality and reliability. This move looks to attract the most possible consumers rather than alienate certain users. It's a sound strategy of market share growth is the objective.

 

[dannys1]

I use it in clamshell mode with an external display and keyboard.

Which is a lot easier to do with Thunderbolt 3...

 

[dannys1]

Well. Not really [1], just first links on Google. Along with dozens of other problems with USB 3 and USB-C in General. Whether USB4 revolves those remains to be seen. Judging from the Spec, and TB3, MagSafe for high power charging makes much more sense.

[1] https://www.zdnet.com/article/can-a-simple-charging-mistake-cause-your-macbook-pro-to-overheat/

Well yes really - he just proved it doesn't - i've had 6 USB-C charging MacBooks now and sold thousands and never had a reported problem with it. It just works - going to just the left side and having that ugly MagSafe port back will be a big step backwards.

 

[dannys1]

Because I work with devices and USB-A is ubiquitous. USB-C unfortunately is still not today.

I work with devices and there's nothing I can think of that can't work with USB-C. If you're still using a USB-A memory stick, 1. why are you still using memory sticks? 2. get a USB-C one!

Anyway I doubt it's true - more Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 is much more likely than ever seeing a USB-A port on an Apple laptop again thankfully.

 

[glenthompson]

Which is a lot easier to do with Thunderbolt 3...

Except that my display is a Thunderbolt 1 which would require a dongle to use it with USB-C. I expect I will get a new Mac of some type in the next 2 years and will then jump all in with USB-c. Until then I can live with A.

 

[ouimetnick]

I work with devices and there's nothing I can think of that can't work with USB-C. If you're still using a USB-A memory stick, 1. why are you still using memory sticks? 2. get a USB-C one!

Anyway I doubt it's true - more Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 is much more likely than ever seeing a USB-A port on an Apple laptop again thankfully.

You must have lots of money to throw around. I'm not going to spend hundreds of dollars to throw my old USB-A items out and buy new USB-C versions. I upgrade every 5-7 years. I'm currently on a mid 2014 MBP 13" and it works well for most of my needs. It struggles when working with 4K video, so that's a bummer. I used to use the SD card slot much more when I used a small point and shoot camera, but with iPhone's camera becoming so powerful, I just AirDrop them to my Mac. That being said, real photographers have real cameras and those generally have SD cards in them. If you are going to market the MBP as a computer for professionals, how about some professional features? I'd be happy with one that allows the card to sit flush as I wouldn't need to buy 1TB of storage. (non upgradeable. Yay)

As far as HDMI, I don't use it, but lots of businesses do. It's replaced VGA for many folks connecting to projectors. I find it cute how you feel these extra ports aren't needed based on your own usage and requirements... Because your usage and needs are is definitely the same as everyone else.

But for me and my own use, 4 USB-C and a MagSafe connector would do it. Ditch the useless EmojiBar. I speak for myself, if I had to use my Mac for work in an actual business environment, I'd want a HDMI port, but it seems that most businesses use cheaper more versatile computers.

 

[ipponrg]

I work with devices and there's nothing I can think of that can't work with USB-C. If you're still using a USB-A memory stick, 1. why are you still using memory sticks? 2. get a USB-C one!

Anyway I doubt it's true - more Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 is much more likely than ever seeing a USB-A port on an Apple laptop again thankfully.

I doubt you work in the same field as me given your response. The devices I work with (embedded devices, STBs, etc) don't have USB-C in them. Why would I get a USB-C memory stick only to have to get a USB-C to USB-A converter? If the devices don't have RS-232 or a debug port on them, the only way to flash or side load tools is via a memory stick. Yeah, I use my laptops for professional work and not a random hobby.

- Do you have a smart tv at home? USB-A
- What about an Nvidia Shield? USB-A
- What about a joystick like a VKB Gunfighter 3? USB-A.
- What about portable batteries like Anker? Most output charge to USB-A

USB-C simply is not ubiquitous because due to some of these use cases. It will take a few more years until people can move off. It's costly at the moment with such little gain to update USB-A to USB-C devices/peripherals. Maybe when costs come down, it might make more sense for the general audience.

 

[ght56]

Six USB-C/ (TB4/USB4) ports would be awesome, even if each didnt have their own Thunderbolt bus. I regularly use all four ports on my 16-inch and an extra 2 would be amazing. Heck, eight ports with four busses would be incredible and IMO as groundbreaking as four TB3 ports were in 2016. It might not look as clean but it would be a functional plus for me.

 

[dannys1]

- Do you have a smart tv at home? USB-A

Never once needed to plug any USB into my OLED LG's...

- What about an Nvidia Shield? USB-A

I have Apple TV 4k, again, never used USB on it for anything.

- What about a joystick like a VKB Gunfighter 3? USB-A.

I don't play games on a Mac, but the odd time I have I just use the Xbox Elite via bluetooth or the older one via USB-C cable.

- What about portable batteries like Anker? Most output charge to USB-A

i have a USB-C Anker battery. As I said I only use USB-C cables now, if I need to charge something USB-A with it, you just use a USB-C to USB-A cable - no adapters needed for USB.

Any Raspberry Pi or Arduino can be connected with a micro-USB to USB-C cable. Just like you had ot use a micro-USB to USB-A cable before. There's literally no difference or excuse for USB devices. All my music equipment has the USB2 printer port on it, you can buy USB-C cables for those as well, which I do and it's a hell of a lot easier to plug music gear in, in the dark with USB-C.

I also do professional work which is why it's far supperior to use Samsung X5 on a Thunderbolt 3 port for 2000MB/s speeds. I bet you've always held onto legacy devices and connections and refused to move forward haven't you? Were you the last one carrying around a floppy disk?

 

[dannys1]

If you are going to market the MBP as a computer for professionals, how about some professional features?

I'm not sure an SD card reader is a "professional" feature. Photographers are only one of dozens of professionals using MacBooks anyway, why are we catering only for them - plus the actually professionals have moved to CF cards now, so are we going to stick multi card readers in the side of a laptop for a certain niche of people when they can just buy a decent card reader in the first place.

Swapping USB-A to C barely cost any money. I rebought some native cables that terminated in USB-C instead of A. There were very few devices I bought that had a cable you couldn't swap on them - for those that you couldn't it was usually something that had greatly improved speeds with Thunderbolt.

You talk about money but upgrading every 7 years is the efficient way to do it. I upgrade yearly, sometimes even more, the "old" machine is still worth most of what I paid for it- your 7 year old machine is worth nothing, plus you've missed out on 7 years of technological advancements in the meantime. I'm already wanting to upgrade my top spec 2019 16" MBP, I could imagine still working on a 2014 machine. Once I buy with discounts I think I usually make a profit upgrading every year.

You HAVE a HDMI port now, hell you have FOUR HDMI ports if you want them. You just get a native USB-C to HDMI cable. Personally I still can't think of anything worse than cabling into a projector, i'd be coming up with wireless ways to do it if it was something I had to do often - but there's absolutely no excuse you can use USB-C for HDMI, Displayport, VGA or any other display format you want to output on either side of the laptop. You just do not need a single inbuilt HDMI port. The only argument I had that was remotely valid for someone was "but if I turn up somewhere without my cable or adapter a normal HDMI that the place might have won't fit in". 3 things to that, if you're turning up without the kit you need to do your job, you're inept. If you really do presentations via HDMI THAT much, you should have a tiny adapter with you at all times just in case - I imagine these people really are a tiny tiny tiny percentage of users - travelling sales men who need to plug HDMI into projectors all the time but forget the tools they need - and finally they places these people turn up to should upgrade to USB-C to HDMI cables seen as every MacBook Air and Pro sold for the last 7 years has had one.

 

[djlythium]

Like other people have said, I think the dedicated emoji button on the M1s presages a shift to the keyboard with digital key caps (as denoted in Apple’s patent), allowing for different ‘keyboards’ with the press of a button while still retaining the feel of actual keys.

 

[ouimetnick]

I'm not sure an SD card reader is a "professional" feature. Photographers are only one of dozens of professionals using MacBooks anyway, why are we catering only for them - plus the actually professionals have moved to CF cards now, so are we going to stick multi card readers in the side of a laptop for a certain niche of people when they can just buy a decent card reader in the first place.

Swapping USB-A to C barely cost any money. I rebought some native cables that terminated in USB-C instead of A. There were very few devices I bought that had a cable you couldn't swap on them - for those that you couldn't it was usually something that had greatly improved speeds with Thunderbolt.

You talk about money but upgrading every 7 years is the efficient way to do it. I upgrade yearly, sometimes even more, the "old" machine is still worth most of what I paid for it- your 7 year old machine is worth nothing, plus you've missed out on 7 years of technological advancements in the meantime. I'm already wanting to upgrade my top spec 2019 16" MBP, I could imagine still working on a 2014 machine. Once I buy with discounts I think I usually make a profit upgrading every year.

You HAVE a HDMI port now, hell you have FOUR HDMI ports if you want them. You just get a native USB-C to HDMI cable. Personally I still can't think of anything worse than cabling into a projector, i'd be coming up with wireless ways to do it if it was something I had to do often - but there's absolutely no excuse you can use USB-C for HDMI, Displayport, VGA or any other display format you want to output on either side of the laptop. You just do not need a single inbuilt HDMI port. The only argument I had that was remotely valid for someone was "but if I turn up somewhere without my cable or adapter a normal HDMI that the place might have won't fit in". 3 things to that, if you're turning up without the kit you need to do your job, you're inept. If you really do presentations via HDMI THAT much, you should have a tiny adapter with you at all times just in case - I imagine these people really are a tiny tiny tiny percentage of users - travelling sales men who need to plug HDMI into projectors all the time but forget the tools they need - and finally they places these people turn up to should upgrade to USB-C to HDMI cables seen as every MacBook Air and Pro sold for the last 7 years has had one.

Besides slightly faster and more power efficient CPUs, marginally faster SSD and RAM, nothing has improved on the newer Intel MacBook Pro from 2014-2015. You get an unreliable keyboard, less versatility with ports, no MagSafe (it's saved me numerous times with my dog), no physical function keys, and a display prone to backlight failure (in 2016 MBP 13")

I guess if you use your computer strictly for business and can write it off, go upgrade. I don't waste thousands of dollars for slight improvements. Instead of making excuses for Apple and suggesting people carry the proper adapters with them, how about the computer be more versatile to begin with? Like I mentioned, I don't use HDMI, but if I did, why should I have to carry around a stupid adapter or another cable rather than just being able to plug in and go?

 

[MacBird]

The Touch Bar could be reconfigured to have the F keys for people who don't like it. As for Mag Safe, if it could be included into USB-C then it might work well. I would be more interested in a good display, FaceID and maybe even LTE/5G.

 

[BB8]

Adding touchbar as an option means more SKUs which is costly for Apple and they probably don't want to do. Even if they do decide to go that route, I feel like it would eventually get phased out due to poor sales unless it was literally a free option.