I’m not a fan of Apple’s new design language direction

[Makisupa Policeman]

It looks like the M2 Air is probably going to get a similar redesign as the MBP.

I’m just not a fan of this design direction personally. I don’t like the “raised” feet, the notch, removal of the Mac logo from the screen, or single-tone keyboard (black keys with black base/underside).

I think all these changes make Mac look more like a generic laptop and have muddied the distinctiveness of the brand.

Agree? Disagree? Am I just wrong?

 

[robco74]

I got used to the notch rather quickly. I don't mind the name being moved to the bottom case. The new keyboard is a huge improvement and I don't miss the Touch Bar at all. The raised feet can be annoying at times when they snag things, I wish the edges were more rounded. Other than that, this design is a major step forward compared to the last gen in terms of usefulness. About the only company that effectively mimics Apple's deign language is Razer, and their support is pretty bad. I'm happy with the new display, the extra screen space, the keyboard feel, better speakers, and performance without always kicking the fans into high gear.

As for the Air, I doubt it will get mini-LED this time around, so it may be spared the notch. I think Apple will also try to preserve the wedge profile, as that's become an important part of the Air's design. They may also keep the half-height function row in order to keep it slim.

 

[fwmireault]

I liked the design of the USB-C MacBook Pro era, despite all their issues. At first, I was not fond of the new MBP design, but it grew on me in the past months and I quite like it today. I'd take a notch and less MacBook logo anytime if it means more screen. I disagree that the new design decisions have muddied the distinctiveness of MacBook, I find that it's the opposite. The notch, black on black keyboard and Powerbook style design are very distinctive in my opinion.

 

[Makisupa Policeman]

I liked the design of the USB-C MacBook Pro era, despite all their issues. At first, I was not fond of the new MBP design, but it grew on me in the past months and I quite like it today. I'd take a notch and less MacBook logo anytime if it means more screen. I disagree that the new design decisions have muddied the distinctiveness of MacBook, I find that it's the opposite. The notch, black on black keyboard and Powerbook style design are very distinctive in my opinion.

I didn’t think about the fact that this design does emulate the PowerBook era somewhat—you’ve got a good point there.

I hope it does grow on me, and I’m open to having my mind changed. But for now, I don’t know. It just bugs me, lol.

 

[Jorbanead]

I like the design. The Apple ID team (Industrial Design) is clearly moving all apple devices towards a retro-future design style phase: essentially taking the future design elements of modern macs and mixing this with mid-century design cues and colors. This is exciting for me because Apple is embracing much-needed change. I disagree though that they look like other computers, but I can see why some would think that.

The air though should look like a mix between the Macbook Pro and the iPad Air. It'll have a screen and feet similar to the MBP (minus ProMotion), and it'll have a thickness and colors similar to the iPad Air (or iMac 24'). The colors alone will really make it pop and stick out from the competition.

 

[jdb8167]

The only part that bothers me is the increased weight. I want a powerful lightweight notebook. As much as i would love a 14” screen I have no interest in a 3.5 pound notebook. Luckily the M1 MacBook Air meets my needs but the trend to larger heavier notebooks is troubling.

 

[robco74]

My guess is Apple decided to let the MBP grow a little bit to accommodate better cooling. The old M1 13" MBP didn't really offer much of an improvement for the cost. I imagine we'll see the Air stretch its wings a a bit more when it gets redesigned.

As for coolness factor, the PowerBook 500 series was pretty awesome back in the day.

 

[Miat]

I will be very disappointed if the next Air loses the wedge shape. I have tried using both an Air and an MBP, and I can use the Air for hours with no problem, but the MBP just cuts into the wrist and seriously limits how much I can use it.

Quite annoyed that Apple have not come up with a design mod for the MBP to fix this. They can't even round off that single edge a bit? It just has to be a hard right-angle? WTF?

Currently on the last OS (Catalina) that I can use on my 2012 Mini, so need to upgrade to something newer before much longer. Seriously wondering if I should grab a current M1 Air before they disappear from the market, even if they are short on ports, and run it in a desktop dock for a year or three until we see where the Mini goes.

 

[senttoschool]

The only part that bothers me is the increased weight. I want a powerful lightweight notebook. As much as i would love a 14” screen I have no interest in a 3.5 pound notebook. Luckily the M1 MacBook Air meets my needs but the trend to larger heavier notebooks is troubling.

I somewhat agree with this.

On my Macbook Pro 16", I've never heard the fans spin after 3 months. I would have loved it to be a bit lighter in exchange for a worse cooling option.

But it's a minor thing.

 

[andrewstirling]

I got used to the notch rather quickly. I don't mind the name being moved to the bottom case. The new keyboard is a huge improvement and I don't miss the Touch Bar at all. The raised feet can be annoying at times when they snag things, I wish the edges were more rounded. Other than that, this design is a major step forward compared to the last gen in terms of usefulness. About the only company that effectively mimics Apple's deign language is Razer, and their support is pretty bad. I'm happy with the new display, the extra screen space, the keyboard feel, better speakers, and performance without always kicking the fans into high gear.

As for the Air, I doubt it will get mini-LED this time around, so it may be spared the notch. I think Apple will also try to preserve the wedge profile, as that's become an important part of the Air's design. They may also keep the half-height function row in order to keep it slim.

How does the keyboard feel differently to the air?

 

[leman]

It looks like the M2 Air is probably going to get a similar redesign as the MBP.

I’m just not a fan of this design direction personally. I don’t like the “raised” feet, the notch, removal of the Mac logo from the screen, or single-tone keyboard (black keys with black base/underside).

I think all these changes make Mac look more like a generic laptop and have muddied the distinctiveness of the brand.

Agree? Disagree? Am I just wrong?

I had similar concerns but they disappeared the moment my laptop arrived and I could hold it in my hands. These devices are unmistakably premium Apple. Yes, they are more square and more bulky, but also extremely smooth, polished and very very slick. As others have mentioned, there is an obvious nostalgic nod to the PowerBook and the unibody MBP - a certain retro design element that permeates Apples current lineup.

Overall, I think they did a terrific job and I am looking forward to what the new design team wil come up with next. At the same time I am not a fan of some choices, e.g. MagSafe was completely unnecessary, I’d much prefer another USB-C port, and I painfully feel the lack of the touch bar every time I have to adjust screen brightness or volume - physical keys are just less convenient.

 

[ThomasJL]

[sarcasm]
I am really disappointed that the new MacBook Pros have a headphone jack. I am also really disappointed that the new MacBook Pros include a charger in the box. I am willing to pay more money for a MacBook Pro if it doesn't have a headphone jack, and I am willing to pay even more money on top of that if there is no charger included in the box. Tim Cook is so wonderful!
[/sarcasm]

 

[TracerAnalog]

It looks like the M2 Air is probably going to get a similar redesign as the MBP.

I’m just not a fan of this design direction personally. I don’t like the “raised” feet, the notch, removal of the Mac logo from the screen, or single-tone keyboard (black keys with black base/underside).

I think all these changes make Mac look more like a generic laptop and have muddied the distinctiveness of the brand.

Agree? Disagree? Am I just wrong?

You can't be wrong, as it is your opinion! I think Apple's industrial design language shifted a bit towards functionality, and away from form, especially for the Macbooks. I like it.

 

[dtm84]

Have you handled and used one in person? A lot of people have strong opinions based only on pictures and it is a worthless take.

 

[tRYSIS3]

couldn't disagree more, this is apple's most bold design in years.

 

[leman]

[sarcasm]
I am really disappointed that the new MacBook Pros have a headphone jack. I am also really disappointed that the new MacBook Pros include a charger in the box. I am willing to pay more money for a MacBook Pro if it doesn't have a headphone jack, and I am willing to pay even more money on top of that if there is no charger included in the box. Tim Cook is so wonderful!
[/sarcasm]

You might be joking but we now have two of these new MBPs in our household and we haven't even unpacked either of the new chargers. We have a perfectly fine USB-C working station used to charge our laptops and iPads, MagSafe messes everything up again. Luckily enough its still a USB-C charger, all I need is a new cable... still annoying.

 

[TechRunner]

I actually like the design of the new MBPs. There's a retro look to them that appeals to me. Apple's decision to make a somewhat radical shift away from the previous design was a clear signal that it is a new era for the Pros. In three or four years, they'll probably redesign them again, so if you don't like them now, just hang on for a bit.

 

[Basic75]

Agree? Disagree? Am I just wrong?

Don't care. As long as it's not too ugly, which it isn't. My computer is a tool, not a fashion statement.

 

[clangers23]

Personally I like it, it's following the lineage of the PowerBook and early Macbook Pro's. It's what the MBP should have been all along. It isn't and shouldn't have ever been considered a thin and light laptop.

Comparing my MBP 14" with my 14" ThinkPad T14 and they're basically very similar size and weight. The Macbook Air or indeed a Macbook line should be thinner and lighter.

 

[Jonathan Leclerc]

My two cents: I agree that the new design of the MBP is generally a misfire. The things I dislike: the feet (they really look odd on a slick Apple product); the notch (it simply has no logic being on a computer screen — although I think I could live with it on the larger 16" screen); the lack of a USB-A port (but hurrah for the return of MagSafe, which should never have been removed). Speaking of things that shouldn't have been removed or changed: the MBP wordmark should have remained below the screen (there's enough space and it creates an emotional connection with the product); the illuminated Apple logo (it's a brilliant piece that was absolutely distinctive, shaving off a millimetre or two wasn't worth losing it). But, there are a few things I also like with the new design: rounded screen corners (a classic Macintosh look that's pleasing to the eye), and the uniformely black keyboard (I've never been a fan of the contrast between the anodized aluminium and the black keys — the original aluminium MBP design, actually PowerBook back then, with the silver keyboard and chrome finish wordmark, is still the best looking in my opinion, but barring that, the uniform black keyboard is an improvement). And, generally, I do like the somewhat retro look Apple seems to be ushering into. Now, if only they could do the same for macOS: bring back Aqua! ;-)

 

[stumblingfalk]

I greatly prefer the "new" design over the wedge shape. I hated the sharp edges of my Air M1. Just wish they had removed all sharp edges.

The thermal capabilities are awesome too, especially in the "16 is a machine that can actually do proper heavy work (video) without it choking and much more silently even at full blast than a say a high spec gaming laptop.

As to weight, from where I'm coming from its light. I carry it to and fro work in a backpack with my camera, lenses and other stuff the way I've always done. If the laptop weighs 1 or 3 kilos don't really matter much. If you use a messenger bag or some kind of briefcase it might be a different story. I just find them impractical and always in the way. Not good for your back either.

Then again, I'm a function over form guy. It's much important that things work and are comfortable to use, than to look good ?

 

[Lukomaldini]

I was like "ugh black well for the keyboard looks disgusting" this was when i saw the renders during the keynote, in person it looks really nice! So much nicer!

 

[MajorFubar]

Am I just wrong?

You're definitely not wrong: you have an opinion, and you have the grace to express it as an opinion, rather than come on here with the "all new macs are *****" attitude as though it's an unquestionable fact. So having expressed an opinion, you can't be wrong.

I quite like the direction they are heading, but I'll chain myself to the virtual gates to battle for your right to say you don't.

 

[leman]

the notch (it simply has no logic being on a computer screen — although I think I could live with it on the larger 16" screen);

The notch gives us more real screen estate and is entirely invisible in everyday operation. It's an odd design decision, but memorable and ultimately functional.

the lack of a USB-A port

What else? Firewire? Serial? USB-A has been deprecated by the USB consortium in 2017 — that's almost five years ago!

P.S. Of course, I ultimately expect your opinion and would never seek to invalidate it. Just commenting on some things that grabbed my attention.

 

[ThomasJL]

It looks like the M2 Air is probably going to get a similar redesign as the MBP.

I’m just not a fan of this design direction personally. I don’t like the “raised” feet, the notch, removal of the Mac logo from the screen, or single-tone keyboard (black keys with black base/underside).

I think all these changes make Mac look more like a generic laptop and have muddied the distinctiveness of the brand.

Agree? Disagree? Am I just wrong?

I dislike the rounded corners at the top of the screen. It looks bad, especially considering that the corners at the bottom of the screen are 90 degrees. All four corners should be 90 degrees.