Redesigned MacBook Pro Models Still on Track for 2021 Launch, But Supplies Likely to Be Constrained into Next Year

[MacRumors]

Volume production of the redesigned 16-inch MacBook Pro with Apple silicon and a mini-LED display is set to begin in the first quarter of 2022, while mass production of the smaller and new 14-inch MacBook Pro will begin in the fourth quarter of this year, according to industry sources cited in a paywalled DigiTimes report.

Yesterday, DigiTimes posted a preview of a story reporting that the launch of the redesigned MacBook Pros could be delayed until next year. Now, the full report offers more context, including the fact that Apple suppliers are feeling constrained by the launch of the new mini-LED 12.9-inch iPad Pro, hindering production for the Mac.

Volume production of Apple's miniLED-backlit MacBook Pro series may have to be postponed to fourth-quarter of 2021 or first-quarter 2022 if the sudden surge in the number of COVID infections in Taiwan continues to worsen, according to industry sources.

Having launched its miniLED-backlit 12.9-inch iPad Pro in late April, Apple plans to release two miniLED-backlit MacBook Pro products - one having a 14-inch display and the other a 16-inch display - in the second half of 2021, said the sources.

DigiTimes still reports that Apple plans to release the new MacBook Pros in the second half of this year, but implies that much like the new M1 iPad Pro and iMac, they may not be widely available for purchase until a few weeks after their initial announcement. Apple announced the new iPad Pro and iMac at an event on April 20, yet neither product officially ships and launches to customers until the second half of May, most likely this week on May 21.

Apple may opt to take a similar approach with the new 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pros, announcing them to the public but not make them available until sufficient production is underway. However, DigiTimes also notes that a minimal number of 14-inch MacBook Pros will be produced in the third quarter of this year, likely hinting that supply will be tight, despite reasonably high demand.

These new MacBook Pros will offer the biggest redesign to Apple's Pro portable Mac lineup since 2016. According to Bloomberg and Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple plans to abandon the Touch Bar with the new MacBook Pros, bring back MagSafe charging technology, and more ports, including an HDMI port. These new MacBook Pros will also feature an all-new mini-LED display and a more powerful Apple silicon chip.

Article Link: Redesigned MacBook Pro Models Still on Track for 2021 Launch, But Supplies Likely to Be Constrained into Next Year

 

[Serban55]

So no MBP at WWDC if this is true somehow

 

[LFC2020]

So no MBP at WWDC if this is true somehow

There was never going to be any new MacBooks at wwdc.

 

[wanha]

Mini-LED display, (hopefully) an M2 processor, MagSafe, a ton of ports - I am genuinely EXCITED for the new 14" MacBook Pro. Can't wait to throw my money at Apple.

 

[Lukomaldini]

Woah, this MBP with Mini LED and M2 is going to be the one to get! Probably the best mac we have ever seen since the introduction of Retina (which for me was pretty awesome!)

 

[BvizioN]

That super thin bezel isn't gonna happen. Don't take a notice or you will get disappointed.

 

[mystery hill]

Can't wait to throw my money at Apple.

They can’t wait to take your money.

 

[MLVC]

So no MBP at WWDC if this is true somehow

They could still be announced and go on sale later, just like the new iPads and iMacs. Nobody knows really, also not those "very smart and insightful people" here that think they do.

 

[contacos]

That super thin bezel isn't gonna happen. Don't take a notice or you will get disappointed.

Instead they will add another 2 cm to make sure the white bezel really stands out

 

[arvinsim]

Waiting for WWDC.

If iPadOS doesn't open up or if no new Macbooks will be announced, I am just going to get an interim Macbook Air for use on the go.

 

[Serban55]

They could still be announced and go on sale later, just like the new iPads and iMacs. Nobody knows really, also not those "very smart and insightful people" here that think they do.

WWDC is just around the corner...they cant announced them , tell us that starting mid July..and the production issues are falling to 2022...6-7 months are too much...Its clear MBP will be announce in the fall

 

[wanha]

They can’t wait to take your money.

It's the definition of win-win

 

[xmlninja]

Devastating news. I need new macbook pro 14" to function properly.

 

[Minxy]

I hope it’s earlier than the fourth quarter.

 

[alpi123]

So no MBP at WWDC if this is true somehow

Why would Apple not wait a full year to announce the next generation of their M1 chip? That's like announcing the new iPhone at WWDC too. It's obvious that there is going to be an October event reserved for Macs like there usually is.

 

[mobilemario]

So no new iMacs, Macbooks, and displays until Q4. Bummer.

 

[matt3526]

My 2014 MBP is on its last legs. I'm really hoping that 16 inch comes out soon!

 

[Roadster Lewis]

My 2014 MBP is on its last legs. I'm really hoping that 16 inch comes out soon!

I’m still struggling along with a 2010 iMac waiting for an M1x MPB...

 

[ascender]

So we get some more detail, but not really. I don't think the sources know what's going on, hence why that article & post is beyond vague and they're totally hedging their bets.

 

[Mr.PT]

Whatever happens in fall, just make 16” get production priority over 14”, and entering 2022(!?) Must be M2 and I don’t mean just branding it as such...

 

[jonbones]

Damn... going to be a long year.

 

[NavySilver]

I sort of anticipated this and bought a base model M1 Mac Mini in the meantime.

 

[Trenches]

Oh man now THIS is what I'm excited for. Now if they can only refrain from doing a cotton candy color theme or making some other God awful decision, they'll be reaching straight into my wallet.

Though if they come out with a neon slime green, I'm getting it!

 

[bobtem]

The top bezel will have to be thicker to house a camera.

 

[batmanofvietnam]

I'm so excited and nervous for whatever their new dedicated / expanded GPU is gonna be.