Shaky Rumor Claims Redesigned MacBook Pros Will Feature 'M1X' Chip and Remove the Front Logo

[MacRumors]

A questionable report is today claiming that Apple's next-generation MacBook Pro models will feature an "M1X" chip and remove the "MacBook Pro" logo from below the display.

The report from 9to5Mac says that "a source with a decent track record," iOS developer Dylandkt made the claims. According to Dylandkt, "Apple's planned name for the MacBook Pro chips" is the "M1X."

The M1X is an extension of the M1 that will contain more thunderbolt channels, cpu cores, gpu cores, multiple external monitor support, and greater power draw. These devices will both feature a 1080p webcam, SD card reader, three thunderbolt usb c ports, an updated MagSafe port, and an HDMI port.

9to5Mac suggested that this rumor from its source aligned with reliable Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman's recent report on the new MacBook Pro models, but this does not seem to be the case at all upon closer examination.

Earlier this week, Gurman explained that the upcoming 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models will feature a new Apple silicon chip including a 10-core CPU with eight high-performance cores and two energy-efficient cores, 16-core or 32-core GPU options, support for up to 64GB of memory, and support for additional Thunderbolt ports.

Gurman did not comment about how the MacBook Pro's new chip would be branded, but given what he went on to explain in the report, it seems highly unlikely that it would be an "M1X."

The crucial detail Gurman explained was that the 13.3-inch MacBook Pro and a high-end version of the MacBook Air are also due to get a new Apple silicon chip. This chip "will include the same number of computing cores as the M1 but run faster. It will also see the number of graphics cores increase from seven or eight to nine or 10."

This means that there are two next-generation Apple silicon chips in the works for MacBooks, with one for the 13.3-inch MacBook Pro and high-end MacBook Air, and one for the redesigned 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.

According to Gurman, the high-end chip for the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models differs considerably from the M1, hence why it does not seem right that it would be an "M1X." Gurman himself said that the "new chips differ from the M1's design." Even so, it would be a fair guess to assume that Apple's next-generation chip for the MacBook Pro would be called the "M1X" if it was not for the other rumored chip that actually is supposed to be based on the M1.

The report is brought even further into question by speculation about the "M2" chip:

Apple is said to be reserving the M2 name for next year's chips, and that this will likely debut in a new MacBook Air.

It seems unlikely that Apple would brand its high-end chip that differs from the M1's design the "M1X," while branding another chip that is less powerful, a direct successor to the M1, and based on its design, the "M2."

Given these two suspect claims, the rest of the report's validity is brought into question. The claim that the MacBook Pro will drop the front-facing logo circulated on Twitter in recent days, including a hint from leaker Jon Prosser, so it may simply be an echo of that speculation.

All of the other claims about the "M1X" chip and the redesigned MacBook Pros in the report, such as additional Thunderbolt ports, SD-card reader, and HDMI port, have been made before by reliable sources such as Gurman and Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

For more information about Apple's upcoming 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, see our dedicated "Everything We Know" guide.

Article Link: Shaky Rumor Claims Redesigned MacBook Pros Will Feature 'M1X' Chip and Remove the Front Logo

 

[Serban55]

We already know everything about the next MBP, or at least 90%
-M1x 10 cores with 16 gpu cores for the 14" and 32 cores for the 16"
-3 Tb/usb4 ports, magsafe hdmi 2.1 and sd card
-14" and 16" display (probably with mini led)
- no more label in front of the display
- slimmer bezels, like the current 16" (the top bezels will be a little slimmer thought)
-1080p facetime camera
-no more touchbar
-up to 64gb Ram into the 16" mbp and up to 32 gb ram for the 14"

 

[MisterK]

Is the 'front logo' the words "MacBook Pro" just beneath the screen? Just keeping the Apple on the back of the screen (like the new iMac) makes sense.

 

[Ion-X]

I wouldn’t be surprised if they removed the wordmark on the bezel as it seemed out of place. Apple rarely puts the names of their products on the products themselves.

I use a mid-2014 Retina MacBook Pro with no wordmark on it and lots of ports on the side, so I guess things really are coming full circle!

What would be much more shocking is if they removed the brandmark from the exterior lid. That would completely change the feel of the product.

 

[Lemon Olive]

Unless Apple is just removing 2 efficiency cores entirely, which seems incomprehensible, then this is a totally new chip architecture where the efficiency cores have an entirely new performance profile.

 

[bwayne]

Removing the MacBook Pro logo and replacing it with screen area is a good idea.

 

[Serban55]

Is the 'front logo' the words "MacBook Pro" just beneath the screen? Just keeping the Apple on the back of the screen (like the new iMac) makes sense.

like the 2012-2017 mbp
No need to stretch the words since the bezels are a little bit slimmer even the bottom one

 

[Manzanito]

Shaky is the new dubious.

 

[zorinlynx]

Why the crap is Apple de-branding its stuff? First the iMacs and now the Macbooks? Don't they know seeing the words "Macbook Pro" especially when they show up in movies and such is great advertising?

 

[jlc1978]

We already know everything about the next MBP, or at least 90%
-M1x 10 cores with 16 gpu cores for the 14" and 32 cores for the 16"
-3 Tb/usb4 ports, magsafe hdmi 2.1 and sd card
-14" and 16" display (probably with mini led)
- no more label in front of the display
- slimmer bezels, like the current 16" (the top bezels will be a little slimmer thought)
-1080p facetime camera
-no more touchbar
-up to 64gb Ram into the 16" mbp and up to 32 gb ram for the 14"

While a lot of that may come to pass, it's all speculation at this point. I do hope they add an SD or microSD slot, it's the one thing a really miss in my MBP. Magsafe would be nice although I have a Magsafe like USB cable that does the same thing and works just fine. HDMI? Meh, I've used an adapter and for me it's no big deal. At least no legacy USB-A ports.

The one thing we don't have any idea of is the cost, other than $$$$. My MBP's AppleCare expires later this year and so I am looking at a replacement MBP or, if possible, using Apple's new year to year extension. Cost will be a big issue.

Why the crap is Apple de-branding its stuff? First the iMacs and now the Macbooks? Don't they know seeing the words "Macbook Pro" especially when they show up in movies and such is great advertising?

Most of the time logos are covered unless a placement fee is paid. I've seen Macs but no logos a number of times.

 

[Serban55]

Why the crap is Apple de-branding its stuff? First the iMacs and now the Macbooks? Don't they know seeing the words "Macbook Pro" especially when they show up in movies and such is great advertising?

because Apple become such a monster that it is the only brand that no longer needs a logo on their devices

 

[Ion-X]

Unless Apple is just removing 2 efficiency cores entirely, which seems incomprehensible, then this is a totally new chip architecture where the efficiency cores have an entirely new performance profile.

Not necessarily. Pros spend a relatively large portion of their time using the power cores, and the new MBPs will be equipped with a large-enough battery to keep the machine running for 8+ hours at full speed. It’s just not necessary to have as many efficiency cores. Removing them also keeps the cost under control. Plus, pros usually work at a desk, plugged into power.

 

[gusping]

While a lot of that may come to pass, it's all speculation at this point. I do hope they add an SD or microSD slot, it's the one thing a really miss in my MBP. Magsafe would be nice although I have a Magsafe like USB cable that does the same thing and works just fine. HDMI? Meh, I've used an adapter and for me it's no big deal. At least no legacy USB-A ports.

The one thing we don't have any idea of is the cost, other than $$$$. My MBP's AppleCare expires later this year and so I am looking at a replacement MBP or, if possible, using Apple's new year to year extension. Cost will be a big issue.

It will cost a lot....

 

[Serban55]

HDMI? Meh, I've used an adapter and for me it's no big deal.

Not just HDMI...but HDMI 2.1 ,your adapter cannot deliver this
HDMI® Specification 2.1 is the most recent update of the HDMI® specification and supports a range of higher video resolutions and refresh rates including 8K60 and 4K120, and resolutions up to 10K. Dynamic HDR formats are also supported, and bandwidth capability is increased up to 48Gbps.
Since Apple is with PRO displays, and HDR now...the pro devices needs the HDMI 2.1 even more than sd card..but this will have both

 

[Ion-X]

because Apple become such a monster that it is the only brand that no longer needs a logo on their devices

The article is written in a confusing way. The brandmark on the exterior lid is staying; the wordmark on the bottom screen bezel is going away.

 

[Lemon Olive]

Not necessarily. Pros spend a relatively large portion of their time using the power cores, and the new MBPs will be equipped with a large-enough battery to keep the machine running for 8+ hours at full speed. It’s just not necessary to have as many efficiency cores. Removing them also keeps the cost under control.

Lol. No. Not a chance. As efficient as Apple Silicon is, an Intel MacBookPro won't last 45 minutes running at "full speed". The battery life ratings are not based on running the CPU's at max.

 

[Serban55]

It will cost a lot....

the 14" will start under $2000 for sure, and the 16" probably from around $2300

 

[BGPL]

I'm waiting for the M2. But I'm not sure why.

 

[Serban55]

The article is written in a confusing way. The brandmark on the exterior lid is staying; the wordmark on the bottom screen bezel is going away.

its about the wording Macbook pro, that the current macs has it. The apple logo will be still on the lid, like the 24" imacs since they need for the wifi/bt to go through the metal chassis

 

[magicschoolbus]

Wasn't there a series of Apple laptops recently that had the MacBook Pro removed on the bezel?

 

[Wilburx3]

What about a full new line name? P1 chip

 

[Serban55]

I'm waiting for the M2. But I'm not sure why.

The M2 will be the M1 with higher clock speeds and 10 core gpu...it will be the next SoC for the current M1 devices (macbook air, 24" imac etc)

 

[RedTheReader]

Unless Apple is just removing 2 efficiency cores entirely, which seems incomprehensible, then this is a totally new chip architecture where the efficiency cores have an entirely new performance profile.

This does make sense to me. What I’m curious about is whether the other elements of the chip are improved too. Is each performance core more powerful? What about the GPU cores? I hope we don’t have to wait until we get the machines in our hands to find out. It’d be really nice to see some meaningful figures at the WWDC keynote, you know? Especially since we’re probably going to have to wait a month or more after the announcement to actually get the computers.

 

[DekuBleep]

I presume this is wrong and the new chip will be called the M2. Richie says the M1 is the A14X. So calling something an M1X breaks the rules of Apples naming conventions.

 

[raccoontail]

MBA the first to get the M2? Giving the entry-level products the M1 first made sense because the M1 doesn't have the RAM capacity or display support needed for pro-level products, but there's no way Apple will continue to put its fastest chips in its least expensive products. I would expect MBP's and bigger iMacs with M1X's, followed by a M1X option for the mini, then new MBA's with M1X, then M2 Mac Pro (remember me?), MBP and iMacs.