So is the 16" MacBook Pro coming or was it just a myth?

[0-0]

The 16” has been predicted for 2019.

Apple Expected to Adopt Keyboard With Scissor Mechanism for Upcoming 16-inch MacBook Pro

Apple is planning to use a scissor mechanism rather than a butterfly mechanism for its upcoming 16-inch MacBook Pro, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said...

www.macrumors.com

That rumour was back in July, Kuo has most recently changed his prediction to mid 2020.

Kuo Says New MacBook With Scissor Keyboard to Launch in Mid 2020, Unclear if 16-Inch Model Delayed

Apple plans to introduce a new MacBook model with a scissor switch keyboard in the late second quarter or early third quarter of 2020, according to...

www.macrumors.com

 

[Howard2k]

That rumour was back in July, Kuo has most recently changed his prediction to mid 2020.

Kuo Says New MacBook With Scissor Keyboard to Launch in Mid 2020, Unclear if 16-Inch Model Delayed

Apple plans to introduce a new MacBook model with a scissor switch keyboard in the late second quarter or early third quarter of 2020, according to...

www.macrumors.com

Please quote the part of the article where Kuo states that the 16” is pushed back to mid 2020.

 

[DanMan619]

Please quote the part of the article where Kuo states that the 16” is pushed back to mid 2020.

This part in the article: "Apple plans to introduce a new MacBook model with a scissor switch keyboard in the late second quarter or early third quarter of 2020, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, suggesting the notebook could be announced at either WWDC in June or with a press release in July next year."

It doesn't say explicitly "the 16 inch MBP is pushed back to 2020". However it does say Kuo says a "Macbook" with a scissor switch keyboard is coming in 2nd or 3rd quarter 2020. If they are using "Macbook" as a general catch all for Apple's whole notebook line up. Then that could imply the 16 inch MBP (which so far is known based on Kuo's own rumors/leaks to be the first scissor switch Macbook releasing) is pushing back to 2020 and debuting then. Or that it's a new model in the Macbook lineup debuting (which could also imply the 16 inch depending on how Apple plans to slot it in the lineup).

However, if they are using "Macbook" as in a non-Pro Macbook like the Air then it obviously is not referring to the 16 inch and thus doesn't necessarily mean the 16 inch is pushed back. It could mean the 16 inch is still releasing sometime before the end of 2019 and that this 2020 Macbook is an additional release. Currently, the notebook lineup only consists of Macbook Air and Macbook Pro. So just saying "Macbook" doesn't specify what model is being talked about here. The vagueness and loose semantics just adds to the confusion/mystery of it all.

 

[Howard2k]

This part in the article: "Apple plans to introduce a new MacBook model with a scissor switch keyboard in the late second quarter or early third quarter of 2020, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, suggesting the notebook could be announced at either WWDC in June or with a press release in July next year."

It doesn't say explicitly "the 16 inch MBP is pushed back to 2020". However it does say Kuo says a "Macbook" with a scissor switch keyboard is coming in 2nd or 3rd quarter 2020. If they are using "Macbook" as a general catch all for Apple's whole notebook line up. Then that could imply the 16 inch MBP (which so far is known based on Kuo's own rumors/leaks to be the first scissor switch Macbook releasing) is pushing back to 2020 and debuting then. Or that it's a new model in the Macbook lineup debuting (which could also imply the 16 inch depending on how Apple plans to slot it in the lineup).

However, if they are using "Macbook" as in a non-Pro Macbook like the Air then it obviously is not referring to the 16 inch and thus doesn't necessarily mean the 16 inch is pushed back. It could mean the 16 inch is still releasing sometime before the end of 2019 and that this 2020 Macbook is an additional release. Currently, the notebook lineup only consists of Macbook Air and Macbook Pro. So just saying "Macbook" doesn't specify what model is being talked about here. The vagueness and loose semantics just adds to the confusion/mystery of it all.

Right. It doesn’t say that the 16” is delayed until 2020. Sure you could infer it. You can infer lots of things. But it’s not what the article said.

 

[recurrence]

It doesn't say explicitly "the 16 inch MBP is pushed back to 2020". However it does say Kuo says a "Macbook" with a scissor switch keyboard is coming in 2nd or 3rd quarter 2020. If they are using "Macbook" as a general catch all for Apple's whole notebook line up. Then that could imply the 16 inch MBP (which so far is known based on Kuo's own rumors/leaks to be the first scissor switch Macbook releasing) is pushing back to 2020 and debuting then. Or that it's a new model in the Macbook lineup debuting (which could also imply the 16 inch depending on how Apple plans to slot it in the lineup).

Kuo is historically very precise. If they say “Macbook”, they almost certainly mean a regular MacBook. If you look at Kuo’s history, they always referred to a “MacBook Pro” for MBP rumours.

 

[DanMan619]

Kuo is historically very precise. If they say “Macbook”, they almost certainly mean a regular MacBook. If you look at Kuo’s history, they always referred to a “MacBook Pro” for MBP rumours.

Then that means the Macbook which hasn't been around since 2010 other than the Macbook Retina 12" that was recently discontinued is making a comeback/return in addition to or to replace the Macbook Air. That would be an odd move for Apple to make.

 

[SRLMJ23]

If this 16" MBP does come out, does anyone have any clue what processor and graphics it is going to have?

As someone else said, I do not think Intel has or is releasing any new chips that would be suitable for the MBP, and that is generally when Apple does refreshes which is when I assume they would release this as well.

Release the new MBP, and then do refreshes on the MBA and current MBP's.

So, I guess it would use Ice Lake or if it comes out in 2020, Tiger Lake (which would be awesome) but that is more of a dream!

Anyway, I would to hear from someone that knows more about this. I do not really keep up on Intel. Also what AMD graphics would this thing *most likely* have?

 

[Nacho98]

i think its going to be released with the mac pro via press release, and ihave a feeling itll be next week

 

[nStyle]

I vote..."who cares!"

There's no proof whatever keyboard they ship will be significantly different. The touchbar is still there so if you hated it before then nothing's changed. So you get a slightly larger screen with a slightly smaller bezel...who cares? If you weren't on board with this design before I don't think the 16" variant is going to change your mind.

 

[arn]

The MBP 16” could still happen any time... Though it’s getting awful late in the year.

Kuo’s report didn’t say one way or the other.

tho at this point 2020 seems more likely imo

 

[recurrence]

Then that means the Macbook which hasn't been around since 2010 other than the Macbook Retina 12" that was recently discontinued is making a comeback/return in addition to or to replace the Macbook Air. That would be an odd move for Apple to make.

The “MacBook” was just discontinued a few months ago and has had several refreshes since 2010.

 

[Pro7913]

There isnt any record that Apple announces a whole new MBP without a special event. So I highly doubt that since they are making 5th gen MBP.

 

[Coyote2006]

Is there a mobile GPU that can handle multiple 6K monitors?

I mean the fastest MacBookPro should be able to run at least one if not two of them. Maybe that GPU is not yet available for Apple?

Would be a nogo to sell/buy a new Laptop that can't run the new pro 6K monitor ...

 

[Mr. Dee]

If this laptop ever gets released, I think a lot of users are gonna have a nervous breakdown and withdrawal. I know it must suck for those who might be on an older system such as a (2015 15 inch or earlier) and wanting to upgrade; but would like a little bang for their buck instead of going with the currently available 2019 15inch, which is still new. But its just that we always want the newest.

 

[Zerosopher]

For me I decided not to wait as I do need a MacBook for my work. Well, when it is actually out, I might consider buying it again.

 

[bill-p]

Is there a mobile GPU that can handle multiple 6K monitors?

Yes, there is:

https://www.nvidia.com/content/dam/en-zz/Solutions/design-visualization/quadro-product-literature/quadro-rtx-6000-us-nvidia-704093-r4-web.pdf

It can handle 2x 8K screens, even. 6K is old news.

Compared to the best AMD offering:

https://www.amd.com/system/files/documents/radeon-pro-wx7100-datasheet.pdf

Only 1x 8K screen.

Apple's beef with nVidia is really holding the MacBooks back. AMD is so far behind nVidia in the GPU game that it's not even funny.

 

[Pro7913]

Yes, there is:

https://www.nvidia.com/content/dam/en-zz/Solutions/design-visualization/quadro-product-literature/quadro-rtx-6000-us-nvidia-704093-r4-web.pdf

It can handle 2x 8K screens, even. 6K is old news.

Compared to the best AMD offering:

https://www.amd.com/system/files/documents/radeon-pro-wx7100-datasheet.pdf

Only 1x 8K screen.

Apple's beef with nVidia is really holding the MacBooks back. AMD is so far behind nVidia in the GPU game that it's not even funny.

AMD Retires the Radeon VII Less Than Five Months Into Launch

AMD has reportedly discontinued production of its flagship Radeon VII graphics card. According to a Cowcotland report, AMD no longer finds it viable to produce and sell the Radeon VII at prices competitive to NVIDIA's RTX 2080, especially when its latest Radeon RX 5700 XT performs within 5-12...

www.techpowerup.com

Funny thing is that currently, AMD doesnt have any high-end GPU cause VII discontinued after 6 months from the released day. AMD is not able to compete with Nvidia and Nvidia will bring a whole new GPU lineup early next year. RX 5700 is 7nm and yet it's comparable to 12nm RTX 2060 or Super.

This is one of the reasons why Mac Pro 2019 is not a good computer.

 

[Coyote2006]

AMD Retires the Radeon VII Less Than Five Months Into Launch

AMD has reportedly discontinued production of its flagship Radeon VII graphics card. According to a Cowcotland report, AMD no longer finds it viable to produce and sell the Radeon VII at prices competitive to NVIDIA's RTX 2080, especially when its latest Radeon RX 5700 XT performs within 5-12...

www.techpowerup.com

Funny thing is that currently, AMD doesnt have any high-end GPU cause VII discontinued after 6 months from the released day. AMD is not able to compete with Nvidia and Nvidia will bring a whole new GPU lineup early next year. RX 5700 is 7nm and yet it's comparable to 12nm RTX 2060 or Super.

This is one of the reasons why Mac Pro 2019 is not a good computer.

Well, you can use NVIDIA together with WIN10 in bootstrap on the new MacPro

Nevertheless, it looks like only the MacPro can run the 6K monitor and none of the other Macs. Kind of strange product placement and marketing. Apple needs to update MacBookPro, iMacPro and the eGPU together with the launch of the new 6K.

 

[Martius]

Well, you can use NVIDIA together with WIN10 in bootstrap on the new MacPro

Nevertheless, it looks like only the MacPro can run the 6K monitor and none of the other Macs. Kind of strange product placement and marketing. Apple needs to update MacBookPro, iMacPro and the eGPU together with the launch of the new 6K.

Or they will launch "lower-end" Apple-branded 5K display (I hope so). I'm not really sure if someone who buys $2000 MBP is gonna pay $6000 for a monitor.

I think the 6K will be supported only on MP & MBP 16".

 

[Coyote2006]

Or they will launch "lower-end" Apple-branded 5K display (I hope so). I'm not really sure if someone who buys $2000 MBP is gonna pay $6000 for a monitor.

I think the 6K will be supported only on MP & MBP 16".

Pro means professional to me. So I do think that the complete Pro product line should be capable to run the 6K Pro monitor, at least the best options of the "PCs".

 

[Donnation]

I can't see them doing a 16" launch without some type of event. Apple usually likes to tout major launches like this would be to show off new features. I can't just see them dumping it in the Apple Store without some type of event to discuss the laptop. I could be totally wrong but doesn't seem like it it will be out this year.

 

[theluggage]

I can't see them doing a 16" launch without some type of event. Apple usually likes to tout major launches like this would be to show off new features.

The current versions of the MacBook Pro were all released without events (the high-end in May, the low-end in July) including significant new features like 8-core options at the high end and touch bar* in the low-end. Likewise, the iMac in March.

* NB: Note the careful choice of words: significant new features...

Some versions of the rumour suggested that the 16" would even have the same CPU/GPU options as the current 15" - and 16" isn't going to be night-and-day better than 15.4". The design in the leaked icons is essentially the same as the current range, just very slightly bigger and with slightly thinner (but nothing special c.f. competing PCs) bezels.

The reality is that this is the most boring update to the MacBook range in a while - which isn't necessarily a bad thing. The most hotly debated improvements represent Apple backtracking on things like the escape key (confirmed) scissor keyboard (highly likely) and, speculatively, restoring legacy ports (not holding my breath & 3 years too late) or better cooling/larger battery due to the larger size.

So, no, I wouldn't find it surprising for this to be snuck out without a launch.

...that's not to say that a 2020 launch, poss. along with new processors and matching revisions of the 13" MBP isn't more plausible, but we had a glut of rumours (along with the 'leaked' icons) suggesting it was imminent.

Other bits of idle speculation:

(a) It was a contingency plan in case the latest tweak to the butterfly keyboard didn't stem the reliability problems, but they did, so now its been delayed.

(b) It was planned for an October launch event but cancelled because of production problems/Intel CPU supply problems/exploding batteries/global escape key famine/entire production run eaten by a giant mutant space goat/Magic 8-ball says "Outlook not so good." etc.

 

[Donnation]

The current versions of the MacBook Pro were all released without events (the high-end in May, the low-end in July) including significant new features like 8-core options at the high end and touch bar* in the low-end. Likewise, the iMac in March.

* NB: Note the careful choice of words: significant new features...

Some versions of the rumour suggested that the 16" would even have the same CPU/GPU options as the current 15" - and 16" isn't going to be night-and-day better than 15.4". The design in the leaked icons is essentially the same as the current range, just very slightly bigger and with slightly thinner (but nothing special c.f. competing PCs) bezels.

The reality is that this is the most boring update to the MacBook range in a while - which isn't necessarily a bad thing. The most hotly debated improvements represent Apple backtracking on things like the escape key (confirmed) scissor keyboard (highly likely) and, speculatively, restoring legacy ports (not holding my breath & 3 years too late) or better cooling/larger battery due to the larger size.

So, no, I wouldn't find it surprising for this to be snuck out without a launch.

...that's not to say that a 2020 launch, poss. along with new processors and matching revisions of the 13" MBP isn't more plausible, but we had a glut of rumours (along with the 'leaked' icons) suggesting it was imminent.

Other bits of idle speculation:

(a) It was a contingency plan in case the latest tweak to the butterfly keyboard didn't stem the reliability problems, but they did, so now its been delayed.

(b) It was planned for an October launch event but cancelled because of production problems/Intel CPU supply problems/exploding batteries/global escape key famine/entire production run eaten by a giant mutant space goat/Magic 8-ball says "Outlook not so good." etc.

I disagree. Apple likes to take advantage of even the smallest of updates, and these don’t seem that small to me. A larger screen and redesigned keyboard are easily enough for them to squeeze an event out of this update. Moving to a 16” screen is the first screen size change for the larger Pro since it’s inception and the removal of the 17”. If it’s thinner even more of a reason. It’s also doubtful imo that with this new design that the GPU/CPU wont be updated. I don’t see more ports being added but I guess we’ll all soon find out.

 

[The Mercurian]

I disagree. Apple likes to take advantage of even the smallest of updates, and these don’t seem that small to me. A larger screen and redesigned keyboard are easily enough for them to squeeze an event out of this update. Moving to a 16” screen is the first screen size change for the larger Pro since it’s inception and the removal of the 17”. If it’s thinner even more of a reason. It’s also doubtful imo that with this new design that the GPU/CPU wont be updated. I don’t see more ports being added but I guess we’ll all soon find out.

But they can't say 'hey look at our amazing new awesome keyboard that is better than the old keyboard which we told you was amazing and awesome because our new new keyboard is more like the old old keyboard and not the old new keyboard'.

I'm sure this will be a silent update

 

[jacg]

Are we expecting the case to be larger or can they fit 16” in the old body? I know the Catalina icon comparison showed a size increase, but that was maybe just a mock-up. Has anyone done a comparison with the latest leaked pictures?