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Stolen MacBook Pro Schematics Confirm Apple's Plans to Add More Ports and Remove Touch Bar
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I understand that most here will disagree with me. Of course that is their right. But I must offer my own disgust that MacRumors chooses to headline information so soon from documents stolen by a third party. It provides a key outlet that the thieves were counting upon and sullies your journalistic integrity. Now, I got that off my chest. I respect and value these forums and most all of the people who participate in them. Thanks for listening.
Schematics stolen from Apple supplier Quanta Computer outline Apple's plans for the next-generation MacBook Pro models that are expected in 2021, and clearly confirm plans for additional ports and a return to MagSafe.
MacRumors saw the schematics after they were leaked online, and some of them feature the logic board of the next-generation MacBook Pro. On the right side of the machine, there's a visible HDMI port, accompanied by a USB-C/Thunderbolt port and followed by an SD Card reader. The left side features two additional USB-C/Thunderbolt ports and a MagSafe charging slot, for a total of three USB-C/Thunderbolt ports instead of four as we have today.
Rumors from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloomberg have previously said that all of these ports will be coming to the 2021 MacBook Pro models, but the schematics both confirm the addition of the new ports and give us insight into their positioning.
The codename for the Mac is "J316," which suggests that the logic board that we've seen is for the 16-inch MacBook Pro. There's also a "J314" model that likely correlates to the 14-inch MacBook Pro that Apple is also rumored to be working on. Both machines are expected to feature the new ports, MagSafe charging option, and upgraded Apple silicon chips.
This information, which was also shared by 9to5Mac, comes from a ransomware group called REvil, which claims to have accessed the internal computers of Apple supplier Quanta Computer.
Along with the logic board layout, the documentation includes deeply technical listings of MacBook components and layouts that may ultimately provide additional information on these machines as it's parsed. Leaked images of the new MacBook Pro floating around on Twitter also confirm that the device will not feature a Touch Bar, which is in line with rumors that we've heard. The casing design may also feature more rounded corners.
REvil has threatened to release additional documents stolen from Quanta Computer if Apple does not pay a ransom fee by May 1. REvil plans to release new files every day until Apple pays the fee, and Apple has not commented on the situation.
Quanta Computer said that it has indeed been subject to "cyber attacks on a small number of Quanta servers" but that there's "no material impact on the company's business operation.
Article Link: Stolen MacBook Pro Schematics Confirm Apple's Plans to Add More Ports and Remove Touch Bar
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I was just asking the question honestly. I don't know what the answer ot that would be or if we're close.
at some point though, that would happen. We all know Apple wants to hit that point.
But until then, we will all need to power our laptops from time to time and plug them in. I liked magsafe and wouldn't be apposed to it's return.
But i can see the reasons for it being dropped in favour of a singular port design that can also include power without needing space for a single purpose power plug.
Because you were wrong, they are worthful and needed...
OMG, the earth is healing and we are finally becoming GOOD PEOPLE. YAY!!!1!1!
(totally kidding, this crap needs to stop).
Congrats on being a MR member for so long and honestly, thank you for your insight.
Then we find out it's a schematic from 2015
I've got a 2015-era 15" MacBook Pro. It's a hell of a machine. Wish they still made 'em.
I remember all the conversations in MR about how thick the old powerbooks and MacBooks were, I hate how thick they are, why can't the computer be thinner? Other computer companies have thinner laptops. Now it is why can the computer have ports on the back of the computer?
This is great news. I haven’t bought a MacBook since before the 2016 models came out. So glad Apple came to their senses and returned to the proprietary ports.
If they're still TB4/USB ports (and they most definitely will be) I imagine you'll still be able to charge the device that way.
Making a MagSafe connector that worked with any USB-C port would be my ideal (especially since in terms of "staying put" USB-C ports are really not that great)* but I can see where people, upset by the compromises of the current model, just wish for "the old days".
*Exactly how well _do_ those breakaway Magsafe replacement things I see on Amazon work anyhow?
I bought my 15" MacBook Pro in 2017, when it was the very last MagSafe/no-TouchBar/real-keyboard/real-ports model they were selling. It was a bit of a stretch for me -- I got it because the 2016 design changes absolutely failed to impress me, and I thought it might be half a decade before they came to their senses and offered another laptop worth buying. Well, now, almost half a decade later, here we are, back to the future.
Well that's why I said as long as it makes sense. What you stated does make sense because the Magsafe from the past didn't pass data nor was it considered fast. It also had electrical problems so as long as they iron that out then perhaps they could offer it as an option. TB3 still does all of that so it would still be redundant. I don't want to pay for redundancy so like I said hopefully it's an optional BTO for those who want it.
And what purpose would that serve? Right now everything posted is a trade secret, and if Dell, Google or anyone else with deep pockets used the info, Apple could make them pay. Trade secrets don’t disappear when someone steals them.
It’s also the result of a crime. So you are supporting criminals, right?
I agree, on road I'd love Magsafe, but the one cable does it all dock at home can't go away.
Get off your high horse.
Breaking an NDA is a breach of contract and will make you liable to civil damages. But often breaking an NDA is also theft of trade secrets, and that _is_ criminal.
Exception being Gizmodo leaked/stolen iPhone 4 at the bar. Similar discussions in that thread once people realized how it was obtained.
Honestly, though, I'm curious how people think most supply chain leaks are obtained. Analysts and others bribe employees for this info all the time. It's probably how at least half of rumors begin. This one is just so explicit and removes the intermediaries so it shocks people.
As for the content: Fascinating to see as of last month it was in EVT stage. Probably hints at a fall launch? Has a long way to go through engineering prototyping/manufacturing steps.
hope the touchbar will remain an option on some models. Sucks if it is removed and removes a USP of the pro.
This is my thought with new Thunderbolt 4 specs the length can now be 6 and half feet long, ideal for a cable that would carry power and thunderbolt 4. So like we see now on the iMac there is no reason why they could not put a thunderbolt 4 pipe to the power adapter. that would give the system 4 thunderbolt 4 port on the power brick its self like the current MacBook Pro 16 has now. It might look like you are giving up a thunderbolt port but you are not, it is just now in a different location. I can see why on the new iMac they put a ethernet port on the brick, because this system goes into a lot of schools and the iMac has enough ports on the back of it.
Apple: Introducing the all-new MacBook Pro. [Taking a big gulp of air, Tim Cook blows the dust off of a 2015 model, and smiles.]