What are the rumors and leaks for the next 16" MacBook Pro?

[Dennison]

I can easily see that micro-LED or mini-LED whatever 16 inch MBP slipping in the schedule a bit, like as late as WWDC 2021, giving them an excuse to bump the current 16 design with 10th gen chips and maybe a 1080p camera to address the louder webcam complaints. Better battery life like rated at 12 hours instead of 11? That’s probably it, I‘m waiting for it at the moment.

 

[jaduffy007]

When do we think they will release the next refresh?

I can't see Apple going a whole year without at least a speed bump, so fall at latest, then the mini-LED model in 2021.

I'm torn; I'd love to trade in my MBP15 2018 i9 (Frying pan / throttling model) for the current 16" because of the better graphics. I edit 8K footage but also use a 4K external monitor a lot and hear horror stories about this 16" with USB-C external displays.

Unfortunately, those "horror stories" about 16" MBP + external monitors are true. I've tested two friends machines...same "performance" as mine. Multiple threads on reddit about this as well.

Now, if you're ok with exclusive use of clamshell mode with an external monitor... combined with turning off Intel's Turbo Boost via Turbo Boost Switcher Pro (3rd party app).. in other words, sacrificing that performance you PAID for...then most people find the heat / fans behavior "workable". If someone were to ask me my opinion on what to buy, and they need mobility via a laptop...then I rec 13" mbp / i7 / 32 GB ram + an eGPU.

Then again, you're editing 8k footage?!? Sorry, but I think it's a very bad idea to consider the 16" MBP. You MUST get an eGPU !!! The 16" MBP fans will be at 4500rpm or higher all the time. The machine will have a short lifespan. So, add $700/$800 eGPU to your budget.

What am I gonna do? I ordered an eGPU set up (Razor Core X Chroma+ 5700XT)...arriving in a week. That should solve the 16" mbp heat and fans issues. Then once the new iMacs come out, I'm dumping the 16" mbp for an iMac and keeping the eGPU for a powerhouse system that is cool in temps and QUIET. And use my 2017 iPad Pro for general computing needs. I'll buy an entry level 13"/14" for mobility at some point. Never again will I buy a "fully spec'd MBP". NEVER. If someone truly needs a laptop that approaches desktop level performance... BUY A PC laptop. Go spec out the new 15"/17" Dell XPS or a Razor Blade Pro.

Is it possible once Apple moves to 10nm chips in the next 16", it could be significantly better? Sure, it's possible. Once they move to ARM chips for MBP's in 2023..that could be a game changer imo. I won't buy one, regardless. Want desktop performance? Buy a desktop! I was stupid, but I've learned my lesson. Painfully. Good luck.

 

[ellsworth]

When do we think they will release the next refresh?

I can't see Apple going a whole year without at least a speed bump, so fall at latest, then the mini-LED model in 2021.

I'm torn; I'd love to trade in my MBP15 2018 i9 (Frying pan / throttling model) for the current 16" because of the better graphics. I edit 8K footage but also use a 4K external monitor a lot and hear horror stories about this 16" with USB-C external displays.

Might as well fork over the extra few thousand and get a Mac Pro vs a tricked out MBP 16". I find myself in the same bind. I love the portability of my MBP Laptop but when I'm rendering 4k scenes out of Cinema 4d, my fan is at full throttle for 4+ hours. I'm surprised it doesn't take off into the sky from my desk.

 

[ThatGuyInLa]

I found it funny in Apple’s own produced show MythicQuest’s Covid special everyone was using their laptops and iphones. Of course when we see people using their laptops it’s pristine 4k video feeds. Eh’hem. It COULD BE APPLE. (well at least a quality-lens/chip and 1080p)

 

[socialwill]

Here is what I think:

• 10th Gen Intel
• Faster RAM
• WiFi 6

Items possible, but unsure

• Upgraded webcam
• Spec bump GPU
• New security chip (aka T2 update)
• Keyboard backlight update (True Tone)
• Faster screen refresh rate (same LED tech just faster refresh)

 

[Ma2k5]

Here is what I think:

• 10th Gen Intel
• Faster RAM
• WiFi 6

Items possible, but unsure

• Upgraded webcam
• Spec bump GPU
• New security chip (aka T2 update)
• Keyboard backlight update (True Tone)
• Faster screen refresh rate (same LED tech just faster refresh)

Do we know what the general availability of 3x3 MIMO WiFi 6 cards are? I think this has been the stumbling block for Apple not moving from WiFi 5 (as a 2x2 WiFi 6 might be worse than a 3x3 WiFi 6 in some areas).

 

[BuCkDoG]

I

I have no screen response time or motion blur issues on mine. When did you buy yours?

I bought mine March of this year. It was a fully decked out 16" too and got it for an incredible price but Im telling you the motion blur and slow screen response time is there. Whether you see it or not is up to you and really depends on what your doing but its there. Try any game and move fast and you will see the blur. I had an old 2013 15" rMBP and the response time was better than these. Many others have complained about this since 2016 with the Touch Bar MBP models and up. I will give Apple credit for addressing everything else though and besides the blur, it was an incredible machine.

 

[Vazor]

I


I bought mine March of this year. It was a fully decked out 16" too and got it for an incredible price but Im telling you the motion blur and slow screen response time is there. Whether you see it or not is up to you and really depends on what your doing but its there. Try any game and move fast and you will see the blur. I had an old 2013 15" rMBP and the response time was better than these. Many others have complained about this since 2016 with the Touch Bar MBP models and up. I will give Apple credit for addressing everything else though and besides the blur, it was an incredible machine.

It doesn't show up for me when I play games. Did the ufo test and this is what I got. Bottom ufo is 60 fps.

 

[BuCkDoG]

It doesn't show up for me when I play games. Did the ufo test and this is what I got. Bottom ufo is 60 fps.
View attachment 922134

Interesting then. Maybe I honestly just had a bad machine?

 

[Vazor]

Interesting then. Maybe I honestly just had a bad machine?

I'm honestly unsure. Many people have the same problem so maybe it's just me being lucky? Try out the ufo test on your machine and make a picture with your phone. I'm curious as to what you'll see.

 

[rdubmu]

Probably just 1 port. Lol

 

[BuCkDoG]

I'm honestly unsure. Many people have the same problem so maybe it's just me being lucky? Try out the ufo test on your machine and make a picture with your phone. I'm curious as to what you'll see.

I returned it within 2 days because I was under the impression that it was just The screen that apple used in these machines. I also had other issues where the fans would be mad blast when all CPUs and GPUs would not even be on. I still have the screenshots for that.

 

[Vazor]

I returned it within 2 days because I was under the impression that it was just The screen that apple used in these machines. I also had other issues where the fans would be mad blast when all CPUs and GPUs would not even be on. I still have the screenshots for that.

Well I'm glad that you did because it's way too expensive to not be happy about it. The only 'issue' that I have with mine is that there is a tiny bit of foam coming out from inside of the MacBook in one of the vents (see my thread). I actually had the same thing happen to my 2017 MacBook Pro but it doesn't seem to be common so just bad luck I guess lol. I won't risk returning it for it though because I have zero issues other than that.

 

[Hieveryone]

Here is what I think:

• 10th Gen Intel
• Faster RAM
• WiFi 6

Items possible, but unsure

• Upgraded webcam
• Spec bump GPU
• New security chip (aka T2 update)
• Keyboard backlight update (True Tone)
• Faster screen refresh rate (same LED tech just faster refresh)

This would be nice. Even nicer with mini-LED as well.

I do feel as though the webcam thing will never be updated. IDK why, but I just think that.

There's a strong reason why Apple won't upgrade it, I'm guessing.

Maybe they just have a bunch laying around lol idk
[automerge]1591489779[/automerge]
Also, I hope the screen isn't yellow.

My 16" had a yellow dull vibe to it which I didn't like.

It wasn't yellow-yellow, more dull than yellow, but still it just wasn't my jam.

The yellow-ish was MAYBE tolerable, but the dullness was too much for me

I'm happy with my 2019 15" base model. No issues, but will upgrade if the next MacBook Pro 16" has some material upgrades.

 

[BuCkDoG]

Well I'm glad that you did because it's way too expensive to not be happy about it. The only 'issue' that I have with mine is that there is a tiny bit of foam coming out from inside of the MacBook in one of the vents (see my thread). I actually had the same thing happen to my 2017 MacBook Pro but it doesn't seem to be common so just bad luck I guess lol. I won't risk returning it for it though because I have zero issues other than that.

Ya I mean I honestly had an excellent deal on the machine I bought. I bought the 2.3 8 core, 64 RAM, 2TB SSD, 5500M 8 GPU for 2900 EVERYTHING included. The retail on it is 4200 so it was an excellent price but price aside, I honestly wasn't happy with that screen. Otherwise it was amazing.

 

[Hieveryone]

Ya I mean I honestly had an excellent deal on the machine I bought. I bought the 2.3 8 core, 64 RAM, 2TB SSD, 5500M 8 GPU for 2900 EVERYTHING included. The retail on it is 4200 so it was an excellent price but price aside, I honestly wasn't happy with that screen. Otherwise it was amazing.

Dude thats' the deal of the century. If you don't mind me asking, how'd you get it?

I would take that deal in a heartbeat

 

[Lightsout565]

For sure we will see 10th Gen Intel chips and upgraded GPUs (RX 5600M/5700M to replace the current 5300M/5500M). While the CPU is a minor speed improvement, early benchmarks of the 5600M shows a significant increase in performance. If you do anything graphics intensive then I would wait.

Grafikkarten Vergleich - Head 2 Head

AMD Radeon RX 5600M vs AMD Radeon RX 5500M vs AMD Radeon RX 5300M - Benchmarks, Tests and Comparisons

www.notebookcheck.com

 

[Chompineer]

I no longer care. My current 16" MBP, 32gb, 5500M, i9 will be the last high end MBP I ever buy. Apple does not know how to design high performance laptops without fans at 4500rpm and 68C idle temps when used with external monitors. I'm done.

what monitor? I use a USBC UltraFine 21.5 and I idle at 58 at 1800-2100 rpm. i9/16/5500.

Cant hear them at all. Do hate how much spin up even idling a VM has... I wouldn’t mind the old 17” today but with modern specs. I carried it around in a backpack in university then, I’d do the same gladly now.

 

[JustLilOlMe]

Are the problems of the 16" macbook pro wide-spread? I was planning on buying one, but now I'm not so sure. If I didn't need one now, I would wait. I could go with a pc, but I've always liked the ease of using my mac. Thoughts?

 

[jaduffy007]

what monitor? I use a USBC UltraFine 21.5 and I idle at 58 at 1800-2100 rpm. i9/16/5500.

Cant hear them at all. Do hate how much spin up even idling a VM has... I wouldn’t mind the old 17” today but with modern specs. I carried it around in a backpack in university then, I’d do the same gladly now.

BenQ SW271 4k. I've tested with friends machines...and their monitors 2k, 4k...all of our machines behaved the same.
Simple PS dodge and burn tasks....fans ramp to 3500- 4000rpm. Numerous other examples too. Apple Engineer told me..."it's designed that way". Really? Maybe they shouldn't have chosen to create a product based on a 14nm chip and dgpu that required absurd fans profiles. Apple could have chosen to increase the size by .25 inch and dealt with the thermals in an adequate way...but .25 inch thicker? Oh the HORROR! <insert eye roll> Dell XPS 17...Razor Blade Pro...PC industry "gets" it. I really don't like Windows, but I'm reconsidering it. I think I'll be happy with a new 2020 iMac and entry level 13" MBP.

I asked Apple Tech Support and an Apple engineer if switching to a TB monitor could solve the issue, they said no. Cuz, you know, it isn't an actually problem. <insert 2nd eye roll> Considering how little respect I currently have for Apple Support, maybe I should try a TB monitor...with the philosophy of whatever Apple says...do the opposite !!

 

[jaduffy007]

Are the problems of the 16" macbook pro wide-spread? I was planning on buying one, but now I'm not so sure. If I didn't need one now, I would wait. I could go with a pc, but I've always liked the ease of using my mac. Thoughts?

Well, go here: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/16-is-hot-noisy-with-an-external-monitor.2211747/

and here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/macbookpro/comments/ekh86o

Then draw your own conclusions. I'll sell you mine for $700 off of retail.

 

[simonmet]

I have no screen response time or motion blur issues on mine. When did you buy yours?

This has been discussed extensively in the other long thread on the issue, and it's not been proven that anyone has a 16" screen that is significantly or even any faster than anyone else's. The difference seems to come down to whether you notice or care about it as much as others.

It doesn't show up for me when I play games. Did the ufo test and this is what I got. Bottom ufo is 60 fps.
View attachment 922134

A single photo of the UFO test is not enough to diagnose anything because there are so many variables in the camera and its settings, but in your case you can clearly see the same motion blur that everyone else is getting. The bottom panel is at 15 FPS (not 60), so of course it's going to show a much better result. At 30 FPS you see a very clear shadow image, and at 60 you see what people might describe as the smearing effect with many UFO shadows and a blurry, indistinct background. In other words, the screen response time would need to be at least 4 times faster to minimise or eliminate the (observable) problem. Indeed, dedicated or fast gaming monitors can be up to 10 times faster than the 16" MacBook Pro's slow screen; so sorry to burst your bubble on that. I'm not saying the screen isn't good in other ways, but it's not correct to imply that the issue is fixed or that there's a chance you can get a good unit by swapping it out or insisting on a repair.

If you still really think you've got a fast screen, a better (but still not perfect) test would be to record your screen at a high refresh rate (120 or 240 FPS) with a recent iPhone or camera. Use dark mode, a moderate to high brightness, and a dark or black wallpaper and record slowly dragging a Finder window with white icons or other windows around in a circle. Can you show us that? If you can and it doesn't show very obvious smearing I'd be shocked and I'd insist on getting my unit fixed. But I'm very confident that it will.

PS. The one advantage is: if you're the kind of person that likes the motion blur effect in games (I can't imagine who or why!) you can get it for free without any performance hit since it's built into the screen anyway with no ability to turn it off! A shame considering how much Apple spruiked the graphics in this laptop.

 

[Eduardo75890]

What is your perfect MacBook Pro specs would you want

 

[bill-p]

Too much speculation in this thread, I think.

First, no 10nm i9 chip yet:

10th Generation Intel® Core™ i9 Processors Product Specifications

10th Generation Intel® Core™ i9 Processors product listing with links to detailed product features and specifications.

ark.intel.com

So... blame Intel.

Mini LED is also not likely, me thinks, due to global supply chain delays right now. And you can blame COVID-19 for that, too.

WWDC is coming up, and I'm guessing... Apple may refresh the iPhone and call it a day for this year. If supply chains are not able to catch up now, Apple can't ramp up engineering or production, and there's not a single chance this new 16" MacBook is coming. Most of Apple is still working from home still.

 

[simonmet]

What is your perfect MacBook Pro specs would you want

Same with a much better screen (mini LED or OLED) and maybe ProMotion. FaceID, better front-facing camera. Return of optical audio out, and maybe return of SD with a high speed spec (UHS 2 or 3), since many people still want that.