What Next for MacBook Pro? Four Upgrades We're Likely to See

[iLondoner]

[those M2 Pro and M2 Max] "second-generation chips will apparently be succeeded by MacBook Pro chips with up to 40 compute cores that are fabricated using TSMC's 3nm process by 2023."

Just because Apple may be developing a quad die 40 core system does NOT mean it's going into the MacBook Pro. You need mains power for that type of setup.

 

[newbmacuser2021]

For a 4K Mac to run 2K Retina @2x in 3D, it needs to have an 8K display.

See Nintendo 3DS for reference.

 

[MallardDuck]

I look forward to built-in cellular capability, so I don't have to tether to my phone or iPad. Those connections tend to drop. Surely it wouldn't take up much space in the machine, give that it's included in the Apple Watch.

Another feature I'd like, which nobody talks about anymore, is the option of a matte screen. Remember when matte was the default screen? I find the reflective glossy screen annoying.

Those "wants" aside, I'm loving my new 14" MacBook Pro.

Anti-glare would be a really nice option for sure.

I'd love my 16 more if it didn't require Monterey...one of the worst OS releases in memory. Between memory spikes, and taking ten minutes to mount all my USB drives after booting/plugging them in, it's the rotten dead woodchuck hanging off the shoulder of a great piece of hardware.

 

[Mr. Dee]

That’s why I’m waiting until 2025 to
upgrade to the next MacBook Pro, but I will pick up a iMac Pro with Face ID in 2023.

 

[siddavis]

Anyone think it would make more sense to release the Pro and Max versions of the Mx processors first? It seems strange to me that an M2 could exist in "non-pro" models where the single core performance could rival the pro machines. Am I thinking about that wrong? Seems to me you'd want to introduce the Pros then let the tech trickle down to the others.

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

Agree - the notch sucks. It's annoying, glaring, and a real PITA. Even worse if you use an external monitor most of the time because you never get used to it.

But, is it a 'no-buy' thing? Nope.

This person said they previously had a 15 inch 2018 MacBook Pro.
They could completely disable the notch and still have more screen space than their old 15 inch.
That’s how I know they’re just trying to find things to complain about.
The notch is here for a while folks, and definitely will be on the 2023 MacBook Pro‘s, it most likely will be on the new MacBook airs, I wouldn’t even be surprised to see it on the new iMac.
Get used to it.

 

[dugbug]

Why does face id always make these lists? How do you guys see this working? You don't want to just sit in front of your machine and auto-approve any whim of any running software. So there must be some confirmation step, like a special button on the keyboard... so.. why not just touch id?

Its a different use-case than unlocking a device.

 

[newbmacuser2021]

For a Samsung 8K TV to work, you need to have a Mac capable of running 8K.

I’ve done it in theory using bitmaps. It’s capable of rendering 8K bitmaps in realtime.

Has anyone ever connected a Mac to an 8K display?

 

[cardfan]

5G connectivity is a complete waste of money for a computer. Just use the hotspot on the phone - why on earth would I want a tech that'll be obsolete before the machine is?

Oh wait. SD Card. HDMI 2.0.

Sigh.

5g would be great for apple if they can get carriers to finance them too like iPhones and iPads.

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

Anyone think it would make more sense to release the Pro and Max versions of the Mx processors first? It seems strange to me that an M2 could exist in "non-pro" models where the single core performance could rival the pro machines. Am I thinking about that wrong? Seems to me you'd want to introduce the Pros then let the tech trickle down to the others.

Na.
They’ve been doing it with their A series for years.
A10 was introduced in the iPhone in September 2016, but the A10X wasn’t introduced in the iPad Pro until June 2017, only three months before the A11.

 

[kuwxman]

Notch hasn't bothered me, BUT I also generally use dark wallpapers so it has blended in. Can't even see it now as I look over at the screen since it is hidden in the black menu bar.

I also thought the 'TouchID is easier' claim was BS at first. However, when I was setting up my machine I fell in absolute love with TouchID as I signed back in to things. So much so, I sucked it up and picked up the new wireless extended keyboard with TouchID built in. Personally, since I'm not using the MBP as my main screen, FaceID would not be all that beneficial...even less so if I had it in clamshell mode. Personally, I'd prefer TouchID.

 

[Salty Pirate]

15 inch air

Very thin design. lightweight. 3 pounds.

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

Why does face id always make these lists? How do you guys see this working? You don't want to just sit in front of your machine and auto-approve any whim of any running software. So there must be some confirmation step, like a special button on the keyboard... so.. why not just touch id?

Its a different use-case than unlocking a device.

Yeah, I don’t really get it either.
I guess it would be nice for password verification and Mac unlock, but outside of that, on the iPad you already have to double click the button to verify any purchases or logins, it would most likely be the same with the Mac.
So if I have to double click the power button anyway, just scan my finger.
Same with fast user switching, it works with touch ID because after you rest your finger on the button, you have to click it to switch users. So with Face ID, would it literally just be whoever sits in front of the computer, it just… switches to their account? Because if so, that would be awful.
Imagine you’re trying to show someone something on your screen, and they look at it and it just… switches accounts.
Again, not saying I’m against the idea, I just don’t think it should be a priority, and I most definitely don’t think it should *replace* touch ID

 

[falainber]

unless they have major advancements in OLED, I really don't want that as an "upgrade".....

PC vendors offer the same laptop models with OLED or LCD screens - your choice. Can Apple do that? Probably not. Too difficult for them.

 

[newbmacuser2021]

Nintendo 3DS was 800x240, resulting in a 400x240 resolution in 3D. It uses a parallax barrier to split every other pixel to Left / Right to achieve 3D without glasses.

On that logic, a MacBook Pro 16” would only be capable of:

3456 x 2234 / 2 (parallax barrier) = 1728 / 2 (retina) = 864 horizontal resolution.

So you would need to double that to 6912x4468 to achieve a 3D resolution of 1728 x 2234.

Which means to make it 16x9 you need 8k+.

Or we never have 3D computers without glasses.

 

[sirozha]

I’m gonna cancel my 14” MacBook Pro and wait for the next generation. Thanks for publishing this. Keep it up.

 

[JippaLippa]

You don't have the time to enjoy a purchase that you already have a better version of it at the horizon...
Still haven't received my M1 max and I have to worry it'll be obsolete in one year.
I would have preferred a 2 year update cycle.

 

[ValO]

Why the assumption that the 13" MBP was replaced by the 14" model? It would make sense to keep an updated, M2-powered entry-level 13" MBP in the lineup as the gap between the Air and the 14" MBP is quite big, both price-wise and feature-wise. Either Apple will keep the updated 13" MBP in that space or the Air will have a more high-end configuration available.

I agree, is would add the m1 pro 8 core and 14 core gpu to the 13 inch macbook line-up.
In anodized black please and with the touchbar.

We can dream ?


But I think a 12 inch and 14 inch MacBook Air with a new design will be added to the MacBook line up.

The 12 inch without a notch and a classic ips lcd screen.
The 14 inch with a 600-700 nits mini led , a notch , etc.

The 12 inch starting at $1049, the 14 inch at $1399.

 

[arvinsim]

Cellular is one of the few aspects of "how is this still not an option on MacBook Pros" remaining.

It's more like how is this not in laptops?

 

[DJC631]

I really wish they'd add a M.2 slot inside, and a USB-A 3.2 port.

 

[dunos]

I guess the 5G connectivity requirement is very dependent on how cellular plans work in your country. I am not sure why I would want to pay another airtime contract when I already have 200GB data (and could go unlimited) on my phone that I can teather to the laptop. I always have the phone with me so ?‍♂️

 

[AlexESP]

Don’t really care what they do, as long as they remove the notch - it’s horrible, doesn’t work, and I returned my 16” as a result of it, sticking with my 2018 15” for now, while I re-evaluate the situation.

Let’s put it this way, there are more people most probably not going to upgrade because of the notch, than those upgrading because of everything else - If it wasn’t for the notch, I would have kept mine.

Previous experience with other devices (like the iPhone) basically says the complete opposite: people don’t care about the notch, but love the extra screen size gained. I bet the notch will afect <1% of MBP sales (I don’t know if in a negative or positive way).

 

[MacHiavelli]

Not taken with the regressive design and ports of the current MBPs, but do admire the chips and performance.

Would like a future-embracing MBA with a bigger screen and two or three USB-C ports. Nothing else.

 

[Iphtashu Fitz]

I don’t understand why these Mac’s would need a 5G modem? When you can easily use hotspot through your iPhone? What’s the point, it’s just a waste of money and waste of space.

I would love it from a work/personal perspective. Right now when I'm on-call for my employer I have to lug around a mobile hotspot provided by the company, which is just more equipment to lug around, ensure is properly charged, etc. Build that functionality into my work laptop and I never have to worry about having the hotspot, charger, cable, etc. with me ever time I go somewhere with my work laptop.

 

[jicon]

I don't know why the SSD is not user replaceable... whether that's performance (Maybe has merit?) or whether that be security (BS...), it would be nice to return back to that option.