Here’s a look at what we can expect in upcoming M1 MacBook Pros

Two well-known Apple pundits have weighed in on what we can expel in upcoming updates to the MacBook Pro — and they sound exciting.

In a note to clients — as noted by MacRumors — analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says — Apple is planning two MacBook Pro models (14 and 16 inches) with significant design changes and sporting, of course, the next version of Apple’s M1 chip that debuted with the 2020 MacBook Pro (13 inches), MacBook Air, and Mac mini.

Kuo says these are some of the features of the upcoming laptops, which he says he won’t see until the third quarter of the year:

° The new models cancel the curvy design of existing models’ top and bottom parts and adopt a flat-edged form factor design similar to the ‌iPhone 12‌.

° The ‌MagSafe‌ charging connector design is restored.

° The OLED touch bar is removed, and the physical function buttons are restored.

° They’re equipped with more types of I/O, and most users may not need to purchase additional dongles.

° They’ll use the same heat pipe design used by the current 16-inch MacBook Pro model.

Due to the revamped design and strong replacement demand, Kuo expects total MacBook shipments to grow significantly by 25 to 30 percent year over year to 20 million units.

Writing for Bloomberg, Mark Gurman predicts pretty much the same changes and improvements, though he’s not anticipating a flat edge redesign. He also adds that:

° The return of MagSafe will mean faster charging. 

° The next gen MacBook Pros will have displays with “brighter, higher-contrast panels.

However, Gurman isn’t convinced that Apple will ditch the Touch Bar. He thinks it’s possible, but indicates that there’s still a chance the bar could live on.

The Sellers Research Group (that’s me) thinks both pundits are onto something. However, I think the upcoming MacBook Pros will feature a new flat edge design and will ditch the Touch Bar (though I’m a fan). I also think both will sport mini-LED displays and that Apple will unveil new 24-inch and 27-inch external displays to accompany their roll-out.

The mock-up of a 14-inch MacBook Pro is courtesy of Macworld UK.