New MacBook Pros still on schedule for fall launch

LED suppliers for Apple’s upcoming MacBook Pro say their shipments for the new model are on schedule, according to DigiTimes. 

Apple is likely to unveil miniLED-backlit MacBook Pro series in October or November 2021, with total shipments in 2021 estimated at nearly four million units, the article adds, quoting unnamed sources.

About the new MacBook Pros

The revamped laptops should come in 14-inch and 16-inch versions. They’re expected to have a major redesign (no more Touch Bar, but more ports and run on Apple Silicon chips (likely an M1X), add 1080p FaceTime cameras, and sport mini-LED displays. Also, look for the return of the late, lamented MagSafe connector.

About MagSafe

This differs from the wireless charging system introduced with the iPhone 12 line-up, so Apple may rename it.

With the 2016 MacBook Pro line, Apple ditched the MagSafe connector, which disengaged with the slightest amount of pressure. This saved many Mac laptops from a disastrous plummet when someone accidentally snagged the power cable.  How much thinner can the Air get? Gurman says that Apple may shrink the border around the screen (which will remain at 13 inches). The current MacBook Air is just over half an inch thick at its thickest point and weighs 2.8 pounds.

The mini-LED displays will likely use 10,000 mini-LEDs and will be comparable to OLED screens. They’ll result in good wide color gamut performance, high contrast and HDR, and local dimming.