16-Inch MacBook Pro Production Reportedly Underway as Launch Timing Remains Uncertain

Apple's widely rumored 16-inch MacBook Pro is likely still coming based on recent supply chain checks by IDC analyst Jitesh Ubrani and Forbes contributor Brooke Crothers, but release timing remains unclear. Crothers is a former contributor to CNET, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal in Asia.

16 inch MBP Solo

16-inch MacBook Pro concept

"We were expecting an announcement in October," Ubrani said in an email, according to Crothers. October came and went without an announcement, but Ubrani added that his research firm is "starting to see early signs" of the notebook within Apple's supply chain. "However, the timing of this is still uncertain," he said.

Crothers said he has heard similar, writing that "a source in Asia who talks to the Apple supply chain told me over the weekend that the 16-inch [MacBook Pro] is in production but the release date is unclear."

This information lines up with a recent DigiTimes report that claimed Apple will begin receiving volume shipments of the 16-inch MacBook Pro this quarter, possibly to sidestep a 15 percent import tariff on notebooks slated to take effect December 15. If accurate, mass production is likely underway.

Rumors suggest the 16-inch MacBook Pro will feature slimmer bezels around the display, a more reliable scissor switch keyboard, a standalone Touch ID sensor, and possibly a much-requested physical Esc key. Pricing is unknown, but would likely be higher than the $2,799 high-end 15-inch MacBook Pro.

Related Roundup: MacBook Pro
Tag: Forbes
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Top Rated Comments

MacNut Avatar
82 months ago
It just sounds like a big troll at this point. “The 16 is coming someday maybe”
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
The Clark Avatar
82 months ago
I've decided that this is the last time I'm going to allow myself to get baited by these new MBP rumours. It will happen when it happens, I need to accept that lol.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheAllmighty Avatar
82 months ago

My 2015 MacBook Pro is so ready to be replaced :D
Oh my! I don’t understand the need to replace your macs so soon!, I have an MacBook Pro 2012 with upgraded ram to 16 gb, runs photoshop, after effects and iMovie just fine!

am I missing something m?
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Lobwedgephil Avatar
82 months ago
My guess is whenever the Mac Pro releases, hopefully soon.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jwdsail Avatar
82 months ago

It just sounds like a big troll at this point. “The 16 is coming someday maybe”
At this point, I expect it (And the non-butterfly keyboard) to come out shortly after the G5 PowerBook...
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
basket123rocks Avatar
82 months ago
Optional touch bar and physical escape key and I'm a buyer. Will finally be able to upgrade from my 2014 MacBook Pro.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)