Top Stories: MacBook Pro, iMac, and AirPods Rumors, macOS 11.2.2, MagSafe Wallet Revisited

March is right around the corner, and that means our first good opportunity for Apple product launches in 2021 as the company frequently has significant launches in March or April each year. We're hearing rumors about MacBook Pro, iMac, AirPods, and more, although many of these will be coming out at different times over the course of the year.

Top Stories 47 Feature copy

This week also saw a macOS update to address a significant issue with some of the latest MacBook Pro models when connected to certain USB-C hubs and docks, while our videographer Dan Barbera took a second look at the MagSafe Leather Wallet released alongside the iPhone 12 models. Read on for all of the details!

New MacBook Pro Models With HDMI Port and SD Card Reader Expected to Launch Later This Year

Last month, well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple plans to launch new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models in the second half of this year with brighter Mini-LED displays, a new design with a flat-edged top and bottom, the return of additional ports and a MagSafe charging cable, and physical function keys instead of the Touch Bar.

2021 mbp hdmi slot 3d peach
This week, Kuo got more specific about those additional ports, claiming that the two new MacBook Pro models will be equipped with an HDMI port and an SD card reader at a minimum.

If these rumors pan out, this may be one of the most significant overhauls to the MacBook Pro ever, with many fan-favorite features returning. There is also lots of anticipation surrounding next-generation Apple silicon chips given the already-impressive performance of the M1 chip in lower-end machines like the MacBook Air and base model 13-inch MacBook Pro.

Mini-LED backlighting could extend to a new 12.9-inch iPad Pro that is rumored to be released as early as March.

2021 iMac Said to Come in Five Colors, Apple Silicon Mac Pro to Resemble 'Stacked' Mac Minis

Apple's next-generation iMac will be available in the same colors as the latest iPad Air, including Silver, Space Gray, Green, Sky Blue, and Rose Gold, according to leaker Jon Prosser of Front Page Tech.

flat imac 3d 3
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has previously reported that the new iMac will be redesigned with slimmer bezels and no metal chin below the display, and a flat rear shell similar to Apple's high-end Pro Display XDR. This would represent the first redesign of the all-in-one desktop computer since 2012.

Gurman also reported that Apple is developing a smaller version of the Mac Pro with an Apple silicon chip, and Prosser this week claimed that this machine will look similar to three to four Mac minis in a stack. The design may be reminiscent of the Power Mac G4 Cube, released in 2000.

Third-Generation AirPods Possibly Shown in Leaked Image

Apple is rumored to be working on third-generation AirPods for release later this year, and an alleged image of the earphones and their charging case surfaced this week on Chinese website 52audio.

new airpods leaked image 52audios
The new AirPods‌ are expected to take design cues from the ‌AirPods Pro‌ by having a smaller stem and silicone ear tips, but they will reportedly lack high-end features such as Active Noise Cancelation, allowing for a lower price tag. The current AirPods are priced at $159 with a wired charging case and at $199 with a wireless charging case, while the AirPods Pro retail for $249.

Japanese website Mac Otakara has previously claimed that second-generation AirPods Pro are also planned for release in April. Apple is aiming to make the second-generation AirPods Pro more compact by eliminating the stem that sticks out from the bottom, resulting in a more compact design like Google's Pixel Buds, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

Apple Releases macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 to Prevent MacBooks From Being Damaged by Third-Party Non-Compliant Docks

A new macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 software update has been released for Mac users that prevents 2019 or later MacBook Pro and 2020 or later MacBook Air models from incurring damage when they are connected to certain third-party, non-compliant powered USB-C hubs and docks, according to Apple.

macOS Big Sur Feature Triad
There have been several reports on Reddit from Mac users who have connected USB-C hubs and docks to their machines, resulting in the machine becoming non-functional. Affected Macs appear to go blank and unresponsive shortly after connecting the dock. Many of the users who experienced issues were using hubs and docks not purchased from reputable companies.

The new ‌‌‌‌‌macOS Big Sur‌‌‌‌ 11.2.2‌ update can be downloaded for free on all eligible Macs using the Software Update section of System Preferences.

Revisiting Apple's MagSafe Leather Wallet After 3 Months

On our YouTube channel this week, MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera revisited Apple's MagSafe Wallet for iPhone 12 models after using the accessory for three months, and his impressions were more favorable after this extended usage.

apple leather wallet magsafe
Dan initially disliked the MagSafe Wallet because he found it had a weak magnetic connection and could easily fall off the iPhone when placing the device in a pocket, but he has learned to adjust his usage habits in a way that has worked out better for him.

MacRumors Newsletter

Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.

So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!

Popular Stories

AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases Firmware Updates for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

Monday November 11, 2024 11:28 am PST by
Apple today released firmware updates for both AirPods 4 models (version number 7B20) and the AirPods Pro 2 with both Lightning and USB-C charging cases (version number 7B21). All of these AirPods models were previously on firmware version 7B19. It is not immediately clear what new features or changes are included in firmware versions 7B20 and 7B21, but we will update this story if we find...
General Final Cut Pro Feature

Apple Likely to Announce Final Cut Pro Update This Week With These New Features

Sunday November 10, 2024 12:13 pm PST by
In its announcement video for the new Mac mini last month, Apple teased an "upcoming" version of Final Cut Pro for the Mac. Apple will likely announce the update during the annual Final Cut Pro Creative Summit, which begins this Wednesday. The conference is held in association with Apple, and attendees will be visiting Apple Park on the first day. Apple already teased four new features...
iphone 6 thickness

iPhone 17 'Air' May Not Be Much Thinner Than iPhone 6

Monday November 11, 2024 5:18 am PST by
Next year's iPhone 17 "Air" model may not be as thin as Apple planned, according to a rumor originating in Korea. According to the news aggregator account "yeux1122" on Naver, citing industry sources, Apple has run into problems making the new iPhone 17 model sufficiently thin. The device's reduced thickness is apparently dependent on manufacturing a battery with a thinner substrate, but...
new mac holiday

The Best Early Black Friday Mac Deals

Monday November 11, 2024 7:45 am PST by
Black Friday is getting closer, and prices on MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, and Mac mini computers have started to drop as the shopping holiday nears. These deals include the latest models of the M4 MacBook Pro and iMac. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site...
best buy holiday

Best Buy Reveals Black Friday Plans With Sitewide Sales Available Now

Friday November 8, 2024 10:05 am PST by
Black Friday sales are continuing today with Best Buy kicking off early Black Friday deals that will last for the next few days. Similar to other retailers, Best Buy's early Black Friday event includes sitewide savings on Apple products, headphones, TVs, monitors, video games, and more. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Best Buy. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may...
iOS 18 2 Share Item Location

Apple Announces iOS 18.2's New AirTag Location Sharing Feature Coming to These 15+ Airlines

Monday November 11, 2024 8:18 am PST by
Last week, we reported on a new feature in the Find My app on the iOS 18.2 beta that allows you to temporarily share an AirTag's location with a trusted person, and soon with airlines. Apple today announced the feature, providing more details. Apple said more than 15 airlines will offer the feature "in the coming months," including Delta, United, Air Canada, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, ...
iOS 18

Here's Everything New in iOS 18.2 Beta 3

Monday November 11, 2024 4:53 pm PST by
Apple seeded the third betas of iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2 to developers for testing today. While the third betas of each update are minor relative to the first two betas, there are still a handful of changes across the Photos app, TV app, and more. A corresponding iOS 18.2 public beta with these changes will likely be released later this week, and Apple previously confirmed that the software...
Next Generation CarPlay Porsche 1

Apple Continues to Prepare for Next-Generation CarPlay in iOS 18.2 Beta

Monday November 11, 2024 12:42 pm PST by
It has been nearly two and a half years since Apple first previewed next-generation CarPlay at WWDC 2022, and it has still yet to become available in any vehicles. Fortunately, though, Apple continues to work on the software system. Within the code for the third beta of iOS 18.2 seeded to developers today, there are redesigned "Climate" and "Media" app icons for next-generation CarPlay,...

Top Rated Comments

dpackman Avatar
49 months ago
If they are going to release new iMacs in various colors, they should reissue the old hockey puck mouse. One bad idea deserves another.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
R3k Avatar
49 months ago
In regards to bring the HDMI and SDCard ports back to the MBP, wonder if Apple going to say something like "we listened"

Lol. Just took 5 years.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Doomtomb Avatar
49 months ago

Classic Tim Cook Playbook.
Increase prices
Less configuration options
Keep chip manufacturing in-house

Don't forget charge $200 for 256->512GB storage options
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Bollockser Avatar
49 months ago
Those pastel colors are nauseatingly hideous
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ColdShadow Avatar
49 months ago
I really hope they don’t mess up the iMac with these awful tacky colors that simply don’t match it.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CJ Dorschel Avatar
48 months ago

It will be, just a couple of card slots id guess, but thats cool. Go full scale MacPro if you want the most flexibility. It'll be around for a while and still a powerhouse.
I just don’t understand why Apple didn’t return to the 2000’s PowerMac/Mac Pro factor with a simple logic board that doesn’t need Afterburner support, etc. Just update it with Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.x, WiFiac/BTLE, SATA III, etc. I did all that with my 4,1 and 5,1 Mac Pro’s including an AMD sapphire Radeon Pulse 8GB GPU and all Apple genuine parts for WiFi ac/BTLE as well as a SATA III PCIe boot SSD, USB-C PCIe card, etc. I got Thunderbolt 2 working but it was a PITA having to boot windows and fidget with it. Sold them while they were worth the money.

The trashcan Mac Pro’s have lasted me 6-7 years but it’s time to upgrade. I just can’t bring myself to spend $6k on a base model Mac Pro which will require an MPX module at $2200 to put my 4 external drives into the system so i can ditch my Thunderbolt 2 arrays otherwise what’s the point of internal storage if you have to get another adapter? I could use the two SATA III connections with a third 2.5” drive and throw in an extra SSD blade but that requires a $200-300 adapter and I’d lose storage space as I have 40 TB’s of HDD’s - 20TB‘s I could keep but 20 TB’s of SSD storage will be a lot of extra funds which means the Promise MPX module for 4 SATA bays at $2200 ends up being the better option.

So even a base Mac Pro will run $7200 min which is absurd.

I sincerely hope Apple is developing a Mac Pro for prosumers as they used to with a starting price tag of $3k and anyone who wants to trick it out for professional use can. The 2019’s logic board is the main cost factor as it was developed for expandability with specific hardware in mind. Just throw in the iMac Pro logic board into the form factor - the same board from the 2010‘s With PCIe, SATA III, etc. I don’t need an iMac Pro as I have 3 5K UltraFine displays. I keep looking for refurbished Mac Pro’s for around $5200 or so and figure in the trade in of one of my 2014 Mac Pro’s at about $1100 and am tempted but what’s the point if I still have to use my Pegasus Thunderbolt 2 array’s?

It’s such a mess. I sincerely hope Apple is producing a dedicated display line like the 3 CCFL LCD’s they used to make at reasonable prices and a truly upgradable mid tower system. Otherwise I don’t know what my next move will be.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)