New MacBook Pro Shipments Forecasted to Begin in Third Quarter

While leaker Jon Prosser claimed that a new MacBook Pro was coming at WWDC, Apple's keynote did not include any new hardware announcements. Instead, it is looking increasingly likely that redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models powered by a faster iteration of the M1 chip will be released in the third or fourth quarter of the year.

16 inch macbook pro m2 render
A paywalled preview of a DigiTimes report today claims that Apple suppliers will begin shipments for new MacBook Pro models in the third quarter, which starts in July and runs through September. It's unclear if these shipments are referring to new MacBook Pro models as a whole or individual components for the notebooks.

"Apple is expected to roll out two new MacBook Pro models later in 2021, with shipments slated to kick off in the third quarter, according to industry sources," the paywalled blurb reads. The full report should be published by tomorrow.

It's worth noting that while there were hopes that Apple would announce new MacBook Pro models at WWDC, supply chain reports from outlets like Nikkei Asia and DigiTimes have repeatedly suggested that mass production of new MacBook Pro models would not begin until at least the third quarter of the year. This timeframe should provide Apple with an opportunity to announce the new MacBook Pro models before the end of the year.

The new MacBook Pro models are each expected to feature a brighter mini-LED display, an improved iteration of the M1 chip, and a new design with a flatter top and bottom. The notebooks are also expected to regain some ports that Apple removed from the MacBook Pro in 2016, including an HDMI port, SD card slot, and a magnetic charging port. Rumors also suggest the Touch Bar will be retired in favor of physical Fn keys.

Related Roundup: MacBook Pro
Buyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Neutral)
Related Forum: MacBook Pro

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Top Rated Comments

Caliber26 Avatar
51 months ago
I was really wanting these new MacBook Pros to finally be unveiled but I'm also really, really enjoying watching Prosser's massive ego get bruised up in such a spectacular way. There's always a silver lining, I suppose. ?
Score: 32 Votes (Like | Disagree)
LiE_ Avatar
51 months ago

While leaker Jon Prosser claimed that a new MacBook Pro was coming at WWDC ('https://www.macrumors.com/2021/05/24/wwdc-new-macbook-pro-models/'),
?

Nice one Prosser!
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
involuntarheely Avatar
51 months ago
well Q3 starts july 1st so it's not exactly a long wait, hopefully
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Nimoy Avatar
51 months ago
In retrospect, maybe it’s not a surprise they didn’t announce it yesterday. It would’ve been strange to release new iMacs with an M1 chip and then two weeks later announce the M1X chip.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jerryk Avatar
51 months ago

Just use what you have and appreciate it. The newest models won't change lives.
Agreed. I will "suffer" along with my M1 Air for a while longer. The silence is tough, as is the instant response, but I will try to bear the burden a little longer. :->
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
coolbreeze2 Avatar
51 months ago
I am now supposed to believe this prediction? The no-show of new hardware at yesterday's WWDC has taught me a lesson. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me LOL.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)