Skip to main content

After 4 years, Apple may finally overhaul the MacBook Pro

new macbook offers usb speeds 10 gbps possibly thunderbolt 3 pro
Image used with permission by copyright holder
A massive Macbook Pro overhaul is coming, according to Bloomberg. According to the report, sourced to “people familiar with the matter,” the long-rumored touchscreen device will replace the function keys and advanced AMD graphics cards will bring graphics capability to Apple’s long-neglected laptop line.

The Macbook Pro, as sold today, hasn’t really seen a design refresh since 2012, and it shows. The Pro line is heavy, underpowered, and expensive relative to the competition. To fix this, Apple needs to change a bunch of things at once, which is part of why so many rumors are circulating.

This latest Bloomberg report suggests that Apple is doing just that. The laptop has reportedly been in testing since earlier this year. Here are the changes specifically mentioned in the article.

  • New Macbook Pros will be thinner overall.
  • A touchscreen will replace the function keys at the top of the keyboard.
  • The trackpad will be slightly wider.
  • Advanced graphics will be offered by an AMD “Polaris” chip, which Apple is choosing for its low power consumption and thin form factor.
  • The laptop will use USB type-C port for charging, data transfers, and display connectivity.
  • Apple may bring gray, gold, and silver models to market, similar to the 12-inch Macbook, the iPhone, and the iPad.
  • Touch ID is coming to the MacBook Pro.

Most of these statements have been floating around for months now, and even align with supposedly leaked photos of the new model.  The sheer volume of rumors, and the interest in them, really speaks to the extent to which Apple needs to refresh its flagship laptop line.

But this is all going to remain rumor for a while more. Bloomberg’s report suggest the Macbook Pro refresh won’t be announced during Apple’s September 7 event, which will focus on the iPhone. Apple officials wouldn’t comment on that specifically, however, so as always we’re left guessing. It will be interesting to see which rumors turn out to be true.

Editors' Recommendations

Justin Pot
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Justin's always had a passion for trying out new software, asking questions, and explaining things – tech journalism is the…
How long do MacBooks last? Here’s when you’ll need to buy again
The M3 MacBook Air in front of a window.

There’s no doubt that Apple’s best MacBooks have a reputation for long-lasting quality, but what sort of longevity can you expect to get out of one? And just how long will Apple continue to support your laptop? Finally, what are the differences between the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro?

These are no doubt important questions to consider when buying a new MacBook or even considering an upgrade. Here's everything you know about the longevity of your MacBook.
Lifespan of MacBook hardware

Read more
Why Samsung’s answer to the MacBook Pro can’t quite compete
The Galaxy Book4 Ultra open on a wooden suruface.

The 16-inch MacBook Pro is the king of the creator laptops, and it's been that way for several years.

But there have been a wave of new Windows laptops attempting to challenge the MacBook Pro on its own terms. The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra is certainly a contender, packing some impressive specs in a portable chassis. When you compare the two straight up, the MacBook Pro 16-inch clearly comes away with the upper hand, even when considering its higher price.
Specs and pricing

Read more
iPad Pro M4 vs. MacBook Air M3: a harder choice than ever
iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard.

The line between the iPad Pro and the MacBook Air has always been slim. Despite being very different devices, they're the two 13-inch devices in Apple's lineup -- and with the updated M4 iPad Pro, they are more competitive with each other than ever.

There's a lot we still don't know about the M4 iPad Pro, but here's a preliminary look at how the two devices stack up against each other.
Specs

Read more