Apple Moves Redesigned MacBook Pro Release to 2022, Manufacturing Issues as the Cause of Delay?

A new report released today could be bad news for MacBook Pro users who are eagerly waiting for the new high-end Apple Silicon chips.

The report suggests that the rumored mini-LED 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro updates that have been rumored for release this year could end up being delayed until 2022.

MacBook Pro Delayed Release

The full report from DigiTimes stated that the post is a preview of a full story that will come out tomorrow regarding the MacBook Pro. The report preview indicates that the launch of the mini-LED MacBook Pro model may have been delayed until next year, without providing any more details or reasoning.

The report does not specifically mention the MacBook Pro, but previous rumors had indicated that the MacBook Pro lineup would be upgraded with mini-LED displays this year.

There are a couple of possible reasons for this reported delay.

Apple first adopted the mini-LED display technology in the 12.9-inch iPad Pro unveiled last month. A report from Bloomberg prior to the new iPad Pro's announcements indicated that Apple had faced production issues related to the display technology, so it is possible that the same delays are also impacting the new MacBook Pros.

Secondly, Nikkei reported last month that Apple had delayed the production of the certain Macs to the second half of 2021. These delays come amid a chip shortage that has affected numerous production companies.

Apple has warned that the shortage will impact the iPad and Mac, and it will cost the company around $3 billion to $4 billion in Q3.

The next MacBook Pro refresh is also expected to bring expanded I/O connectivity, including the return of an HDMI port and SD card slot.

Reports have also indicated that MagSafe will be added for safe charging. The new MacBook Pros are likely to be powered by next-generation Apple Silicon inside, like the M1X or M2.

The report released by DigiTimes should be treated with some skepticism as the outlet does not have the best track record when it comes to Apple rumors.

There is a confluence of events that could be affecting Apple's supply chain ramp of the MacBook Pros this year, according to MacRumors.

More Sizes and More Speed

Jon Prosser of Front Page Tech reports that Apple will release a MacBook Air, or a reintroduction of the MacBook in color offerings and a white bezel that is similar to those of the new 24-inch iMac.

If Apple is using colors in its consumer products, it is possible that Apple sticks with the space gray and silver options for the higher-end products, and that includes the MacBook Pro.

Aside from that, there is a possibility that the touch bar will be removed, as per MacWorld. The Touch Bar is a feature of the higher-end MacBook Pro models.

In a note posted on January 2021, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that the OLED Touch Bar will be replaced by function keys. Apple introduced the Touch Bar back in 2016 to replace the function keys with an amazing, Retina-quality Multi-Touch display, but it has been a decisive feature.

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Written by Sophie Webster