MacBook Pro

Apple in November 2019 replaced the 15-inch MacBook Pro with a new 16-inch model, and later refreshed the 13-inch MacBook Pro in May 2020.

The higher-end larger MacBook Pro features a larger 16-inch Retina display, slimmer bezels, an updated keyboard with a scissor mechanism instead of a butterfly mechanism, up to 64GB RAM, up to 8TB of storage, and AMD Radeon Pro 5000M Series graphics cards.

The new 13-inch MacBook Pro also has a scissor switch keyboard along with Intel's 8th and 10th-generation chips, Intel Iris Plus graphics, up to 32GB of RAM, and up to 4TB of storage, with no design or size changes. Apple has discontinued all 15-inch models, and there is no longer a Mac notebook for sale that uses the butterfly keyboard.

The 16-inch MacBook Pro features a 3072x1920 resolution display and a higher pixel density of 226 ppi, while the 13-inch MacBook Pro features a 2560x1600 resolution with a ppi of 227. The Touch Bar and the Retina display of all MacBook Pro models feature support for True Tone functionality that adjusts white balance to match ambient lighting, and other display features such as wide color support are included.

16-inch MacBook Pro models use 6 or 8-core 9th-generation chips while the 13-inch MacBook Pro models are equipped with 8th-generation chips for low end models and 10th-generation chips for high-end models. Apple says the 16-inch MacBook Pro uses the "most advanced thermal architecture ever in a Mac notebook," allowing it to run at higher power for longer periods of time.

The 16-inch MacBook Pro includes a new fan design with a larger impeller, extended blades, and bigger vents, which increases airflow by 28 percent. The heat sink is also 35 percent larger, allowing for more heat dissipation. All in all, this lets the MacBook Pro sustain up to 12 watts more during intensive workloads compared to the prior 15-inch MacBook Pro.

Both the 13-inch MacBook Pro and the 16-inch MacBook Pro are equipped with Apple's new Magic Keyboard. The Magic Keyboard uses a refined scissor mechanism that is expected to be more reliable than the butterfly keyboard that was prone to failure. The keyboard offers up 1mm of key travel and features a "more responsive key press."

Design wise, Apple has updated the Magic Keyboard to feature a physical Escape key instead of the virtual key on the Touch Bar, along with a separate Touch ID button, an inverted "T" arrangement for the arrow keys, and a Touch Bar.

There's a new six-speaker sound system in the 16-inch MacBook Pro that's designed to offer the most advanced audio experience ever in a notebook. Sounds are more clear and more natural than ever before, and the bass is half an octave deeper. There's also an upgraded high-performance microphone with a 40 percent reduction in hiss and a better signal to noise ratio. The 13-inch MacBook Pro uses stereo speakers with two microphones.

13-inch MacBook Pro machines feature Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645 for low-end models and more powerful Intel Iris Plus Graphics for higher-end models, while 16-inch models are equipped with built-in graphics and either Radeon Pro 5300M graphics or Radeon Pro 5500M graphics. Up to 8TB of SSD storage is available in the 16-inch machine, while the 13-inch machine can support up to a 4TB SSD.

The AMD Radeon 5000M series graphics in the 16-inch MacBook Pro offer the first 7nm mobile discrete GPUs designed for pro users. The standard configuration offers up to 2.1 times faster graphics performance than the previous configuration, and the high-end graphics options offer 80 percent faster performance.

Up to 64GB RAM is available in the 16-inch MacBook Pro, while the 13-inch model maxes out at 32GB, which is new in the 2020 models. The entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro offers two Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports while the higher-end 13-inch models and all 16-inch models feature four Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports.

A T2 chip continues to offer enhanced security with secure boot and on-the-fly encrypted storage along with support for hands-free Hey Siri commands. All day 10 hour battery life is available in the 13-inch MacBook Pro, while the 16-inch model offers an 11 hour battery life with a 100Wh battery, the largest ever in a Mac notebook.

You can purchase the new MacBook Pro models in Silver or Space Gray from Apple's online store and Apple retail stores. Bluetooth 5.0, 802.11ac WiFi, and a 720p FaceTime HD Camera are other included features.

Pricing on the 13-inch MacBook Pro starts at $1,299 for a 1.4GHz quad-core Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 256GB SSD. High-end 13-inch models with 10th-generation processors start at $1,799 for a 2.0GHz Core i5 processor, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD. Pricing on the 16-inch MacBook Pro starts at $2,399 for a 2.6GHz Core i7 processor, Radeon Pro 5300M, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD. Custom configuration options are available for an additional price.

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The 16-inch MacBook Pro features a design that's similar to the prior 15-inch MacBook Pro, but with a slightly larger body and slimmer bezels. The 13-inch model continues to be unchanged and it's the same design that Apple's used for years.

Design wise, the 16-inch MacBook Pro does not look radically different compared to earlier MacBook Pro models, continuing to feature the same general design elements with large trackpad, thin hinge, Touch Bar, rear Apple logo, side speakers, and silver and space gray color options.

The 16-inch MacBook Pro measures in at 14.09 inches long, 9.68 inches wide, and 16.2mm thick. It weighs in at 4.3 pounds. Compared to the 15-inch MacBook Pro, it's thicker, heavier, and bigger.

The 15-inch MacBook Pro measured in at 13.75 inches long, 9.48 inches wide, and 15.5mm thick. It weighs four pounds.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro measures in at 11.97 inches long, 8.36 inches wide, and 14.9mm thick. It weighs three pounds and did not see a redesign with the 2020 refresh.

The 13 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models both use a similar display with with 500 nits of brightness, P3 Wide Color support, and True Tone functionality.

True Tone uses a multi-channel ambient light sensor that's included in the new MacBook Pro models, which is able to determine both the brightness of the room and the color temperature. After detecting the white balance, the MacBook Pro is able to adjust both the color and intensity of the display to match the room's lighting for a more natural, paper-like viewing experience that also cuts down on eyestrain.

The display of the 16-inch MacBook Pro features a 3072 by 1920 native resolution at 226 pixels per inch (an improvement compared to the 15-inch MacBook Pro), while the display of the 13-inch MacBook Pro features a 2560 by 1600 resolution at 227 pixels per inch.

The 16-inch MacBook Pro features a variable refresh rate that can be set to the frame rate of a video that's being edited or viewed. Options include 47.95, 48, 50, 59.94, and 60Hzへるつ.

Both the 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro and the 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro have a redesigned "Magic Keyboard" that does away with the butterfly mechanism that Apple has been using since 2015. Apple says it's meant to deliver the "best typing experience ever on a Mac notebook."

The butterfly mechanism was not been popular with customers due to its penchant for key failure due to dust and other small particulates, and with the inclusion of the new scissor switch keyboard in the 13-inch MacBook Pro, the butterfly mechanism has been retired.

According to Apple, the scissor mechanism in the Magic Keyboard offers 1mm of key travel and a stable key feel, plus an Apple-crafted rubber dome that's designed to store more potential energy for a more responsive key press.

Apple says that Magic Keyboard delivers a comfortable, satisfying, and quiet typing experience. Design wise, the keyboard is similar to the prior keyboard, but there's a physical Escape key instead of a virtual key on the Touch Bar, and the Touch ID button is a separate button too.

The arrow keys have been redesigned as well with an inverted "T" arrangement for the arrow keys, which is a departure from the previous design of the MacBook Pro keyboard. The Touch Bar is also slightly further away from the keys on the keyboard.

Apple is still offering a Keyboard Service Program for all MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro machines that feature a butterfly keyboard, including the 2019 MacBook Pro models from May and July 2019. The Keyboard Service Program does not apply to the 16-inch MacBook Pro or the 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro as they use the newer, more reliable scissor mechanism.

As with prior MacBook Pro models, the 16-inch MacBook Pro and the 13-inch MacBook Pro feature a large Force Touch trackpad that takes up much of the bottom of the machines.

The Force Touch trackpad has no traditional buttons and is instead powered by a set of Force Sensors, allowing users to press anywhere on the trackpad to get the same response. A Taptic Engine powered by magnets provides users with tactile feedback when using the trackpad, replacing the feel of a physical button press.

The Force Touch trackpad supports a light press, which is used as a regular click, along with a deeper press or "force click" as a separate gesture that does things like offer up definitions for a highlighted word.

There's a Touch Bar on both the 16-inch and 13-inch MacBook Pro models. The Touch Bar is a small OLED Retina multi-touch display build into the keyboard where the function keys traditionally go.

The Touch Bar is contextual and can perform a huge range of functions on the Mac depending on which app is in use, and it is now available across all of Apple's MacBook Pro lineup.

The Touch Bar is a matte-style display that blends right in with the rest of the keys on the keyboard, and in all modern MacBook Pro machines, it supports True Tone, allowing the white balance to be adjusted to match the ambient lighting conditions.

Interacting with the Touch Bar is done through taps, swipes, and other multi-touch gestures, with support for up to 10 fingers at a time available.

There are some design differences between the 13 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models as the 16-inch model uses an updated Touch Bar. There's a separate physical Escape key on the 16-inch model, along with a separate Touch ID button that is not connected to the Touch Bar. On the 13-inch model (and earlier 15-inch models) the Touch ID button and Escape key were part of the Touch Bar.

The Touch ID fingerprint sensor works much like the Touch ID Home button on older iPhone models. Touch ID can be used in lieu of a password, unlocking the Mac when a finger is placed on the sensor. It also replaces a password for password-protected apps, and it can be used to make Apple Pay purchases in Safari.

Touch ID is powered by a separate Apple-designed T2 chip with a Secure Enclave that keeps your fingerprint data and personal information safe.

The entry-level 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro is equipped with two USB-C ports with support for USB 3.1 Gen 2 and Thunderbolt 3, for Thunderbolt transfer speeds of up to 40Gb/s and USB transfer speeds of up to 10Gb/s. Higher-end 13-inch MacBook Pro machines and all 16-inch machines feature four Thunderbolt 3 ports.

Each port on the MacBook Pro models is identical and can be used for the same functions, so every one can be used to power the machine. All ports support the following connections: power, Thunderbolt, USB, DisplayPort, HDMI, and VGA.

Over Thunderbolt 3, the 16-inch MacBook Pro can power two 6K displays at one time or four 4K displays. The 13-inch MacBook Pro models with four Thunderbolt 3 ports can power one 5K or 6K display (including the Pro Display XDR) or two 4K displays. Two thunderbolt port machines are limited to. All external displays are able to run at 60Hzへるつ.

Apple's custom-made T2 chip is included in all MacBook Pro models to make them even more secure and to add additional functionality.

The T2 chip houses the Secure Enclave processor that protects Touch ID fingerprint data and allows for secure boot and encrypted storage capabilities. It also consolidates multiple controllers, including the system management controller, image signal processor, audio controller, and SSD controller.

It supports enhanced tone mapping, improved exposure control, and face detection-based auto exposure to the FaceTime HD camera, and it encrypts the SSD on the fly using dedicated AES hardware.

The T2 chip also powers "Hey Siri" functionality in the MacBook Pro. With Hey Siri capabilities, you can say "Hey Siri" to activate the personal assistant on the MacBook Pro without the need to press the physical Siri button. The T2 chip is a variant of the A10 in Apple's iOS devices and it runs a modified version of iOS.

While the 13-inch MacBook Pro uses a standard stereo speaker setup with dual microphones, the 16-inch MacBook Pro has an updated high-fidelity sound system with six speakers.

Apple says the six-speaker setup is designed to provide musicians, podcasters, and video editors with the "most advanced audio experience ever in a notebook."

The speaker system uses Apple-designed force-canceling woofers with dual opposed speaker drivers that cut down on unwanted vibrations that distort sound. The resulting music sounds more clear and more natural, with bass that's an octave deeper.

There's an upgraded microphone array that cuts down on hiss by 40 percent along with an improved signal-to-noise ratio that Apple says rivals that of popular professional-grade digital microphones.

Apple's 16-inch MacBook Pro is the largest and most powerful notebook that the company sells, with up to an 8-core processor, discrete AMD Radeon Pro 5000M series graphics, up to 64GB RAM, up to 8TB of SSD storage, and a larger, 16-inch display that sets it apart from the 13-inch MacBook Pro and the previous 15-inch MacBook Pro models.

Processor

The 16-inch MacBook Pro models are equipped with Intel's 9th-generation 14-nanometer Coffee Lake Refresh chips, which are the same chips that were used in the 15-inch models that were released back in May 2019.

The entry-level 16-inch MacBook Pro uses Intel's 6-core 2.6GHz Core i7 processor with Turbo Boost up to 4.5GHz. The higher-end 16-inch MacBook Pro features Intel's 2.3GHz 8-core 9th-generation Core i9 processor with 4.8GHz Turbo Boost. Both machines can be upgraded to a 2.4GHz 8-core 9th-generation Core i9 processor with Turbo Boost up to 5GHz.

According to Apple, its 8-core chips offer up 2.1 times faster performance than a quad-core MacBook Pro and 40 percent more performance than a 6-core MacBook Pro, making them the fastest chips in a Mac notebook ever.

The 16-inch MacBook Pro uses an updated thermal architecture that Apple designed to allow the notebook to run at a higher power for sustained periods of time.

There's a new fan design with a larger impeller that has longer blades and bigger vents, which allows for a 28 percent increase in airflow. The heat sink is 35 percent larger, enabling "significantly" more heat dissipation than before, which allows the 16-inch MacBook Pro to sustain up to 12 more watts during intensive workouts than the previous 15-inch MacBook Pro.

In our testing, the thermal improvements that Apple made in the 16-inch MacBook Pro has resulted in a 16.5 percent increase in multi-core performance. The 16-inch MacBook Pro earned a single core score of 989 and a multi-core score of 6733, while the previous-generation 15-inch MacBook Pro with the same processor scored 972 in the single-core test and 5781 in the multi-core test.

We also did multiple real-world performance tests with Final Cut Pro and Premiere Pro, and our video is worth checking out to see how well the 16-inch MacBook Pro performs with "Pro" tasks.

GPU

The 16-inch MacBook Pro models feature Intel's built-in UHD Graphics 630, but are also equipped with AMD Radeon Pro 5000M series graphics cards, which are the first 7-nanometer mobile discrete GPUs.

The base-level 16-inch MacBook Pro features an AMD Radeon Pro 5300M with 4GB GDDR6 memory and the mid-level model uses an AMD Radeon Pro 5500M with 4GB GDDR6 memory. Both can be upgraded with an AMD Radeon Pro 5500M GPU with 8GB GDDR6 memory.

According to Apple, customers who choose the standard GPU configuration see 2.1 times faster graphics performance than the previous standard configuration, while those who choose the highest-end graphics options see up to 80 percent faster performance than the previous high-end configuration.

Apple says that compared to the prior-generation 8-core 15-inch MacBook Pro, the 16-inch models with the highest graphics options result in the following improvements:

• Video editors using DaVinci Resolve will see up to 1.8 times faster effects rendering when color grading.

• Gamers will enjoy smoother gameplay with up to 1.6 times faster performance in games like Fortnite.

• In Unity, developers will experience 1.4 times faster fly-through performance during game development.

In our testing of the new 5500M GPU in the higher-end machine, we found significant gains. In an OpenCL test, the 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ scored 30608, compared to the 15-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌'s score of 17904, and in a Metal test, the 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ scored a 29840 vs. the 15-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌'s score of 19065.

RAM

The 16-inch MacBook Pro supports up to 64GB of 2666MHz DDR4 RAM, which is faster than the RAM used in prior models. The previous 15-inch MacBook Pro also maxed out at 32GB RAM.

SSD

Apple in 2016 introduced super fast SSDs with sequential read speeds of up to 3.2GB/s and sequential write speeds up to 2.2GB/s, and that same technology is used in the SSDs of the 2019 MacBook Pro models.

Storage space in the base-level 16-inch MacBook Pro starts at 512GB, but it can be upgraded to a maximum of 8TB for the first time, up from 4TB.

Other Features

Camera

The camera in the 16-inch MacBook Pro has not been upgraded compared to the previous-generation machine. It continues to use a 720p FaceTime HD camera.

Battery Life

Apple's 16-inch MacBook Pro offers "all-day" battery life with up to 11 hours of wireless web usage, up to 11 hours of Apple TV app movie playback, and up to 30 days of standby time.

The machine is equipped with a 99.8 watt-hour lithium-polymer battery that's higher capacity than the battery in the 15-inch MacBook Pro models from 2019. Apple added extra battery capacity by slightly increasing the thickness of the batteries in the MacBook Pro. The machine comes with a 96W USB-C Power Adapter for charging purposes.

The higher-end 13-inch MacBook Pro models have a dual power rating of 20.3V/3.0A and 20.2V/4.3, which means these models are able to accept the 87-watt power adapter that previously shipped with the 15-inch MacBook Pro models.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro isn't able to charge faster with the 87-watt power adapter and it still ships with a 61W adapter, but some users nat see a benefit with a higher-wattage adapter when running demanding apps that generate high transient workloads. See our article on the subject for more information.

Wireless Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.0 is included in the 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro. It also supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi.

Available Models

There are two stock 16-inch MacBook Pro configurations available from Apple:

• $2,399 - 2.6GHz 6-core Intel Core i7 processor, Radeon Pro 5300M, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD.

• $2,799 - 2.3GHz 8-core Intel Core i9 processor, Radeon Pro 5500M, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD.

Build to Order Options

The processor, RAM, SSD capacity, and graphics card can be upgraded in the 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro.

Entry level 16-inch MacBook Pro upgrade options:

• 2.4GHz 8-core Intel Core i9 processor - +$300

• 32GB 2666MHz DDR4 RAM - +$400

• 64GB 2666MHz DDR4 RAM - +$800

• Radeon Pro 5500M with 4GB memory - +$100

• Radeon Pro 5500M with 8GB memory - +$200

• 1TB SSD - +$200

• 2TB SSD - +$600

• 4TB SSD - +$1,200

Higher-end 16-inch MacBook Pro upgrade options:

• 2.4GHz 8-core Intel Core i9 processor - +$200

• 32GB 2666MHz DDR4 RAM - +$400

• 64GB 2666MHz DDR4 RAM - +$800

• Radeon Pro 5500M with 8GB memory - +$100

• 2TB SSD - +$400

• 4TB SSD - +$1,000

• 8TB SSD - +2,200

Apple's 13-inch MacBook Pro is smaller than the 16-inch model, and that size reduction means its internal components are not quite as powerful. Rather than a 6-core or 8-core processor and discrete graphics, the 13-inch MacBook Pro includes Intel's 8th and 10th-generation quad-core processors plus integrated graphics.

Apple refreshed the 13-inch MacBook Pro models in 2020, introducing scissor switch keyboards across the board and adding faster 10th-generation processors to the higher-end options. All 13-inch MacBook Pro models include features like a Touch Bar, Touch ID, a T2 security chip, and True Tone support.

Processor

The two entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro models feature Intel's quad-core 8th-generation Core i5 chips, while the two higher-end models include Intel's newer quad-core 10th-generation Core i5 chips.

The entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro models feature quad-core 1.4GHz Core i5 8th-generation Intel processors with Turbo Boost up to 3.9GHz. A 1.7GHz quad-core Core i7 chip is available as an upgrade option. These are the same chips that were used in the 13-inch MacBook Pro models released in 2019.

The higher-end 13-inch MacBook Pro models use Intel's quad-core 2.0GHz 10th-generation Core i5 processors with Turbo Boost up to 3.8GHz, while the quad-core 2.3GHz 10th-generation Core i7 chip with Turbo Boost up to 4.1GHz is available as a build-to-order upgrade option.

Based on Geekbench benchmarks, the 13-inch MacBook Pro with a 2.0GHz quad-core 10th-generation Core i5 processor is approximately 16.5 percent faster than the base model that's equipped with a 1.4GHz quad-core 8th-generation Core i5 processor.

RAM

The stock 13-inch MacBook Pro models with 8th-generation Intel chips include 8GB 2133MHz LPDDR3 RAM that can be upgraded to 16GB for an additional fee.

The two stock 13-inch MacBook Pro models with 10th-generation Intel chips include 16GB 3733MHz LPDDR4X RAM that can be upgraded to 32GB, marking the first time Apple has included a maximum of 32GB RAM in a 13-inch MacBook Pro machine.

GPU

Unlike the 16-inch MacBook Pro models, the 13-inch MacBook Pro models do not feature discrete graphics cards. The entry-level MacBook Pro machines feature Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645 with 128MB of embedded DRAM, while the higher-end machines feature Intel Iris Plus Graphics with 128MB of embedded DRAM. There are no GPU upgrade options available for the 13-inch MacBook Pro.

In the higher-end models, graphics performance is up to 80 percent faster with the Intel Iris Plus Graphics than the previous generation MacBook Pro.

SSD

Though the 13-inch MacBook Pro has a less powerful CPU and GPU than the 16-inch machine, it uses the same super fast SSD technology with sequential read speeds of up to 3.2GB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 2.2GB/s.

Storage in the 13-inch MacBook Pro starts at 256GB, but it can be upgraded to a maximum of 4TB for an additional fee.

Other Features

Camera

The 13-inch MacBook Pro continues to offer a 720p FaceTime HD camera with no improvements introduced compared to the 2018 model.

Battery Life

According to Apple, the 13-inch MacBook Pro offers "all day" battery life with 10 hours of wireless web usage, 10 hours of iTunes movie playback, and up to 30 days standby time.

Wireless Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.0 is included, as is 802.11ac Wi-Fi.

Available Models

There are four standard configuration 13-inch MacBook Pro models available from Apple:

• $1,299 - 1.4GHz quad-core Core i5 processor, Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645, 2 TB3 ports, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD.

• $1,499 - 1.4GHz quad-core Core i5 processor, Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645, 2 TB3 ports, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD.

• $1,799 - 2.0GHz quad-core Core i5 processor, Intel Iris Plus Graphics, 4 TB3 ports, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD.

• $1,999 - 2.0GHz quad-core Core i5 processor, Intel Iris Plus Graphics, 4 TB3 ports, 16GB RAM, 1TBGB SSD.

Build to Order Options

The 13-inch MacBook Pro build to order options include processor, RAM, and SSD upgrades. Apple in June 2020 increased RAM prices for the 16GB option for the entry-level MacBook Pro, raising the cost from $100 to $200.

Entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro with 256GB storage:

• 1.7GHz quad-core Core i7 processor - +$300

• 16GB 2133MHz LPDDR3 RAM - +$200

• 512GB SSD - +$200

• 1TB SSD - +$400

• 2TB SSD - +$800

Entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro with 512GB storage:

• 1.7GHz quad-core Core i7 processor - +$300

• 16GB 2133MHz LPDDR3 RAM - +$200

• 1TB SSD - +$200

• 2TB SSD - +$600

Mid-level 13-inch MacBook Pro:

• 2.3GHz quad-core Core i7 processor - +$200

• 32GB 3733MHz LPDDR4 RAM - +$400

• 1TB SSD - +$200

• 2TB SSD - +$600

• 4TB SSD - +$1,200

High-end 13-inch MacBook Pro:

• 2.3GHz quad-core Core i7 processor - +$200

• 32GB 3733MHz LPDDR4 RAM - +$400

• 2TB SSD - +$400

• 4TB SSD - +$1,000

Though not applicable to current MacBook Pro models, Apple has launched a recall program for the 15-inch MacBook Pro manufactured in 2015. These machines have batteries that can overheat and pose a fire safety risk.

Apple is asking customers with an affected MacBook Pro to stop using it until it can be brought in to an Apple Store for a free battery replacement. More information is available here.

Some airlines are banning affected MacBook Pro models if they have not had a battery replacement, with rules that vary from airline to airline. It's worth checking on the restrictions ahead of any upcoming flights.

Apple's MacBook Pro models can be purchased from Apple's website, Apple retail stores, and the retail locations and websites of third-party resellers like Best Buy and B&H; Photo. Apple is also offering discounted refurbished models from its refurbished stores in the United States and other countries.

MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro vs. iPad Pro

We compared Apple's 2020 MacBook Air, 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro, and the 2020 12.9-inch iPad Pro, all of which have similarities when it comes to performance and functionality. If you're trying to decide which one to purchase, make sure to watch the video below and read our guide.

16-Inch Mini-LED MacBook Pro

Apple is working on an updated 16-inch MacBook Pro with a mini-LED display, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Kuo believes the mini-LED technology will "significantly improve productivity and the entertainment experience."

Future mini-LED displays will use approximately 10,000 LEDs, with each one below 200 microns in size. Mini-LED will ultimately allow for thinner and lighter product designs, offering many of the same benefits as OLED like better wide color gamut, high contrast and dynamic range, and local dimming for truer blacks. Given the cost of mini-LED, the rumored MacBook Pro is expected to be a high-end model.

DigiTimes has also said that Apple will launch multiple Mac notebook models with mini-LED backlit displays by the end of 2020. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has said that Apple plans to introduce a 16-inch MacBook Pro in October or November, which could be the mini-LED version.

Work on Apple's mini-LED devices may have been pushed back to 2021, which means original plans to unveil some of the mini-LED products in 2020 could potentially be delayed. This includes the 16-inch mini-LED MacBook Pro, and multiple sources now suggest a 2021 launch for the machine.

14.1-Inch Mini-LED MacBook Pro

Along with a mini-LED 16-inch MacBook Pro, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes Apple is planning to introduce a 14.1-inch MacBook Pro with a mini-LED display. While Kuo has said the mini-LED version of the 16-inch MacBook Pro is slated for the fall of 2020, he hasn't provided launch information for the 14.1-inch model that Apple is working on beyond suggesting there are several mini-LED devices in the works for 2020 and 2021.

An Apple leaker has said that Apple's 14.1-inch MacBook Pro won't be launching until 2021.

Other 2020 Rumors

A sketchy rumor from Taiwanese site Economic Daily News has suggested Apple is working on a high-end gaming computer that's set to be announced at WWDC in June 2020. The machine in question, which could be priced at up to $5,000, is said to be either a MacBook Pro or an iMac Pro, and targeted towards competitive video gaming.

ARM-Based Macs

Kuo believes Apple will release MacBook models with its own custom processors in the fourth quarter of 2020 or the first quarter of 2021, though he has not said if the MacBook models will be MacBook Pros, MacBook Airs, both, or something else.

Kuo also believes Apple will introduce MacBook models with an all-new design in the second or third quarter of 2021, which will also presumably use the Apple-designed chips.

Bloomberg believes that Apple is planning to release at least one Mac with a custom-designed Arm-based processor by 2021, but Apple is developing at least three Mac processors that are based on the A14 chip in the upcoming iPhone 12 models.

At least one of the three processors will be much faster than the A-series chips in iPhones and iPads, and the first Mac processors will feature 12 cores, including eight high-performance cores and at least four energy-efficient cores. Apple is also already working on a second generation of Mac processors based on the A15 chip, which could have more than 12 cores.

Anonymous Twitter account L0vetodream, which has a mostly accurate track record when it comes to leaks, says that Apple is working on an ARM-based 12-inch MacBook, which would suggest that Apple could choose to revive the 12-inch machine that was discontinued in favor of the MacBook Air. There's no word on when it might be released.

Further in the Future

There were rumors in 2019 suggesting Samsung was in talks to supply Apple with OLED displays for a future 16-inch MacBook Pro, but it's not clear how this information meshes with rumors of mini-LED machines. It's possible Apple is exploring multiple different display advancements for MacBook Pro models coming in 2020 and beyond.

OLED displays could bring benefits like increased brightness, deeper blacks, better contrast, faster response times, and sharper colors, and thinner devices as OLED panels are slimmer than LCDs.

Apple is said to be working on a range of MacBooks with 5G cellular connectivity, which could launch as early as next year. The rumor comes from DigiTimes, a site that has a mixed track record when it comes to Apple info. The site says that Apple has finalized its integrated 5G MacBook design, and it has a 5G transceiver that's more efficient and faster than components used by rivals like Lenovo, Dell, and HP. Apple is said to be using a ceramic antenna board for the improved performance, which could drive up the cost of the 5G MacBook.