Are MacBooks on the Verge of Becoming Lighter and Slimmer?
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The Future of MacBook Design
With Apple transitioning to its own silicon for MacBooks, the anticipation surrounding the upcoming models has significantly increased. Analysts, including Ming-Chi Kuo and Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, have provided insights into the expected features of the 2021 MacBook Pros. Some key highlights include:
- A new 14-inch model replacing the current 13.3-inch version, enabled by slimmer bezels.
- A flatter aesthetic reminiscent of previous designs.
- Enhanced next-generation chips featuring up to 16 performance cores and four efficiency cores, moving away from Intel processors.
- The possibility of a custom Apple-designed GPU with 16 or 32 cores.
- An upgraded thermal system for the 14-inch model, aligning with the current 16-inch MacBook Pro’s design, including a larger heat pipe and a 35% increased heat sink.
- "Brighter, higher-contrast" display options, potentially with a mini-LED variant.
- Additional ports to minimize reliance on dongles, such as an SD card slot.
- A revamped connector designed for faster charging.
- The removal of the Touch Bar in favor of traditional function keys.
Despite the excitement, a notable omission from these rumors is any indication that the new Apple silicon MacBook Pros will be thinner and lighter than their Intel predecessors.
The Evolution of Portability
The journey of portable computers began with luggable models, such as the Portable, which debuted in March 1983, weighing in at a hefty 28 pounds. Four years later, Compaq introduced a lighter version at 20 pounds. This evolution paved the way for the first IBM PC compatible laptops, like the Toshiba T1100, which weighed 9 pounds, initiating a competitive drive towards creating more portable devices.
Apple entered the laptop market in 1991 with the PowerBook 100, tipping the scales at 5.1 pounds. Over the years, as technology advanced, Apple managed to produce lighter models, culminating in the launch of the MacBook Air in January 2008, which was heralded as "the world's thinnest notebook" at just 0.16 inches at its thinnest point.
Current Trends and Expectations
Since the debut of the MacBook Air, Apple has lagged behind in the ultra-portable segment, with the MacBook Air now weighing 2.8 pounds and the 13-inch MacBook Pro at 3.0 pounds. Meanwhile, competitors have consistently produced thinner and lighter options.
According to reports, Apple is indeed planning a new, lighter version of the MacBook Air, anticipated to be released in late 2021 or 2022. This model is expected to incorporate Apple's MagSafe charging and a next-gen Mac processor, with plans to reduce the screen's border while maintaining its 13-inch size.
While it may seem that only the MacBook Air will see significant weight reduction, it's likely both models will become slimmer. The new MacBook Air might even weigh under 2 pounds, while the 14-inch Pro could come in around 2.75 pounds.
Thanks to the advancements in M-series silicon, Apple has achieved remarkable performance and battery efficiency in its latest laptops. It seems logical that Apple would leverage these benefits to create lighter and thinner models across its Mac lineup.
Balancing Design and Performance
In a recent episode of the Accidental Tech Podcast, John Siracusa expressed concern over altering the size and weight of the MacBook Air if it compromises battery life. He argued that the current dimensions of the M1 MacBook Air are not issues in need of resolution. His remarks echo the sentiment that the evolution of laptops is intrinsically linked to advancements in portability.
As Apple prepares for the redesign of the 2021 MacBook Pros and the forthcoming MacBook Air, prioritizing thinner and lighter designs should be paramount. While some battery life may be sacrificed, future developments in silicon could offset this loss. In the realm of laptop design, the trend towards reduced weight and thickness is likely to remain dominant.