Big upgrades for the MacBook Pro and iPad mini are still on track for a 2021 release. A new entry-level iPad, aimed primarily at students, will also appear this year, according to a new report.
Apple is said to be fully focused on new iPhone and Apple Watch upgrades coming this fall for now, but other hardware revisions are expected before the end of 2021.
Apple already refreshed the 13-inch MacBook Pro to introduce a custom M1 chipset. But more significant changes, as well as an Apple Silicon chip for the 16-inch model, could arrive in the near future.
Reliable Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman says Apple remains on track to launch a new MacBook Pro this year. iPad fans also can look forward to at least two new models.
New MacBook Pro and iPad mini on the way
“For Apple, all attention is on the fall, so the next several weeks are destined to be light on product news,” Gurman warns at the end of his inaugural Power On newsletter. But there’s more to come in late 2021.
“Don’t forget about the iPad and Mac,” Gurman writes. “Apple has a new entry-level iPad for students and revamped MacBook Pros and iPad minis coming later this year, too.”
He offers no further details in the newsletter. However, in a previous article, Gurman reported that the new MacBook Pro will come in 14- and 16-inch sizes with a MagSafe connector for charging and additional ports.
More specifically, Apple reportedly will bring back the HDMI connector and SD card reader to its pro laptops. The company also could introduce even faster Apple Silicon chips with up to 32 cores for graphics processing.
iPad mini could get USB-C
As for the iPad mini, Gurman previously predicted a refreshed design with thinner bezels and no Home button. Other reports also hinted at USB-C connectivity and a significantly faster chip for the smallest iPad.
The entry-level iPad reportedly will get a thinner form factor and performance improvements. Meanwhile, Apple is said to be exploring even larger screen options in excess of 13 inches for iPad Pro.
