Next-gen MacBook Pros might top out at 32GB of RAM

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This is a 16-inch MacBook Pro concept image. Not a leak from Apple.
The 2021 MacBook Pro might be beautiful, but not offer the same amount of RAM as its Intel-based predecessor.
Photo: Antonio De Rosa

The much-anticipated 2021 MacBook Pro models will be limited to a maximum of 32GB of data, according to an unconfirmed report. But the same source indicates that the upcoming macOS notebooks will have speedy SD slots and backlit TouchID sensors.

These reports cover the 16-inch and 14-inch MacBook Pro models that are expected before the end of 2021.

2021 MacBook Pro models will have more RAM

The next-generation MacBook Pro will top out at 32GB of RAM, according to a YouTube video released Monday by tipster Luke Miani. When talking about the upcoming models, he said, “I’m extremely doubtful that it would receive 64 gigabytes of RAM as an upgrade. Everything that I’ve seen is saying 16 and 32.”

That goes against a report by from Bloomberg. In it, Mark Gurman predicted that the 2021 MacBook Pro will be configurable with up to 64GB of RAM. Gurman has a stronger record for reliability than Miani.

The model, no matter the screen size, is expected to run an Apple M-series processor. The last Intel-based MacBooks still offered by Apple can have up to 64GB of RAM. But the first M1-based models released in 2020 top out at 16GB. So if the second-gen M-series can sport 32GB it would still be an upgrade. Of sorts.

More enhancements

In his video on Monday, Miani says he’s been told that the SD card build into the 2021 MacBook Pro will support UHS-II. This isn’t a new standard — it’s been around since 2014 — but its support for 312 MBps transfer speeds will surely be welcome.

And Miani predicts the upcoming macOS laptops will have a backlit TouchID scanner.

Previous unconfirmed reports have indicated that the next-generation models will get a mini-LED screen like the latest iPad Pro. Plus an HDMI port and a restored MagSafe charger. But the 16-inch and 14-inch MacBook Pro might not be out until September.

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