Mystery MacBook Pro outed by Canadian regulators

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2021 MacBook Pro with M1 Pro, M1 Max
Here's more evidence that the 2023 MacBook Pro is imminent.
Photo: Apple

A Canadian regulatory agency recently approved a MacBook Pro that Apple itself has yet to announce. Few details were leaked aside from the notebook supporting Wi-Fi 6E, an improvement on the current version of the short-range wireless networking standard.

Currently, only the newest iPad Pro has Wi-Fi 6E.

Evidence builds that 2023 MacBook Pro is imminent

It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Apple is laying the regulatory groundwork for a new MacBook. One has been expected for months, and an unconfirmed report indicates it could even debut this week.

But the Radio Equipment List from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada adds veritas to previous leaks. The list reportedly now includes a MacBook Pro with product ID A2779 – not a current Apple device. It was granted approval on January 11.

This is almost certainly the 2023 edition of the  14- or 16-inch MacBook Pro enhanced with an Apple M2 Pro or M2 Max processor, adding significantly to its performance.

Bring on Wi-Fi 6E

Beyond the product ID, the database has a fresh detail: the addition of Wi-Fi 6E. This is an improved version of the Wi-Fi 6 standard that adds support for the 6GHz band, offering even faster connectivity speeds and greater range that’s less susceptible to interference.

Apple began its support for the latest wireless networking standard with the 2022 iPad Pro. Adding it to the 2023 MacBook Pro is therefore a logical move. Faster processors and enhanced Wi-Fi are likely to be the standout new features of the macOS notebook, as a full design is not expected.

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