Apple’s MacBook Pro redesign this fall will bring big changes to one of its most beloved notebooks. According to recent leaks, the machine will pack an OLED touchpad above its keyboard, and only USB-C connectivity.
Some fans aren’t happy about that. Many love the physical function keys already found on the MacBook Pro, while others don’t believe it will be a suitable “pro” machine without standard USB ports. But isn’t it time they moved on?
Join us in this week’s Friday Night Fight as we battle it out over the rumored changes to the MacBook Pro.
Killian Bell: We know Apple can’t please all of its fans all of the time, so criticism of its rumored plans for the MacBook Pro is no surprise. It seems most are particularly upset about its apparent decision to scrap the existing USB port and go all-in on USB-C (again), which means users will have to purchase adapters to make their new notebook compatible with existing peripherals.
Personally, I think this is a good move. In a short space of time, USB-C will become ubiquitous, and it’ll be the only port we need on a laptop — possibly with the exception of the headphone jack (which the new MacBook Pro should maintain). When this time comes, life’s going to be a lot easier; you won’t need to worry about carrying different cables for different devices.
The quicker Apple goes all-in on USB-C, the quicker others will follow suit. Apple can inspire change like no other company — as it has already demonstrated when it kicked things like the floppy disc and FireWire. All those changes were painful at first, but we quickly adapted, and we were better off for it.
Can you understand the disappointment from fans? Do you think it’s still too soon to kill the standard USB port?
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac
Luke Dormehl: The first thing to say — and I know you’ve acknowledge it in your opening gambit — is that Apple hasn’t announced anything yet, so it’s too early to be getting upset. In terms of where I sit should this be correct, well, yes, I can see why fans could be annoyed by it.
There are plenty of peripherals which don’t work perfectly with USB-C, and it’s a rare computer user who doesn’t rely on traditional USB at all. Yes, cloud-based storage solves a lot of problems, but not everyone has constant internet access, while others have to make do with wired (rather than wireless) peripherals, for security reasons among others.
In some ways it feels like Apple is moving further away from computers aimed at pros, who will have to shell out for all the necessary adapters, or avoid upgrading, if they want to continue using their existing equipment.
With that said, I fear that those who refuse to accept it are going to be on the “wrong side of history” in some ways. Apple has always done things like this, and it has usually wound up being for the better, as is the case with some of the peripherals you mentioned like floppy drives. (When’s the last time you worried about losing one of those?)
Considering that a lot of us bemoan Apple at times for not innovating fast enough, it’s tough to look at its plans now and say it shouldn’t make these moves. It’ll be annoying for me in the short term, and you can argue it would be nice to keep the standard USB around for a bit longer, but it’s kind of like a band-aid: it has to come off some time.
I think that’s the most balanced view, isn’t it?
Killian: I don’t think Apple is turning its back on pro users at all. If anything, it is making the future easier for them — as I mentioned before — by pushing one standard that does everything. When all your devices use USB-C, and they will before too long, you won’t need anything else.
Unlike previous USB standards, USB-C can do it all. It transfers data at a whopping 10Gbps — three times faster than USB 3.1. It can transfer power not onto into your MacBook but also out of it at up to 10 watts. It can drive an external display. And unlike some of the other technologies Apple has killed over the years, USB-C is backwards compatible.
That means you can get a USB-C adapter for almost anything — including devices that use traditional USB, micro-USB, Thunderbolt, HDMI, VGA, and more. Ports don’t get more “pro” than that.
Mac sales wouldn’t continue to grow without professional consumers. The rest of us are finding ways to replace our computers — that’s why PC sales keep falling — but pros will always need their workstations, and for many, Apple provides the best. I don’t think the company has any intention of changing that.
Luke: Much as I feel it’s the remit of Friday Night Fights to battle you, Killian, you make a good point. Ultimately the question comes down to whether users are going to mind getting a kick in the teeth in the interests of driving technology forward? USB-C coverage is still spotty, and there are bound to be inconveniences in the short term. You mentioned FireWire, for example, which doesn’t affect a lot of people, but is still used by many users who use it for video editing. To use FireWire, a MacBook is going to have to dongle from USB-C to Thunderbolt, then to FireWire. Will this drive manufacturers to improve their support in this area? Undoubtedly. Is it going to annoy a shedload of users in the short term, which is arguably something Apple should worry about at a time when sales of the iPhone, iPad and Mac are all declining? Quite possibly.
I think you’d struggle to sustain an argument that Apple has focused on “pro” level consumers in the way that it did in the 1990s or even one decade ago. It’s focused on getting MacBooks into the hands of regular folk, but with the iPad fulfilling most casual users’ requirements for a computer, should it have a bit more concern for its higher-end consumers? I’m legitimately torn on this debate. My head agrees with you completely, and I think in five years, we’ll be pleased about the move to USB-C. In the meantime, I can totally understand how some users may be put off upgrading because of this.
Hell, as excited as I am about Apple’s new notebook, I may be one of them.
But maybe we should turn it over to the readers who, ultimately, are going to be the customers for Apple’s new Mac? Do you think Apple’s in the right to go with all USB-C ports for the new MacBook, provided this week’s report is true? Is complaining about it the equivalent of insisting that Apple should keep the 3.5-inch floppy drive? And how unsettling is it for Killian and I not to disagree too much when it comes to our usual Friday Night Fights? (On the plus side, it means he doesn’t have to explain the usual end-of-week bruises to his friends and family.)
Whatever your thoughts, leave them in the comments below.
Friday Night Fights is a series of weekly death matches between two no-mercy brawlers who will fight to the death — or at least agree to disagree — about which is better: Apple or Google, iOS or Android?
Killian Bell is a freelance writer based in the U.K. He has an interest in all things tech and also covers Android over at CultofAndroid.com. You can follow him on Twitter via @killianbell.
35 responses to “Will major changes kill the MacBook Pro? [Friday Night Fights]”
If anything, I see it killing the iPad Pro.
The true market behind the iPad pro is its stylus capabilities for industrial design, medical fields, and artists. As far as a drawing pad, it beats out even more expensive dedicated artist pads in most features at a lower price (eg Wacom Cintique). I don’t foresee any MacBook killing it for quite some time, unless apple decides to do 2 in 1’s in the near future. At that time, they will probably drop the iPad pro anyway.
Who cares about USB vs USB/C the real issue is the lack of Magsafe power.
I think they should have at least 5 USB-C connectors, if they are going to use one for power, but I do like the MagSafe connector for power. Maybe they are just too expensive? Plus, they are trying to make the laptop thinner and I think that’s a consideration since the MagSafe is a fairly large connector.
I’d much rather have usb-c charging where i can use my car’s charger or even a battery pack to juice it up.
One of their best invention is the MagSafe Power Connector, and I think there’s no way they’ll get rid of it. So even with only USB-C ports, who’s to say that they haven’t invented a MagSafe to USB-C connector! This way we would still have the security of the MagSafe connector, but also 4 full USB-C ports when running on battery
I’m a magsafe lover as well. Saved my MBP from death, multiple times. Would LOVE _ALL_ possible ports to be magsafe.
Yeah ! Abandon magsafe is really stupid
Will it be compatible with my thunderbolt display? That’s all I care about.
Since MB12 is not compatible…probably the new MBP will not as well.
“But isn’t it time they moved on?”
If Apple wants to include in the price a hub for all our USB and Thunderbolt devices, then we’ll move on.
Remember when they killed serial-, parallel-, adbports etc. etc. and even the floppy drive? what a bold move. What’s moving to USB C in comparison? But it’s a shame they’ll probably ditch the magsafe, that was a great idea.
Agree. Sadly most people weren’t Mac users when the iMac came out and changed everything, I suspect it’s these users who are the loudest. If anything, I find Apple too “transitional” lately, when you look at their product lines. So I’d welcome this move, even though I’m a heavy USB user, and even though I use an audio jack, and even though I love MagSafe. Because moving forward and standardising is a lot more important in the greater scheme.
To be honest, I wasn’t really a Mac user then, either. But I knew and hat to support the Mac. I only became a true mac fan when OS X came. And I agree Apple isn’t so innovative and bold anymore. And where they are, it’s too much form over function (Mac Pro), but then, that’s nothing really new. Regarding MagSafe, I see the benefits of USB-C, but they could still make a charging cable that separates or something. When I think what those cable cost from apple… (see lightning…)
You missed a point.
From 1997 to 2011 was a period full of BIG innovations. A big number of them came from Apple. From 2011 to the whole IT-industry is searching for the next big thing. At the moment there is no company really innovative, because the BIG innovations are already released. All companies making just small steps. I think the situation is for everybody (manufacturers and customers) a little bit frustrating.
Saying “Apple isn’t so innovative and bold anymore” is wrong. Apple must focus on connecting everything and make it even better. Bring it to perfection. Apple is innovative and the next BIG thing will come. But we have to wait.
Yes, 2011 is the year Steve died. Let’s hope we’ll see another big innovation from Apple. I’m really looking forward to Monday. Google I/O wasn’t breathtaking, but there were some interesting things. Hopefully Apple will have at least things that are as interesting – of course I still hope for something much better.
I still think Apple is not so bold anymore. In the theoretical past they’d introduce the Retina display on the MacBook Pro, and then that would be the new way, no other transitional Pro, even if it was expensive. Or the’d design the new MacBook to replace the Air, and then that’s it, no other Air available. Bold steps that push forward. It would appear they’re doing that again wit the new Pro, and the crowds are kicking and screaming and generating good old fashioned Apple hype.
I get you.
The whole Apple-Crowd is waiting for a moment like this to bring back the “good old Apple Hype”.
I hope Apple will replace the whole MacBook line-up in the next time, to show us the way. Powerful, cordless, cloud-oriented, super-mobile, etc … devices. Also the iMac / MacPro line-up needs a replacement.
But I think we have to wait. Like I said the whole industry is searching for the next big thing. Most manufacturers are making just small steps: Displays, processors, memory, design, materials … nothing special.
I cannot think of anything more ubiquitous than usb flash drives. Do I use email attachments and cloud services more? Yes. But situations still exist in which a real physical medium is needed… Our local building department, for example, requires a usb flash drive with pdf files of plans. They just switched to that in 2015, so it’s hard to imagine we won’t be stuck with that decision for at least 5 years if not a decade. Favorite Mouse? Dongles for expensive cad software? All of the devices that change via standard cables we Already Own?! That’s not going to change for a similar period of time. Long story short: keep 2 usb ports on new MBP most in our industry won’t be buying one. I’ll vote with my wallet! Mike drop.
Some people think that standard USB-A connectors are what makes a laptop a PRO laptop? Are you kidding? I don’t know where to start with this.
Plus they still had the F keys in the video unit. From the prototype pics, they seem to have removed the F-Key row.
The USB C issue might be a minor inconvenience for a little while, but it’s the least concerning changes that have been rumored.
The lack of physical function keys are what I can’t imagine going without, as I use the function keys as shortcuts in countless programs, specifically development suites. I also am nearly 50/50 switching between Mac and windows in bootcamp, and I’m not sure how well the OLED strip will work in windows. Most of us have already experienced how bad the touchpad transitions.
I would expect at least one of the features will be to illuminate the function keys back across the top, but it still slows down productivity as I will now have to look at the strip in order to see which key I will hit. Tactile feedback is by far the most important element of a keyboard to me.. Which brings me to the next issue.
I know there are a few die hard fans, but the majority of us that have tried it, absulutely hate the butterfly mechanism in the new MacBook. If the new MacBook pro’s do adopt the identical keyboard from the new MacBook, it will be the final straw, and I will have to transition from Mac entirely. I really wanted to get used to it, but after months of usage with the macbook, it still wasn’t happening. It drastically slows my typing speed, and it gives an overall poor typing experience.
The only thing I could foresee saving this keyboard in future Mac models would be an advanced haptic feedback behind every key to trick my fingers into thinking there was more travel.
Pros need the I/O. Apple makes a range of machines for everyone else. Why should they kill pro features in their “pro” line? (But then, this is Apple, after all. Frankly, if it weren’t for the Sonnet rack options, the severely restricted upgradability of the cylinder would barely fit the bill.)
Typical pre-release whining. The sooner they drop other ports the sooner we’ll see the market shift. Let them whine but usb-c future is inevitable. One cable for all needs. Bring it on.
USB-C:
I think this is the right way. Today we will need adapters, but maybe in 6-12 months we don’t.
The industry have to adopt it and I think: They will adopt it. Because its easier to implement one technology then 3, 4 or more.
Its better to store something in the Cloud then on an usb-stick or SSD. Loosing you usb-stick, crashing your SSD and the files are gone. But in the Cloud everything is secure, you don’t have to back-up anything. Forget your usb-stick at home or office. No problem, the cloud is everywhere.
One port is not enough, but with two (or more) ports its ok.
Most people don’t realize that Cloud Computing is also not far away. Time will come, when power and storage will come from the cloud.
OLED Touchkeys:
For me this is something really great. I hope Apple will open this for developers. This will be a very useful feature. This will open so many possibilities. TouchID, Shortcuts, etc …
Unlock MacBook with iPhone or Watch:
One rumor, nobody is talking about, but its interesting: “Unlocking Mac with the iPhone or Watch” like MacID. MacID is good, but it’s works sometimes and sometimes nothing is happening. I think Apple would solve this problem and create something really cool. This would also open a more convenient way to unlock their device for everybody. But this stops not just at unlocking … this will open even more possibilities.
New AppleDisplays:
This is also a nice rumor. I hope they will release something amazing. Displays with USB-C-Ports, Ultrawidescreen, maybe curved and so on.
My conclusion:
In general I think people at Apple are not so stupid to “forget” the pros. Their are so many agencies, developers, creatives, … using Macs. This would be really stupid. They will adopt and implement the technologies in all devices and connect them.
I think we will se a split because of the usage of devices.
Consumer tasks “don’t require” an iMac or PC at home. Today the iPhone and iPad is enough for most of them. Students will buy the MacBook (Pro) or the iPad (Pro).
Consumer: iPhone, iPads, MacBook, AppleWatch.
Pro tasks require “everything”.
Pro: iPhone, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac Pro, iPad Pro, AppleWatch.
I agree with almost everything you said. I’m still iffy on the idea of USB-C. My reasoning is like that of most people’s: I have so many peripherals that use USB-A.
One thing in your comment that really caught my attention was the mentioning of Cloud Storage. I love the idea of cloud storage, for example, iCloud works great for backing up my iPhone and holding my iWork documents. My only problem is that my computer would need a much larger Cloud Storage Plan in order to have a back-up.
Most, if not all, Cloud Storage Plans are paid for by subscriptions, monthly or yearly plans. I do not like subscriptions, I even hate the 99¢/month I have to pay for iCloud in order to have enough room to back-up my iPhone nightly (I hate the fee, but love the service…it’s only worth it because it’s less then a dollar per month). I prefer using my external hard-drive for back-ups because I paid a one-time fee for it. Now of course I understand the risk of it getting damaged, but I don’t like having to pay reoccurring fees for a service that can be replaced by a device that is payed for by a one-time-fee.
I know that I can easily still use my USB-A devices with a dongle, but I feel it would be easier if they stuck with keeping at least one USB-A port so people won’t have to buy dongles. But hey, they’re in a business to make money.
I think this is the future. Paying for Apps and Service.
I never backup anything. I’m storing all my files in the cloud (iCloud, iCloud Drive and Dropbox). When my device would crash (never happened yet with my Apple products), I would start from zero. Turning on my iCloud, restore my files, downloading my apps from AppStore, edit my setting and that’s it.
For me my iCloud is my storage and my backup at the same time.
In the past I stored my files at external drives and 2 of them crashed and lost my files. Last time this happened I decided to use iCloud.
One day you will have to update your peripherals and you will be using USB-C. If this happens today or tomorrow … it doesn’t matter.
So if USB-C is the “Now” technology, why did Apple roll out Thunderbolt to great fanfare not long ago and then just let that technology dry up?
And why couldn’t they have thrown in an SD card reader?
We’ll see what they finally officially announce.
In the mean time I’ll stick with my trusty non-Retina 13″ MacBook Pro (the one with the optical drive and ALL the ports). I intend to keep upgrading this one (it’s EASY) and use it for many years yet. Apple still sells this one, I think it’s their cheapest MacBook Pro. It’s just too good to let go…
Love the push forward, hate the kick in the teeth part of it…in the near-term having to use adapters, etc. But that’s how it goes (optical drives weren’t mentioned, another good example – who really needs them now?).
I’ll miss MagSafe and the simple/safe disconnect. One concern is if only 4 USB-C ports are available on the new MBP – I will definitely need some type of USB-C docking station to connect to a couple of external displays and Ethernet in the office. Plus the fact that one of the USB-C ports will be dedicated to charging, would only leave you with 3 available ports? Seems skimpy, but I suppose there could be power-related concerns with having more than a few ports supplying bus power, etc, on this model? Will have to wait and see what comes out.
End of the day…I’m sure I’ll be buying one.
I know they allegedly never sold well, but I still shed tears for the 17″. Because of that drop, I’m going to have to “SETTLE” on a non-portable iMac for my next ‘mobile’ purchase.
How stupid is ppl complaining about usb-c only ports…So, do you prefer to replace your computer when usb-c became standard instead buy adaptors ? really ?
I don’t think we can really say Apple is innovative because sometime next Christmas they may have an even thinner MBP with USB-C / Thunderbolt 3. These ports have been on Windows notebooks for some time and compatible external drives are still not available.
The MBP is for pros and connectivity is everything for users who have many years of USB-A or Firewire external drives to access.
Why is it that my 9 year old MBP pro is still hard to replace with HD 17inch screen and smooth HD editing ability. Why am I not excited to part with 3,500 Euros and replace it with another MBP?
With an iPad I an get by with a couple of adapters, such as a dual HDMI / USB. The notion of carrying around (and rummaging through) a pile of adapters in order to get majorly connected would be a nightmare. If I’m going to have a mess of different cables I don’t see the logic in having an adapter for each cable. From Apple’s mindset it is sleek and cool and modern, so I wouldn’t put it past them. In the pro realm they have a track record of sacrificing consumer-mindset values for pro-mindset values at the drop of a hat