New report details ARM-based Apple Macs

Since last month's WWDC, we've learned about Apple's plans to switch to its own processors for its Macs. A new report from reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo details the new ARM-based Mac laptops, including a MacBook Air and Pro models with 13.3-, 14-, and 16-inch models.

A new 13.3-inch MacBook Pro model will reportedly enter production in the fourth quarter of 2020, and it'll be joined by an ARM-based MacBook Air as well. Kuo claims the Air will start shipping at the end of the year or the first quarter of 2021. As for the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, these Apple Silicon-equipped laptops will launch in the second or third quarter of 2021. 

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Apple to reportedly render 2012 MacBook Pro with Retina Display 'obsolete' by June 30

Apple is reportedly planning to end support for the mid-2012 model of the 15-inch MacBook Pro with a Retina Display. According to an internal memo obtained by MacRumors, the company will be marking this unit "obsolete" worldwide on June 30, 2020. This means that the laptop won't be eligible for official hardware service or repairs, and the company won't stock parts for the device anymore.

The company started rolling back its support for this laptop since 2018 when it became part of Apple's "Vintage" repair program—meaning repairs were reliant on the availability of parts. Of course, you can still take it to third-party repair shops or do-it-yourself (if you're capable). But you might not get official Apple parts. So, if you want to bring your device in for one more repair, now is the time to do so.

Is Apple ready to ditch its controversial MacBook keyboard?

We might be seeing an end to Apple’s controversial butterfly keyboard. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple will supposedly be moving to a new scissor-switch design that uses glass fiber reinforcement. The first devices to get the new keyboard include a new MacBook Air coming out this year, followed by a new MacBook Pro scheduled to launch in 2020. It might not make its way to the rumoured 16-inch MacBook Pro or the updated 13-inch MacBook Pro.

Of course, there is no confirmation from Apple as we speak. But it definitely has reasons to switch out the keyboards. The current butterfly keys have had issues regarding these keys acting erratically or completely stop working as dust and other particles find their way into the mechanism. What the new design could offer includes durability as well as better typing experience from “longer key travel.” And the new scissor switch will supposedly be cheaper, but not as cheap as an average laptop keyboard. This new switch might be a bit thicker, but Kuo says “most users can’t tell the difference.” It’ll reportedly be made by Taiwan-based manufacturer Sunrex.

Source: The Verge

Apple’s 16-inch MacBook Pro might get an update in September

Rumour has it the 16-inch version of the MacBook Pro is getting refreshed this coming September. According to IHS Markit analyst Jeff Lin, an “all-new” 16-inch MacBook Pro will have an LCD panel made from LG Display. It’ll have a resolution of 3,072 x 1,920, which will be a step up from the high-end version of the 15.4-inch model’s 2,880 x 1,800 display. And as expected, it might get a new processor as well.

Aside from the 16-inch model, Lin claims the MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro might get processor updates at the same time as well. But it must be noted that this is all speculation for now. And it hasn’t been that long since Apple refreshed the MacBook Pro line.

Source: The Verge