WWDC 2021: Is Apple launching a new MacBook Pro with M2 chip on June 7?

A number of credible sources have reported about the possibility of a new MacBook Pro launch at the WWDC 2021.

Apple WWDC 2021 kicks off today at 10.30 pm IST. The iPhone 12 maker is expected to announce new software updates for its devices. Apple is expected to announce iOS 15, iPadOS 15, macOS 12, etc. at the Apple Event today. Rumours also hint at the 2021 MacBook Pro launch today at WWDC. Is Apple going to launch a new MacBook Pro at WWDC 2021? Here’s everything we know so far.

Apple typically uses WWDC as a stage to unveil the software for all its devices. However, there have been a few instances in the past where the company has announced hardware products at the developer event. The Mac Pro (2019), iMac Pro (2017), HomePod (2017) are a few of the products launched in recent years at the WWDC. It would not be a surprise if Apple launches the much-rumored MacBook Pro at its software-focused event on June 7.

A number of credible sources have reported about the possibility of a new MacBook Pro launch at the WWDC 2021. Tipster Jon Prosser recently claimed that the new, redesigned MacBook Pro will launch at WWDC 2021. This was followed by another report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who revealed some of the key MacBook Pro specifications ahead of the launch event. Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives’ also claimed that Apple has a “few surprises” in-store.

Also read: Where to watch WWDC 2021

Reports suggest that the new MacBook Pro will come in 14-inch and 16-inch display sizes. Both variants will have a mini-LED display, according to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Apple has already introduced the new display tech on the 2021 12.9-inch iPad Pro. 

The upcoming 2021 MacBook Pro models are tipped to get a major design overhaul. The lower-end 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro is codenamed J314, whereas the 16-inch variant is codenamed J316. Both models will come with a redesigned chassis and magnetic charging.  

Also read: WWDC 2021 announcements expected

The two variants are expected to come with a more powerful version of the M1 chip, or even possibly the M2 chip. Bloomberg recently claimed that Apple will launch the two variants with different chips codenamed Jade C-Chop and Jade C-Die.  The two chips will feature eight high-performance cores and two energy-efficient cores. The main difference will lie in the GPU department. Both models will feature 16 or 32 GPU cores. In comparison, the M1 chip comes with four performance and four efficiency cores. It also has eight graphics cores. Apple already has a 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro that was launched last year. The upcoming Apple Silicon will also support up to 64GB of RAM as opposed to 16GB on the current M1 chip.

The new MacBook Pro model will have more ports. The right side of the MacBook Pro will have an HDMI port and an SD card reader slot. It will have three USB Type-C ports as opposed to four on the current generation. Two out of the three Type-C ports will be placed on the left edge. MagSafe is likely to make a comeback on the MacBook, with the slot located on the left side of the machine.