The MacBook Pro has been given a completely new look – and now has a size more. The aluminum housing is thicker to make room for the extra ports and better cooling. We are currently testing the 14-inch MacBook Pro 2021 and are already sharing the photos.
MacBook Pro 2021 design
In 2016, Apple made controversial design choices. The MacBook Pro got the thinnest and lightest design ever, but that came at the cost of ports. The traditional USB input disappeared, as did the SD card reader and HDMI port. Furthermore, Apple introduced the oh-so-thin, but also oh-so-error-prone butterfly keyboard. And where had the beloved MagSafe magnetic charger gone?
Apple has listened to the wishes of its Pro users, as the company shows with the latest MacBook Pro 2021. The device has – certainly by Apple standards – a robust appearance. In the photo below you can clearly see the difference, where we have placed it next to the MacBook Air 2020. Unlike previous MacBooks, the top and bottom have no curved chassis, making the MacBook Pro appear more angular.
Not more beautiful, but better
The MacBook Pro doesn’t get any better (in our opinion), but it does get better. The thicker housing creates space for the return of frequently used ports. In addition to three USB-C ports, the HDMI port is back, as is a slot for an SD card. So get rid of those dongles that you always had to carry around to connect external devices.
Also returning is the magnetic charging cable: MagSafe. This is a magnetic charging connector that holds the charger in place. As a result, it will come loose if you accidentally bump into it, so that the MacBook does not immediately bounce on the floor. The new MagSafe connection also brings fast charging to the Mac. You do need a 96W charger for that, which Apple does not supply as standard with the cheaper configurations. Charging is also still possible with USB-C.
Notch
If you look at the screen, you will immediately notice the notch, which contains the improved 1080p webcam. In daily use, the bite from the screen is not disturbing, because the part at the top is almost always dead space. According to Apple, the notch is necessary to make the screen edges narrower, and they are indeed very thin. The screen edges are 3.5 millimeters on all sides: 60 percent thinner than before. We do wonder whether it was necessary to make the notch so wide. Moreover, the webcam could also have been hidden away in the top edge. The notch therefore seems to be primarily a design element.
What do you think of the new MacBook Pro 2021 design? Let us know below in the comments!