Next Big Apple Event on November 10: New MacBook Leaks and Rumors

All eyes in the tech world are going to be on the Apple “One More Thing” event on November 10 at 10 a.m. PST. The last big event of 2020 will be online-only due to Covid, and it will probably focus on the much-anticipated launch of the Apple Silicon Macs.

However, along with the ARM Apple Macs, there’s a lot of whispering and excitement in the air about a possible revamp of the 13-inch MacBook Pro, even though Apple has already updated it with more powerful processors and a scissor keyboard.

Rumors and speculation are doing the rounds that an upgrade may happen in 2021, but what are they saying about the features of a new 14-inch MacBook Pro? We’re going to take a look at the possible changes here - exciting stuff!

Magic Keyboard?

Apple’s butterfly keyboard has had its share of problems over the years. From repeating keys and stickiness to bigger failure rates, the butterfly keyboard is long overdue for an overhaul.

The new magic keyboard may just be the answer. It features a new scissor-switch mechanism which has 1mm of travel - and even better - is thought to be a lot tougher than the old butterfly keyboard. The 13-inch MacBook Pro got this level-up in the 2020 revamp, and Apple will likely keep the magic keyboard for the newer MacBook models in future

The magic keyboard has better ergonomics, and the arrow keys have been changed to make it easier to use while touch-typing.

Higher Resolution Screen?

When Apple updated the 16-inch MacBook Pro, they added extra pixels and extra inches. If they decide to upgrade the 13-inch version to a larger display, then it’s likely that the resolution will be higher too.

The swirling rumors indicate it will be a 14.1-inch Retina Display, made possible by extending the screen into the bezel space of the 13-inch, so it won’t affect the physical size of the MacBook Pro.

The other screen specs will probably not change, though, as they didn’t on the 16-inch version. More speculation suggests that Apple will use Mini LED on their upgrade, but others say that’s unlikely.

What About the Processors?

The current version of the 13-inch MacBook Pro uses an 8th-generation Intel core i5 or i7 processors in the base configuration, while the high-end configuration uses 10th-generation processors. The 16-inch MacBook Pro has an i9 option and uses 9th-generation processors.

Apple intend to move their Macs over to Apple Silicon in the next few years, and there’s an expectation that the first models to feature the ARM chips will appear by the end of 2020. However, the new iMac updates in August showed that Apple seems to be holding back any big redesigns until they have rolled out their major chip transition.

Any Other Possible Changes?

The microphones will probably be changed and replaced with three “studio-grade” mics positioned around the keyboard for better sound capture.

There’s speculation about the Thunderbolt 3 ports, too. The current version of the 13-inch MacBook Pro has either two or four Thunderbolt 3 ports, with the higher-spec model having a larger number of ports. No one knows yet whether this will change with a newer model, or stay the same.

There may be a new battery in the works. Regulation filings with China and Korea indicate that Apple is preparing to roll out a new battery for a MacBook Air sized machine - that new battery could be used in a 14-inch MacBook Pro too.

How Much will a 14-inch MacBook Pro Cost?

The current 13-inch MacBook Pro starts at $1,299 and will be replaced by the 14-inch model once it launches. Future models may be more expensive though, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who says that the Apple Silicon chips may drive prices up.

Keeping a New MacBook Pro in Great Shape

Are you hoping to get your hands on one of the new 14-inch MacBook Pros when they launch? Even if you are sticking with your older 13-inch MacBook Pro, there’s an Apple-approved app called CleanMyMac X that will work to clean junk, optimize performance, and protect your Mac from malware, whatever type of Mac you use.

CleanMyMac X will keep your new Mac running like it did on the first day you got it, and it will help clean the junk and speed up older Macs. It even features a performance monitor so you can see how your macOS is running in real-time.

CleanMyMac X features include:

● Freeing up RAM, managing login items, launch agents, and hung apps, as well as running maintenance scripts to keep your system fast and problem-free
● Taking out the trash! CleanMyMac X chases down all the hidden junk and cleans up outdated caches, logs, broken downloads, and useless localizations. It will also remove junk from iTunes, Mail, Photos, and find large hidden files.
● Malware and privacy protection. Stop malware, adware, ransomware, and any-other-ware in its tracks. Your privacy is also protected with the removal of online and offline activity and instant removal of your browsing history if you wish.
● Manage your apps with the Uninstaller and Updater. The uninstaller completely removes apps, and the updater will keep on top of all the updates for your apps without you needing to remember.

If you’re lucky enough to be shopping for the new 14-inch MacBook Pro next year, then why not try out CleanMyMac X to keep it running as if it was boxfresh? If you can’t quite stretch to a new Mac yet, then don’t despair - CleanMyMac X will give your older Mac a new lease of life and help it to run faster.