Apple reportedly ditching its most controversial feature in the next version of the MacBook Pro shows the company's finally listening to its customers

Saturday, 16 January 2021, 00:43:48
Summary List Placement Apple is planning on introducing updates to its MacBook Pro lineup that will include a 14-inch and 16-inch version, both featuring a higher-end variant of the M1 processor currently found in the current MacBook Air, Mac mini, and lower-end 13-inch MacBook Pro. That's according to supply chain analyst Ming-chi Kuo , who has a solid reputation for predicting Apple's otherwise highly-secret product plans . Kuo's report is backed up by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman , who suggests that Apple will finally get rid of the Touch Bar on the new models and plans to bring back MagSafe, the company's magnetic charging. Kuo also suggested that the laptops may see a return of additional ports, reversing Apple's current trend toward requiring adapters for anything that doesn't have a USB-C connector. Assuming these reports are accurate, I think it's fair to say that Apple is making some of its most important changes to the MacBook Pro in years — maybe ever. That's because not only is the company introducing new designs and getting rid of obnoxious features, it's taking advantage of the changes it already started this year.
— Business Insider

Sources: Apple to launch redesigned iMacs this year with a Pro Display XDR-like design, and is working on two new Mac Pros, one of which may use Intel CPUs (Mark Gurman/Bloomberg)

Friday, 15 January 2021, 19:35:02
Mark Gurman / Bloomberg : Sources: Apple to launch redesigned iMacs this year with a Pro Display XDR-like design, and is working on two new Mac Pros, one of which may use Intel CPUs — Apple Inc. is planning the first redesign of its iMac all-in-one desktop computer since 2012, part of a shift away from Intel Corp. processors …
— Techmeme

Apple Developing Redesigned iMac With Slimmer Bezels, Apple Silicon Chips

Friday, 15 January 2021, 19:14:02
Along with new redesigned 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, Apple also has major plans for other Macs in the Mac lineup. We've been hearing rumors about a redesigned iMac for more than a year now, and Bloomberg ‘s Mark Gurman today shared a report that offers details on what to expect. The new ‌iMac‌ models will feature slimmed down bezels around the screen, and the metal chin will be removed in favor of a design that's similar to the Pro Display XDR monitor that Apple released in 2019. Rather than a curved rear design, the iMacs will feature a flat back, which is also a design that we're expecting to see with the upcoming MacBook Pro models. There will be two versions to replace the existing 21.5 and 27-inch models, and prior rumors have suggested that one of these models will measure in at 23 to 24 inches. Like the new MacBook Pro models, the redesigned iMacs will adopt Apple silicon chips, and the revamped look will coincide with Apple's move to shift away from Intel's chips, giving the iMacs updated processors and a fresh design all at once.
— Mac Rumors

Apple's new MacBook Pro reportedly brings back some favorite features and ditches less popular ones

Friday, 15 January 2021, 18:41:11
Summary List Placement Apple plans to redesign its MacBook Pro, backtracking on some of the current model's most controversial features, according to a new report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. While many of Apple's previous MacBook Pro updates have focused on refining speed and updating the keyboard, the company's newest model will also feature some exterior style changes. The company is planning to replace its Touch Bar with physical keys, a source familiar with the company's affairs told Gurman. Apple has been testing multiple versions of the product without the Touch Bar. The OLED Touch Bar was introduced in 2016 and has faced some criticism from users that its gimmicky and can accidentally get bumped. It operates as a control strip at the top of the keyboard that can change its functionality based on the application in use. Read more: The ‘Apple Car' would wreck Apple, and Tesla's incredibly volatile history shows why The new MacBook Pro will also bring back magnetic charging, according to Gurman.
— Business Insider

Sources: at an all-hands staff meeting, incoming CEO says Intel has to deliver better products for PCs than what a “lifestyle company in Cupertino” makes (Mike Rogoway/Oregonian)

Friday, 15 January 2021, 18:15:14
Mike Rogoway / Oregonian : Sources: at an all-hands staff meeting, incoming CEO says Intel has to deliver better products for PCs than what a “lifestyle company in Cupertino” makes — – Competition: Intel rivals AMD and NVIDIA use TSMC's factories and have capitalized on the technical advances in Taiwan to leapfrog Intel in key segments.
— Techmeme