Let’s kick things off with notebooks.
Apple is reportedly working on a revamped MacBook Pro design for 2019, says analyst Ming-Chi Kuo in a research note obtained by MacRumors. The 15-inch model will be replaced by one with a screen of between 16 and 16.5 inches. This makes the rumored MacBook Pro it the biggest screen in a Mac notebook since the 17-inch stopped selling 2012. Kuo says the 13-inch model will support for 32GB of RAM, double of that of the current
The report states that RAM & display size changes aren’t the only new changes. Both models might get a design refresh. The current design (introduced in 2016) hasn’t been universally popular, with the keyboard coming in for the most widespread criticism both for its feel and its unreliability. While that isn’t justifiable, the 2016 models going with only Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) for physical I/O did feel too ahead of its time, now that many Windows laptops are heading that direction.
Desktop’s aren’t getting forgotten either. Kuo also believes that the long-awaited new Mac Pro will be coming this year with “easy to upgrade components,” though Apple itself has already said as much.
More interestingly, Kuo has the first credible details of the external monitor that will mark Apple’s return to the pro display market. It’s said to be a 31.6-inch 6K display with a “Mini LED-like backlight design.” Apple discontinued its last monitor, the Thunderbolt Display, back in 2016; right now the best option for owners of more modern Macs is the Apple-sanctioned but imperfect 27-inch LG UltraFine 5K.
Kuo’s report has further information on this year’s iPhone and iPad lineups, too, as well as accessories like new AirPods and the long-delayed AirPower charging mat