HDMI Port Returning to MacBook Pro This Year
Apple is planning to release two new MacBook Pro models equipped with an HDMI port and SD card reader in the second half of 2021, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
In a research note obtained by MacRumors, Kuo recently explained that 2021's MacBook Pro models will feature the return of an SD card reader and an HDMI port:
We predict that Apple's two new MacBook Pro models in 2H21 will have several significant design and specification changes. Some of the practical changes for users are equipping with the SD card reader and HDMI port.
The return of an SD card reader was first reported by reliable Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman last month, adding credence to the rumor:
The upcoming MacBook Pro is an example of Apple's renewed focus on Mac loyalists. The company is planning to bring back an SD card slot for the next MacBook Pros so users can insert memory cards from digital cameras. That feature was removed in 2016, to the consternation of professional photographers and video creators, key segments of the MacBook Pro user base.
All MacBook Pro models released since 2016 have only had USB-C ports, forcing users to connect an adapter to access an SD card reader or an HDMI port. The SD card reader was vital to key segments of the MacBook Pro user base, such as professional photographers and video creators, who have had to resort to adapters in recent years. The same goes for HDMI, which is used to connect to external displays.
The MacBook Pro was last equipped with an HDMI port and SD card reader in 2015, so it is surprising to see these features making a comeback after years of absence. Nevertheless, the return of these ports is likely to make amends with some MacBook Pro users who have felt that their needs have been ignored since 2016, and more clearly distinguish the "Pro" machines from the MacBook Air.
Last month, Kuo said that Apple is planning to unveil all-new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models this year, featuring the return of the MagSafe charging connector with a breakaway power cable, the removal of the Touch Bar, a new flat-edged design, brighter displays, and more ports. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has since echoed many of these details.
For more on the upcoming 2021 MacBook Pro models, see our "Everything We Know" guide.
Popular Stories
Apple is set to release iOS 18.2 in December, bringing the second round of Apple Intelligence features to iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 models. This update brings several major advancements to Apple's AI integration, including completely new image generation tools and a range of Visual Intelligence-based enhancements. There are a handful of new non-AI related feature controls incoming as well.
...
We're officially in the month of Black Friday, which will take place on Friday, November 29 in 2024. As always, this will be the best time of the year to shop for great deals, including popular Apple products like AirPods, iPad, Apple Watch, and more.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment,...
The first Geekbench 6 benchmark results for the M4 Pro chip surfaced today. Impressively, the results that are available so far show that the highest-end M4 Pro chip is faster than the highest-end M2 Ultra chip in terms of peak multi-core CPU performance.
Here is a comparison of the results:
Mac mini with M4 Pro (14-core CPU): 22,094 multi-core score (average of 11 results)
Mac Studio...
The iPhone SE 4 that's set to come out early next year is expected to debut Apple's first in-house 5G modem, according to Jeff Pu, an analyst who covers companies within Apple's supply chain.
In a research note this week with Hong Kong-based investment firm Haitong International Securities, Pu said Apple is expected to roll out its custom-made 5G modem starting with the next-generation...
With the second beta of iOS 18.2 that's available for developers today, Apple has further fleshed out the ChatGPT integration that's available with Siri. In the Settings app, there's now a section that shows the ChatGPT daily limit, and offers an option to upgrade to the paid ChatGPT Plus plan.
The beta includes an Advanced Capabilities section with a "Daily Limit" reading that shows up as...
Apple's new M4 Pro and M4 Max chips are impressively fast in terms of CPU performance, topping the M2 Ultra, but what about graphics performance?
The first Geekbench 6 results for GPU performance are now available for the M4 Pro and M4 Max, and the Metal scores reveal some impressive year-over-year gains. Based on the Metal scores that are available so far, the M4 Pro and M4 Max are up to...
After a busy October in which Apple announced new Macs and Apple Intelligence launched, the calendar has now turned to November. Below, we outline what to expect from Apple this month as the slower-but-still-busy holiday season approaches.
After seeding the first betas of iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 with additional Apple Intelligence features last month, Apple will likely...
