Next-Generation Apple Silicon MacBooks Expected to Drive Record-Breaking Mac Shipments This Year

In a research note shared with MacRumors today, Barclays analysts said they expect Apple to report record Mac shipments in the 2021 fiscal year. Apple has seen strong demand for Macs driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and the release of Apple silicon Macs.

2021 mbp hdmi slot 3d
With rumors indicating that Apple plans to release redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with Apple silicon in the second half of this year, at least one supplier is planning to ramp up capacity in anticipation of strong demand.

According to DigiTimes, Taiwanese manufacturer Compeq has already seen its high-density circuit board production capacity fully booked for the first half of 2021, and it will be expanding its capacity in the second half of the year to help ease the situation. The publication claims that Compeq will register a strong first half of 2021, bolstered by volume shipments of the circuit boards for new MacBooks and iPads.

Nikkei Asia recently reported that Apple will begin mass production of two new MacBooks with Apple silicon in the second half of the year. This timeframe should provide ample time for Apple's suppliers to ramp up production for a launch later in the year. A redesigned iMac with Apple silicon is also expected to debut at some point this year.

According to well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the new MacBook Pro models will feature brighter displays with Mini-LED backlighting, a new design with a flat-edged top and bottom, an HDMI port and SD card reader, classic MagSafe charging with a magnetic power cable, and physical function keys instead of the Touch Bar.

Apple stopped disclosing unit sales a few years ago, but in Q1 2021, Apple reported record quarterly Mac revenue of $8.7 billion. The quarter encompassed the launch of the first three Macs with Apple's custom-designed M1 chip, which has received rave reviews.

Related Roundup: MacBook Pro
Buyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Neutral)
Related Forum: MacBook Pro

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Top Rated Comments

anshuvorty Avatar
53 months ago
What about a 1080p webcam? Is that too much to ask especially in the days of COVID-19? Hmmm...
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kobayagi Avatar
53 months ago
Haha, these kinds of messages. Well, if this MacBook is anything that the rumors are claiming, of course it'll sell really well because you're actually listening to your customers:

- Bring back common ports so people dont have to carry stupid dongles. It's easier and cheaper.
- Bring back MagSafe. Removing this was literally the dumbest decision. But I get it if charging had to go through USB-C. But MagSafe is just brilliant for safety.
- Remove the stupid Touch Bar.


In the end, all Apple actually had to do was use the 2015 MacBook Pro chassis, improve internals, screen etc, add a couple USB-C ports for future-proofing and be done with it.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
icanhazmac Avatar
53 months ago
Take my money please!

Waiting impatiently for the 16"
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Realityck Avatar
53 months ago
Heck yes, bring on the redesigned M1X powered MacBook Pro laptop 14" and 16" models.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jz0309 Avatar
53 months ago
well, really? expect record shipments ... I could have told everyone that ...
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
33man Avatar
53 months ago
16’’, Face ID, borderless, wifi 6E, detachable screen that become iPad Pro, 120Hz mini led touch screen, variable refresh rate

all these or no buy ?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)