AUGUST 2019 MACWORLD 13September, marking
the first new size for
Apple’s flagship
notebook since the
13-inch model was
introduced in 2009.
It would also
represent the
biggest MacBook
since the 17-inch
MacBook Pro
was discontinued
in 2012.
Little is known
about the new
model, but Lin says
it will be using a
3072 x 1920 LCD, higher than the 15-inch
model’s 2,880 x 1,800 screen but not
OLED as has been rumored.
As Kuo previously suggested, the
16-inch MacBook Pro will likely be more
than a larger version of the current laptop.
The new Mac will reportedly have an
all-new design and occupy a higher tier in
Apple’s product matrix. Since the current
15-inch MacBook Pro starts at $2,399, the
new model’s entry will likely top $3,000,
and possibly touch $3,500 depending on
the base model’s configuration.
But if that brings the long-overdue
changes to the keyboard (go.macworld.
com/kych), pro users will be happy to
buy one at any price. The current Mac
Pro’s butterfly keyboard has been the
subject of much consternation, from their
lack of travel to loud noise, and dust and
debris issues. Apple has issued a
Keyboard Service Program for 2016-
MacBook Pro models to fix unresponsive
and overly responsive keys as well as
several fixes to the design, but it’s
stopped short of completely overhauling
the butterfly keyboard.
A redesigned MacBook Pro would
also presumably bring slimmer bezels, a
smaller frame, and better battery life.
Based on Lin’s time frame, the new model
will likely launch at the same time as
macOS 10.15 Catalina (go.macworld.
com/10ct). ■The butterfly keys on the MacBook might look cool but they’re
problematic to say the least.