Apple is expected to release a 13.3-inch MacBook Pro with its new Silicon processors before the end of the year, according to a new leak from renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
On Friday, Kuo updated his roadmap for new ARM-based CPUs, claiming that the first device will be a MacBook Pro and that it is set to go into mass production in Q4 2020.
Recent rumours had suggested that the Mac line would debut before 2021, so this is not a great surprise, but his second piece of news is more interesting.
Kuo says that he also expected an ARM-based MacBook Air to go on sale in Q4 2020.
The two devices are likely to be similar in design to the recently launched MacBook Pro and MacBook Air devices, which are powered by Intel CPUs.
Kuo then expects a redesigned 14.1-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro to arrive with Apple Silicon and mini-LED displays in either Q2 or Q3 2021.
The later devices are tipped to have an “all-new form factor design”, which suggests that a slimmer and lighter build will accompany the new screen tech and processors.
One device that Kuo did not mention is the heavily rumoured 2020 iMac.
Recent reports have claimed that the desktop device will get a design overhaul and share the same aesthetic as the iPad Pro with slimmer bezels.
Apple is still expected to release a new iMac this year, but it probably won’t be powered by Apple Silicon.
Apple has set out a two-year transition period for its switch from Intel, so there is still plenty of time to launch updated devices.
MacBook sales have already been healthy recently, according to Kuo, and are forecast to rise to between 16m and 17m units for the year.
He also believes that the shipment volume could soar to 18m to 20m units in 2021 if demand is strong for the newly designed MacBook Pro models.