Apple might be releasing the M1X MacBook Pro sooner than we thought

MacBook pro
(Image credit: Future)

Rumors have been flying for a few months now that Apple will release two new MacBook Pro models, supposedly built with a more powerful M1X (or M2) chip. While we didn't see anything unveiled at WWDC 2021 on June 7, new information suggests we might not have to wait much longer to see what Apple has been working on.

LeaksApplePro predicts that at least one of the new MacBook Pro models could arrive sometime between August 2 - August 8 2021, though no mention has been made regarding which of the two could make the early appearance.

The Apple never falls far from the Q3

Both the MacBook Pro 14-inch and MacBook Pro 16-inch models are expected to feature a mini-LED display, similar to the new iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2021 that got the M1 treatment earlier this year. It was previously reported that key display components won't ship to the Apple factories until Q3 of 2021, so we weren't expecting either of the two new models to hit the shelves until potentially as late as 2022.

LeaksApplePro also mentions that the predicted dates mentioned could be subject to change given the ongoing production delays for essential components like those mini-LED displays and a global silicon shortage, but WCCFTech points out in its reporting that they haven't had the best track record when it comes to accuracy with leaked information so take this with a pinch of salt.

A great deal of excitement is growing for these new MacBook Pro devices, not only if it comes with the successor to the excellent M1 SoC (system-on-a-chip), but it's also expected that both new models will have a much-needed redesign to get rid of the Touch Bar and reintroduce old features like MagSafe, a built-in SD card reader and even a full-sized HDMI.

We loved the original M1 chip, placing the MacBook Air 2021 at the highest position on our list of the best laptops you can buy right now given how impressive and comparatively affordable it is, but creatives or professionals in demanding industries will need something with a little more 'oomph'. 

We don't know much about the rumored M1X, but it's been suggested that it's powerful enough to give the RTX 3070 laptop GPU a run for its money. Color us intrigued.

Given we have no way of verifying the leaked date (and how likely it is to change), don't put too much faith into buying a new MacBook Pro in August. We remain hopeful, but until an official announcement is made we can only take comfort in the potential that Apple is currently confident it could hit that release window despite the issues with its supply chain.

TOPICS
Jess Weatherbed

Jess is a former TechRadar Computing writer, where she covered all aspects of Mac and PC hardware, including PC gaming and peripherals. She has been interviewed as an industry expert for the BBC, and while her educational background was in prosthetics and model-making, her true love is in tech and she has built numerous desktop computers over the last 10 years for gaming and content creation. Jess is now a journalist at The Verge.

Read more
A person holding the 15-inch MacBook Air at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in 2023.
Apple MacBook Air M4 announcement due any day now, according to industry insider
smiling person freelancer outdoors working on laptop computer MacBook by Apple with smartwatch Apple Watch, iPhone smiling, show thumb up, like gesture.
Apple fans, get ready for another MacBook refresh - M4 MacBook Air reportedly set to launch this year, amid M5 chip rumors
What an Apple MacBook Air M4 might look like on a coffee table
Apple MacBook Air M4: news, rumors, and everything we know
A person holding the 15-inch MacBook Air at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in 2023.
Don’t buy a MacBook Air – a new M4 version is tipped to land within weeks
 Tim Cook delivers remarks at the start of the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 10, 2024
Whoops! Apple seemingly just leaked its M4 MacBook Airs thanks to the macOS 15.2 update
The MacBook Air M3 sitting on a red sofa
Fresh M4 MacBook Air rumors point to an imminent launch, but it could be a modest update
Latest in Macbooks
The Apple MacBook Air M2 on a red background with text saying Lowest Price next to it.
The excellent MacBook Air M2 drops to an unbelievable price of $699 - yes, really
Collage of Apple tech on a pink background, including MacBook, iPad, AirPods and Apple Watch
Massive Apple sale live at Best Buy: get a MacBook Air for $699, Apple Watch for $299 and cheap AirPods
Apple MacBook Air M3
The M3 MacBook Air is officially discontinued, but the M2 MacBook Air will live on elsewhere and that's good news
13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air M4 in Sky Blue
I saw Apple's new 13- and 15-inch MacBook Air with M4, and here's why Sky Blue is my new favorite color
The MacBook Air M2 on a blue background with text saying Price Cut.
The best MacBook Air (M4) preorder deal is at Best Buy – how to score the new Apple laptop for as little as $449
MacBook Air M4
Apple finally unveils the MacBook Air with the M4 chip – but the best news is the new price
Latest in News
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
Apple officially delays the AI-infused Siri and admits, ‘It’s going to take us longer than we thought’
The Meta Quest Pro on its charging pad on a desk, in front of a window with the curtain closed
Samsung, Apple and Meta want to use OLED in their next VR headsets – but only Meta has a plan to make it cheap
AMD Ryzen 9000 3D chips
AMD officially announces price and release date for Ryzen 9 9900X3D and 9950X3D processors
Google Pixel 9
There's something strange going on with Google Pixel phone vibrations after the latest update
A masculine hand holding the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti
Budget gamers rejoice as Nvidia RTX 5050 and RTX 5060 are rumored to launch in April
The Asus ROG Ally handheld gaming PC
AMD's new driver adds AFMF 2.1 support for improved frame generation - and it could be a game-changer for handheld gaming PCs