MacBook Pro 2022 a no-show at WWDC — so when will it arrive?

MacBook Pro 2021 a no-prove at WWDC — and then when will it arrive?

(Image credit: Future)

From a multifariousness of leaks and rumors, nosotros'd been charily hoping for Apple tree to reveal the MacBook Pro 2021 at WWDC 2021 this calendar week, but the keynote for the briefing came and went with no hardware news.

So why exactly was the new MacBook Pro a no-show? Afterward some analysis, we've come upwards with several possible reasons why Apple didn't announce the expected redesign for the MacBook Pro, despite all the rumors pointing to a possible launch.

The best MacBook Pro cases to protect your investment
macOS Monterey new features, release date, beta and compatibility
Plus: MacBook Pro 2021 with M1X may take been confirmed by official Apple video

As it stands, we tin can tentatively predict that the next MacBook Pro could be revealed in the fall, perchance after the expected reveal of the iPhone 13. But in the meantime, here's why nosotros remember Apple kept the new MacBooks out of WWDC.

MacBook Pro 2021 leaks: Why were they wrong?

Prior to WWDC, the announcement of the new MacBook Pro felt rather probable, and it's easy to run into why.

Previous reports from reliable sources such equally Bloomberg'south Marking Gurman and Apple tree annotator Ming-Chi Kuo hinted at a possible early-summer launch, which lined up with the June seven'southward WWDC briefing.

And just two weeks ago, Jon Prosser, a somewhat reliable leaker with claimed internal sources, confidently alleged that Apple tree would bear witness off new MacBooks at WWDC. In fact, his source had reportedly revealed that Apple would schedule press briefings for the new device right afterward the conference had taken place. "I tin ostend MacBook Pro is coming," Prosser stated.

This was then followed by a research annotation seen past MacRumors from Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives, who predicted that new xiv-inch and 16-inch versions of MacBook Pro would be showcased during WWDC 2021.

According to Ives, the MacBook Pro reveal would take apparently been office of a "few surprises" that Apple had upwards its sleeve for its almanac developers' issue.

However, on the solar day of the conference, Bloomberg'southward Mark Gurman published a summary of what was expected to launch during WWDC 2021, and it didn't include any hardware announcements. This, forth with a statement from another leaker named L0vetodream fueled some serious doubts nearly a potential MacBook Pro proclamation. L0vetodream said Apple wouldn't show off any hardware and that those who expect new MacBooks "should not be so fast."

The no-show of the MacBook Pro 2021 at WWDC also corresponds with a written report from Nikkei Asia, who claimed that the production of the two MacBook Pro models had shifted from the May/June timeframe to the second half of 2021.

WWDC 2021: A focus on software

Some other reason why Apple may not have announced the MacBook Pro 2021 at WWDC is trivially uncomplicated: the Worldwide Developers Conference doesn't typically involve big hardware announcements, especially apropos new MacBook Pros.

Historically speaking, WWDC mainly focuses on software, and this yr was no different. Monday's keynote included announcements and previews of the new iOS xv, iPadOS 15, macOS 12, and watchOS 8 software updates.

Each of those updates has its ain showcase of new features and enhancements, but there are a few mutual things, too. Apple'due south currently trying to make it easier to share things between different devices. And, understandably, privacy still remains a big focus as the Cupertino company tries to set itself apart from other big tech giants.

All 4 of the software updates listed above are already available in beta class for developers. Public betas of each update will arrive in July, with the final release scheduled for this fall.

Product delayed considering of COVID-19?

Lastly, the lack of a MacBook Pro 2021 announcement may exist related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has already affected the production yield of many large device releases.

The pandemic is a major culprit behind the current global chip shortage. That shortage has interrupted the production of both graphics cards and components used in manufacturing next-gen consoles such as the PS5 and the Xbox Series X.

Apple may have been affected. too. The ongoing chip shortage has reportedly impacted the production of the Apple M1 fleck that powers its Mac devices, likewise every bit a shortage of components used in Apple production displays.

Sadly, we've already seen reports that fleck shortages may last through 2023. So at that place's no telling when the situation will go ameliorate. And that means Apple may non denote the MacBook Pro 2021 or other new Macs until the flake shortage is under more than control, potentially later on in the fall or fifty-fifty next yr.

MacBook Pro 2021 release date: When might it arrive?

If the rumors most the summer launch still evidence to be true, then Apple could possibly announce the MacBook Pros via a press release or a small streamed reveal. However, that would be very out-of-character for the company since an announcement every bit big every bit the upcoming MacBook Pro with what could exist a new M2 chip would seemingly lend itself to a proper showcase.

The new MacBook Pros are also expected to offer mini-LED displays, a new type of MagSafe charger, and more ports than the previous models while ditching the TouchBar.

As it stands, we do still expect to meet a new MacBook Pro this year in a rumored new 14-inch size, likewise as an upgraded xvi-inch model. Only nosotros would anticipate a launch later rather than sooner.

Surface Laptop Get vs MacBook Air: Which laptop is meliorate for you lot?
More: macOS Monterey has exclusive M1 features — Intel Macs left in grit

Denise is a news writer at Tom's Guide covering all things tech, gaming software/hardware, streaming, and more. She regularly produces short-form news articles likewise equally long-form content, including reviews, buying guides, how-tos, and features. When she's not live-streaming horror games on Twitch, she can exist plant exploring East London while playing Pokemon Go. She's likewise a part-time piano enthusiast and regularly experiments in the kitchen. You can reach her at denise.primbet@futurenet.com.