Yesterday, we covered rumors that M1X MacBook Pro could feature a notch that would house the webcam, True Tone sensor, and microphone but no Face ID components. Now, a Weibo account has shared a photo that allegedly shows the new MacBook Pro with a notch in the display.
Photo shows notch on new MacBook Pro display
The notch shows the same components as reported which include the camera, microphone, and True Tone/ambient light sensors. As shared by DuanRui on Twitter, originally from Weibo, the photo is of a test machine.
It is said that although there is notch, there is no Face ID, and Touch ID is still being used. https://t.co/W0Ovj6JFw3
— DuanRui (@duanrui1205) October 16, 2021
Mentions of “safe area” for content have also been discovered in the crash stack of Safari technology preview. This “safe area” for displaying content was first made available on iPhone X, when the notch was first introduced.
The possible reasoning behind Apple using a notch on the new MacBook Pro could be to reduce the size of bezels around the display, which is also why there would be no product logo on the front. However, Apple has been able to create thin bezels on iPad Pro, iPad Air, and the recently announced iPad mini 6, without using a notch. The thin bezels are available on these iPad models, whether they use Face ID or not. The new M1X MacBook Pro will not have Face ID and will continue to use a Touch ID sensor, which is expected to be backlit in the new Mac’s keyboard.
Speaking of the keyboard, rumors say that it will have an all-black design, instead of black keys only. The Touch Bar will also be removed, but it is unclear if Apple will bring back the function keys or replace the bar with something else.
The ports on the new M1X MacBook Pro will also be revamped. Instead of 4 Thunderbolt ports like current MacBook Pro models, the new ones will feature 3 Thunderbolt ports. The SD-card slot and HDMI port will make a comeback, alongside MagSafe 2 charging port and 3.5mm headphone jack. Despite MagSafe 2 charging port, the Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports in the new MacBook Pro will continue to support charging too.
If the company could make do without a notch on its iPads, why does it need to add a notch to the new MacBook Pro’s mini-LED display? We will find out more at 10 am Monday, October 18 during Apple’s Unleashed event.
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