Rumors indicate Apple's long-expected MacBook Pro redesign will be branded 'MacBook Ultra' instead. Here's why this could be good news for MacBook Pro users in light of a previous redesign misstep.

MacBook Pro redesign history has examples of success and failure

Apple's current MacBook Pro is, in many ways, an apology model. The MacBook Pro design we still have today first arrived in 2021, and it gave users exactly what they'd been asking for after years of a highly unpopular previous design. In 2016, Apple unveiled a new MacBook Pro that proved problematic in several ways. The infamously unreliable butterfly keyboard was a big part of that. But the new model also removed several ports that creative professionals rely on, switching to an all USB-C setup. The Touch Bar also proved controversial for replacing function keys. And the new design was thin, which isn't ideal for pro users who value performance and battery life.

It took five long years before another redesign arrived. But when it did, Apple gave pro users everything they'd been asking for. The 2021 MacBook Pro bulked up to maximize performance and battery life, it fixed the keyboard, ditched the Touch Bar, and added ports like HDMI, SDXC card, and MagSafe. Now, the time for another redesign is almost here. But per the latest rumors, Apple might take an unusual path: branding its newest design as 'MacBook Ultra' while the current MacBook Pro design lives on. Here's why that could be good news for MacBook Pro fans.

Adding 'MacBook Ultra' means the MacBook Pro can keep prioritizing what pros want

Apple clearly learned its lesson after the 2016 MacBook Pro debacle. However, some of the rumors about its next MacBook design sound eerily familiar. Per Mark Gurman, the new model will be thinner and lighter than Apple's current MacBook Pro. That could impact performance and battery life, and also might mean it lacks some ports offered by the MacBook Pro. And it will have a touch screen, which some users might see as a useless 'innovation' like the Touch Bar before it. I'm confident Apple doesn't have another 2016 disaster on its hands. However, I do think using 'MacBook Ultra' branding could be a clever way to avoid history repeating itself.

If Apple does launch this new model as the first MacBook Ultra, rather than being a new MacBook Pro, it will accomplish two things. First, the current MacBook Pro design will continue being available unchanged. Second, Apple's new design won't have to follow the 'Pro' standards. By splitting the lineup and creating a new MacBook Ultra, the MacBook Pro can continue being exactly what it is today: the thick, performant, port-heavy model for 'pros.' Meanwhile, the MacBook Ultra can pursue innovation and push the Mac forward in new ways without risking alienating professionals.

MacBook Ultra vs Pro: wrap-up

Personally, I'm very excited by the prospect of a MacBook Ultra because it sounds like a model that's more geared to my needs. I want a Mac with cutting-edge, innovative technology. So the prospect of OLED, a touch screen, an all-new design, and possibly a cellular option all sound great. Battery, performance, and ports all matter to me, but I'm happy for the Ultra to strike a different balance with those features than the Pro does.

If Apple replaced the current MacBook Pro with its new design, it could upset a lot of Pro users once again. But by splitting it out as an Ultra model, hopefully it can keep professionals onboard while also pushing the Mac forward in exciting new ways. What do you think of Apple's rumored MacBook Ultra naming for its new model? Let us know in the comments.

Best Mac accessories

• AirPods Pro 3 (limited-time $199 price, down from $249)
• 100W USB-C fast charging power adapter
• tomtoc protective MacBook sleeve bag
• Twelve South aluminum laptop stand for MacBooks

The MacBook Ultra rumor has sparked considerable debate among Apple enthusiasts. Some argue that a touch screen on a Mac could be a game-changer, offering a more intuitive interaction with macOS applications. Others worry about the potential trade-offs in battery life and portability. Historically, Apple's approach to pro laptops has been cautious, yet innovative. The PowerBook G4 introduced a titanium body and wide-screen display, while the MacBook Pro with Retina display set a new standard for screen quality. However, the 2016 model's flaws taught Apple that professionals prioritize function over form.

The decision to possibly retain the current MacBook Pro alongside a new Ultra model aligns with Apple's recent strategy of offering a broader range of choices. For instance, the iPhone lineup now includes Pro, Pro Max, and standard models, each targeting different user needs. Similarly, the Mac Studio and Mac Pro coexist, serving distinct professional workflows. By creating a MacBook Ultra, Apple can test new technologies without jeopardizing the core Pro user base.

From a technical perspective, the rumored MacBook Ultra could feature a thinner chassis, an OLED display with vibrant colors and deeper blacks, and a touch interface that complements the trackpad and keyboard. It might also include a cellular modem for connectivity on the go, something that has been absent from MacBooks for years. The MacBook Pro, on the other hand, would stick with the tried-and-true mini-LED display, a robust selection of ports, and a design optimized for sustained performance under heavy workloads.

This bifurcation of the lineup could also affect pricing. The MacBook Ultra might command a premium due to its innovative features, while the MacBook Pro remains at a similar price point for those who need raw performance. This could help Apple capture both the early adopter market and the conservative professional market without forcing a compromise.

Another angle to consider is the impact on software development. Apple's macOS has traditionally been designed for keyboard and trackpad input, but recent updates have introduced more touch-friendly elements in System Settings and other areas. A touch screen Mac could accelerate this trend, making the operating system more versatile. Developers might also create new applications that leverage touch, similar to how the iPad has fostered a unique app ecosystem.

In summary, the MacBook Ultra naming strategy is a smart move that preserves the MacBook Pro's identity while allowing Apple to innovate. It acknowledges that not all users want the same things, and that closing the gap between Mac and iPad can be achieved without sacrificing productivity. The long-term success of this approach will depend on how well the MacBook Ultra differentiates itself and whether it can attract a new audience without confusing existing customers. Only time will tell if Apple's gamble pays off, but the initial signs are promising.

Source: 9to5Mac News