What you need to know
- Apple has updated its MagSafe support page for the first time in five years.
- It comes amidst rumors Apple is reportedly bringing the technology back to the Mac in 2021.
Apple has updated the support page for MagSafe charging on Mac for the first time in five years, ahead of rumors a new mini-LED MacBook Pro (2021) release could herald the return of the technology.
Previously, Apple's MagSafe support page had not been updated since November 16, 2016. However, Apple pushed an update out to the page this week. (opens in new tab)
As you can see from our side-by-side comparison Apple has removed a reference to its ancient barrel-type connector, it has overhauled its troubleshooting instructions, and removed some pretty poor-quality photos from the old one. There's no new groundbreaking information or tidbits to speak of, but the move is very interesting because it's rumored that Apple is planning to bring back the MagSafe charger in a new range of MacBook Pro models set to debut this year.
First up, supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has revealed several key new details about the expected devices. In a note seen by iMore, Kuo reiterated that Apple will release a new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro in Q3 of 2021. They will feature a new chassis design with a flat, right-angled top and bottom cover akin to that of the iPhone 12, rather than the slight curve of previous models. Kuo says that MagSafe charging will return, but the Touch Bar is out in favor of a row of physical buttons
Both Kuo and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman state that MagSafe is making a comeback along with other 'Pro' features like an SD card slot and HDMI port, as well as the end of Apple's Touch Bar for Mac.
Most recently we've heard the new Macs could launch as early as September, and new Apple silicon rumors indicate they could be the best MacBooks ever made by the company.
