Apple MacBook Pro 14 and MacBook Pro 16 with M2 Pro and M2 Max on track for a fall release, Apple Watch Pro to have satellite connectivity a la iPhone 14

We've known for some time that Apple would be introducing a refreshed MacBook Pro 14 and MacBook Pro 16 based on the M2 Pro and M2 Max SoCs. We are now getting to know that the upcoming MacBook Pros are "well into development".

Writing in the "Power On" newsletter in Bloomberg, Mark Gurman said that M2 Pro and M2 Max-based MacBook Pros are likely to be released this fall subject to supply chain reliability. If all goes according to plan, mass production of the upgraded MacBook Pros is likely to begin in Q4 2022.

The M2 Max and M2 Pro will still be 5 nm parts and not 3 nm. However, they are expected to offer perceivable performance gains over the current M1 Max and M1 Pro chips along with increased GPU cores and memory. The M2 Max and M2 Pro SoCs will be fabbed on TSMC's advanced N5P process compared to the M1's N5 process.

The upcoming MacBook Pro 14 and MacBook Pro 16 are likely to retain the current design language given that these notebooks just had a design refresh back in October 2021, including the addition of a notch to accommodate the 1080p FaceTime camera.

Apple Watch Pro to feature satellite functionality

Apple is also expected to introduce a flagship version of the Watch during its Far Out event on September 7. Previously rumored to be the Apple Watch Extreme, the bigger smartwatch is likely to be called the Apple Watch Pro. Gurman now suggests that the Watch Pro could bring satellite functionality just like the iPhone 14. Gurman notes, 

The company has also internally discussed the idea of giving its watches satellite features, which could make sense for a future version of the new more rugged Apple Watch Pro."

The availability of satellite functionality should help the Watch Pro in accessing emergency services. Together with the iPhone, Gurman notes that this is the first step in enabling broader internet access without reliance on cellular alone.

That’s a step up from the current iPhone and Apple Watch feature for quickly calling emergency services and providing them with your location. The features also will give stand-alone satellite-based devices, such as the Garmin inReach, a run for their money. (…)

The prospect of having an iPhone that can reach first responders without a cellular connection is only the beginning of what Apple is planning. Ultimately, users could have global internet access and be able to make regular phone calls over satellite links. The combination of speedy 5G networks and satellite service could one day turn the iPhone into the most powerful global communications device available."

In any case, we should be knowing more concrete information on September 7, so stay tuned.

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