Apple's M2 Pro / Max chip version of the MacBook Pro enters development and testing

Apple's next-generation MacBook Pro 14-inch and 16-inch models with the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips are "in development and testing," and the laptops could still be released later this year.

Gurman said in today's Power On newsletter that Apple plans to release the new MacBook Pro "as early as this fall," but as usual, he said the timeframe could be delayed due to supply chain disruptions or other reasons. Mass production of the new MacBook Pro laptop will begin in the fourth quarter of this year.

While some reports suggest that the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips may be Apple's first 3nm chips, it's looking increasingly likely that these chips will remain manufactured on a 5nm process. Compared to the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips in the current MacBook Pro 14-inch and 16-inch models, these chips will still offer improved performance as Apple is expected to move from TSMC's standard 5nm process, "N5," to a more advanced 5nm process, "N5P " manufacturing.

Similar to the standard M2 chip, the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips will also have an increased number of GPU cores and memory compared to the M1 Pro / Max products.

There are rumors of no major design changes to Apple's new MacBook Pro 14-inch and 16-inch, which makes sense given the new design that won't be available until October 2021. Previous redesigns include the return of ports like MagSafe magnetics and HDMI, bringing an upgraded 1080p camera and a thinner bezel display featuring a notch in the bangs.

Rumor has it that Apple will also release a new Mac mini with the M2 Pro chip this year, as well as a new Mac Pro desktop performance machine with the M2 Ultra and "M2 Extreme" chips.