Text size
Eric Thayer/Getty Images
Apple
will unveil two new redesigned MacBook Pro laptop models in the second half of 2021, according to the influential analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, of Taiwan-based TFI Asset Management.
In a research note Tuesday, Kuo said the new Apple (ticker: AAPL) laptops will have “several significant design and specification changes,” including the addition of SD card readers and an HDMI port. Kuo adds that he expects Taiwan-based
Genesys Logic
(6104.Taiwan) to be the exclusive provider of the SD card reader. In trading in Taipei, Genesys shares today fell 0.3%.
Kuo notes that the two features bring Apple in line with other laptop providers. He finds that 75% to 80% of laptops include HDMI ports, which allow connections with TVs and other large displays, while 35% to 40% have SD card readers.
Kuo has previously projected that the new Macs will restore support for MagSafe power connections, remove the OLED touch bar in current models, and add more input/output connections.
The analyst predicts that overall MacBook shipments will grow 25% to 30% to 20 million units in 2021, “benefiting from several significant design and specification changes.”
Apple as a matter of policy doesn’t discuss unannounced products.
Amid a broad selloff in technology shares, Apple stock on Tuesday is down 3%, at $122.16. The
S&P 500
is down 0.9%.
Write to Eric J. Savitz at eric.savitz@barrons.com
