The MacBook Pro’s Redemption — And Why It Still Bugs Some Users
If you’ve used a MacBook Pro over the past few years, you know it’s been a bumpy ride. Between ports vanishing, keyboards acting up, and, yeah, that weird Touch Bar — many pros and power users felt Apple forgot what a “Pro” laptop should be.
Enter the new MacBook Pro. With Apple’s recent 2021 refresh, the company rolled back a bunch of unpopular changes: it restored old-school ports, ditched the Touch Bar, revived the MagSafe charger, and switched to Apple silicon chips. On paper — and in many real-world uses — it feels like Apple is saying: “We heard you.”
But it’s not all sunshine. Some longtime fans still aren’t fully convinced. There are upgrades, for sure. But some old problems — and new trade-offs — remain. Let’s break down what’s awesome, what’s annoying, and whether this MacBook Pro really deserves the “Pro” tag again.
What Apple Fixed — The Big Wins
Ports Are Back
Arguably the biggest win: the new MacBook Pro brings back ports many pros missed. The latest 14-inch and 16-inch models include:
- MagSafe charging — magnetic and way safer than pure USB-C. (CNBC)
- HDMI port — handy for presentations, external displays, or connecting to TVs. (CNBC)
- SD card slot — a blessing for photographers, videographers, and creators who deal with media on-the-go. (CNBC)
Gone are the days of juggling dongles just to plug in a flash drive or camera. Many saw the old portless design as a compromise. This feels like Apple listened.
Keyboard Is (Mostly) Fixed
Remember the infamous “butterfly” keyboard? Keys stuck, typing errors, dust, crumbs — all real issues. Then came the lawsuits and recalls. (CNBC)
With the new MacBook Pro, Apple swapped back to the tried-and-true Magic Keyboard (scissor-switch style). That means deeper key travel, fewer stuck keys, and a much more reliable typing experience. For many, that alone is reason enough to upgrade. (CNBC)
Goodbye, Touch Bar — Hello Real Function Keys
The Touch Bar was always controversial. Developers, especially coders and power users, often hated it — many said it was gimmicky and useless. (CNBC)
The new MacBook Pro ditches the Touch Bar entirely. In its place: traditional function keys. Real, tactile keys that feel like they belong on a “Pro” laptop. For professionals, that’s a big yes.
Apple Silicon & Better Performance
Instead of Intel chips, the new MacBook Pro models use Apple’s own silicon (M1 Pro, M1 Max, etc.). That brings:
- Better power efficiency
- Longer battery life
- Less heat (in many cases)
- Smooth, snappy performance for heavy tasks
Plus — and this is big — the MacBook Pro now sits up tall with laptops built for professional workloads: video editing, 3D design, coding, and more. (CNBC)
What’s Better — And What Still Bugs People
It’s Thicker (and Pricier)
To bring back ports and better cooling, Apple had to make trade-offs. The new MacBook Pro isn’t as slim as the ultra-portable MacBooks, and it costs a fair chunk more. For some buyers, that’s an acceptable trade—others see it as a step back from Apple’s “thin & sleek” design legacy.
Not All Annoyances Are Gone
While the keyboard is better now, some users (especially with newer chip models) still report:
- occasional keyboard quirks,
- battery drain under heavy load, or
- software compatibility quirks as apps transition to Apple Silicon.
Also: the notch design (for the camera) on the display has divided opinions. It’s functional — but some find it visually distracting. (CNBC)
Pros vs. Power Users: Two Different Worlds
If you mostly browse, write, watch videos — this MacBook Pro might feel like a dream. If you’re a heavy-duty creator, coder, or media professional, some compromises remain: fans under load, RAM limits (on base models), and, occasionally, thermal or battery trade-offs under intensive usage.
Why This Matters for Apple — And Its “Pro” Reputation
Apple’s Mac line has grown rapidly. Their M-series chips (M1, M2, and the Pro/Max versions) have set new standards for performance and efficiency. (CNBC)
By effectively “resetting” the MacBook Pro — bringing back beloved features, fixing major complaints, and doubling down on performance — Apple is staking a claim: the MacBook Pro is no longer just a sleek laptop — it’s a serious workhorse.
That matters not just for individual users, but for Apple’s larger branding. They’re trying to balance cinematic design with real, professional-class performance.
What Users & Critics Are Saying
There’s a lot of nostalgia and relief among long-time Mac lovers. Developers especially seem pleased with the return of function keys. Some have even said they’re upgrading just for that.
But others remain skeptical. Some argue that Apple sacrificed sleekness and portability for power, which isn’t what all MacBook Pro buyers want. And for some — especially those on a budget — the price jump is hard to swallow.
In user forums and Reddit threads, you can find both excitement and complaints:
“Finally, a Mac I don’t need a dozen dongles for.”
“Great laptop, but why did it have to get so bulky?”
In short: the new MacBook Pro is dividing opinions — in the best way possible.
The Bigger Picture: What This Redesign Says About Laptop Trends
Apple’s 2021 MacBook Pro revamp reflects broader trends in tech:
- Backlash against minimalism: Users increasingly value real-world utility over super-thin design.
- Demand for power + portability: More people want laptops that are both sleek and capable of serious workloads.
- The comeback of “pro features”: Ports, proper keyboards, and power management are becoming must-haves again, not optional extras.
By listening to feedback and reintroducing key features, Apple is sending a message: design matters — but so does functionality. And buyers are paying attention.
Final Thoughts: A Solid Comeback — But Not a Perfect One
The new MacBook Pro is a big step in the right direction. It fixes many mistakes of the past five years, delivers tangible improvements, and feels more like a “professional laptop” than Apple’s previous models did.
For creators, developers, and power users — it’s mostly a win. The MagSafe, ports, keyboard, performance improvements — all of it adds up to a laptop worthy of its Pro badge.
But yes — there are still trade-offs. It’s thicker. It’s more expensive. It may run hotter under load. And some users may find certain changes (like the notch) annoying.
If you’re thinking of buying one, go in eyes wide open: this MacBook Pro is much better than the recent past — but it’s not absolutely perfect. Apple has listened. They’ve adjusted. And they’ve delivered a machine that finally feels more “MacBook Pro” than ever… with just a few compromise.
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