
There was no doubt 2021 would be a significant year on the Mac front. And yet, it turned out even better than most expected. The year was packed full of more than a few surprises, from the colorful new iMac to the redesigned MacBook Pro models. Better still, the stage is set for perhaps an even bigger 2022. So here’s a look back at the Mac in 2021.
What we expected
As 2021 began, the Apple rumor mill was already pointing toward three big Mac moments in the new year. First, something bigger was likely to replace the long-running 21.5-inch iMac, and at least two new MacBook Pro models were possible to make a splash before the year was over. Each new Mac was expected to feature some variance to the M1 Apple silicon chip.
And then reality and rumor began to merge.
What we got
A newly redesigned 4 1/2-star 24-inch iMac was officially announced in April. As expected, it came in multiple colors that harkened back to the colorful iMac G3 days. Though we didn’t get a next-generation Bondi blue model, we did get new iMacs in purple, yellow, orange, pink, blue, green, and silver for those who don’t like that much change.

Source: Luke Filipowicz / iMore
The colorful 24-inch iMac will undoubtedly remain popular throughout its life cycle. It’s relatively low cost, looks excellent, and is blazingly fast thanks to the M1. And yet, some of the excitement might have worn off after the 2021 MacBook Pro arrived six months later with better specs.
Combined, the 14-inch MacBook Pro and second-generation 16-inch MacBook Pro are undoubtedly the best Macs of 2021. As I noted in my November review, the 4 1/2-star MacBook Pro (2021) is the first genuine professional MacBook in five years.

Source: Bryan M. Wolfe / iMore
Finally, there’s the 4-star macOS Monterey update, a suitable follow-up to the extraordinary macOS Big Sur that still has some growing up to do as 2022 is about to begin.
First, the good. In macOS Monterey, Apple brought some outstanding features to the table, including Focus, Live Text, and Quick Notes. SharePlay is also there, as is Shortcuts. Like all things Apple as of late, these features work perfectly with the equivalent mobile versions for iPhone and iPad.

Source: Apple
Mac in 2021: Odds and Ends

Source: Luke Filipowicz / iMore
- First, though Apple gets enormous kudos for introducing a magnetic power cable on this year’s iMac, it loses points for not having an Ethernet plug-in on the power brick on the least expensive model. The add-on for this is only $30, which makes the omission a head-scratcher and one that seems unnecessary.
- Apple also elected not to offer that same least expensive iMac in every color available on the other models. This decision does make sense from a supply standpoint, although some might not see it from that standpoint. Instead, it suggests Cupertino really wants customers to forgo the entry-level model and pay a $200 upcharge.
- Another issue is the type of power adapter Apple sends out with the new 14-inch MacBook Pro. Most come with a 96W USB-C Power Adapter. However, if you choose the entry-level model with an 8-core CPU, you get a 67W USB-C Power Adapter. Again, this is another example of Apple wanting us to upcharge here. For an extra $79, you can purchase the 96W version. For another $99, you can buy a 140W USB-C Power Adapter, which is the one that ships with every 16-inch MacBook Pro model.
Some might argue these omissions were solely intended to save entry-level Mac users some money. Only Apple knows the real reason.
Looking ahead
We’re almost certainly going to see more new Macs in the coming year, which I’ll discuss in a later post. So it’s safe to say 2022 could be another big year on the Mac front. Stay tuned.
