Dell, HP, and Lenovo headed in the opposite direction to Apple with new laptop designs

Source: 9to5Mac

Overview

It’s been over a year since we first heard about Apple’s plans for a total redesign of the MacBook Pro, and we’re expecting to see the results later this year. While the Cupertino company is predictably expected to head even further down the path of thinner and sleeker laptops, it’s interesting to note that several PC makers are moving in the opposite direction.

The Shift in PC Design

• Dell – The new XPS 15 is being built with a larger chassis to accommodate a 16‑inch display, a more robust cooling system, and a higher‑capacity battery.
• HP – The Spectre x360 16 is adopting a slightly bulkier form factor to fit a mini‑LED panel and a dedicated graphics module.
• Lenovo – The ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 is opting for a thicker chassis to support a discrete GPU and additional storage options.

These changes contrast sharply with Apple’s rumored “ultra‑thin” redesign, which is expected to prioritize a slimmer profile over raw performance upgrades.

Why the Divergence?

1. Thermal Management – Larger bodies allow for better airflow and more efficient heat dissipation, which is crucial for high‑performance CPUs and GPUs.
2. Battery Life – A bigger chassis can house a larger battery, extending usage time—an important selling point for professional users.
3. Display Technology – Incorporating mini‑LED or OLED panels often requires additional space for backlighting and cooling components.

Apple, on the other hand, appears to be betting on its custom silicon’s efficiency to maintain performance while shrinking the overall footprint.

What This Means for Consumers

• Professionals who need sustained performance may favor the new Dell, HP, and Lenovo models, as the extra bulk translates to better sustained workloads.
• Apple enthusiasts will likely still opt for the upcoming MacBook Pro redesign, valuing the ecosystem integration and the promise of a sleek, portable device.

Conclusion

The PC market is clearly taking a different design path than Apple, focusing on performance, thermal efficiency, and battery longevity over ultra‑thin aesthetics. As the new MacBook Pro design approaches its launch, it will be fascinating to see how consumers respond to these divergent philosophies.