Based on various leaks and rumors, we were cautiously expecting Apple to announce the MacBook Pro 2021 at WWDC 2021 this week, but the conference keynote ended without any hardware news.

So why was the new MacBook Pro not announced? After some analysis, we came up with a few reasons why Apple did not announce a redesigned MacBook Pro, despite all the rumors suggesting that it might.

As it stands, the next MacBook Pro could be announced in the fall, possibly after the expected iPhone 13 announcement. But in the meantime, here are some reasons why Apple did not announce a new MacBook at WWDC.

Prior to WWDC, a new MacBook Pro announcement seemed rather likely.

Previous reports from reliable sources such as Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested an early summer launch, which was consistent with the June 7 WWDC conference.

And just two weeks ago, Jon Prosser, a somewhat reliable leaker who claims to be an inside source, confidently declared that Apple would unveil a new MacBook at WWDC. In fact, his source reported that Apple had revealed that it was planning a press briefing on the new device immediately following the conference. I can confirm the MacBook Pro is coming," Prosser said."

Later, a research note by Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives, seen by MacRumors, predicted that new 14-inch and 16-inch versions of the MacBook Pro would be unveiled during WWDC 2021.

According to Ives, the MacBook Pro reveal was part of "several surprises" Apple had in store for its annual developer event.

However, on the day of the conference, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman outlined what was expected to be announced at WWDC 2021, which did not include any hardware announcements. This, plus a statement from another leaker named L0vetodream, fueled serious doubts about the possibility of a MacBook Pro announcement; L0vetodream said that Apple would not unveil any hardware and that those expecting a new MacBook "shouldn't be in such a hurry should not."

The no-show of the MacBook Pro 2021 at WWDC also corresponds with a Nikkei Asia report that claimed production of the two MacBook Pro models had shifted from the May/June timeframe to late 2021.

Another reason why Apple might not have announced the MacBook Pro 2021 at WWDC is trivial but simple: the Worldwide Developers Conference typically does not feature major hardware announcements, especially regarding the new MacBook Pro.

Historically speaking, WWDC focuses primarily on software, and this year was no different. Monday's keynote featured announcements and previews of new iOS 15, iPadOS 15, macOS 12, and watchOS 8 software updates.

Each of these updates has its own showcase of new features and enhancements, but they also have a few things in common. Apple is now trying to make sharing across different devices easier. And, of course, privacy remains a major focus as the Cupertino company tries to set itself apart from other major tech companies.

All four of the above software updates are already available as beta versions for developers. Public betas of each update will appear in July, with the final release scheduled for this fall.

Finally, the lack of a MacBook Pro 2021 announcement may be related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The pandemic is the main cause of the current global chip shortage. The shortage has disrupted production of both graphics cards and components used in the manufacture of next-generation game consoles such as the PS5 and Xbox Series X.

The shortage has also led to the release of a new pandemic of COVID-19 chips. The ongoing chip shortage is reportedly affecting not only the shortage of components used in Apple product displays, but also the production of the Apple M1 chip that powers the company's Mac devices.

Sadly, we have already seen reports that the chip shortage may last until 2023. In other words, there is no telling when the situation will turn around. This means that Apple may not release the MacBook Pro 2021 or any other new Macs until the chip shortage is more under control.

If the rumors about a summer announcement still prove true, Apple might possibly announce the MacBook Pro in a press release or small streaming release. However, that would be very unlike the company, as a big announcement like the upcoming MacBook Pro, which may be a new M2 chip, would seem more appropriate for a proper showcase.

The new MacBook Pro is also expected to offer a mini LED display, a new type of MagSafe charger, and more ports than previous models while ditching the TouchBar.

As it stands, we can expect the rumored new 14-inch size MacBook Pro and the upgraded 16-inch model to arrive this year. However, the launch is expected to be later rather than earlier.