MacBook Pro 2016 October Release, Spec Updates: Sleeker Design, OLED Display Touch Bar, Latest macOS Sierra and More New Features

Sep 08, 2016 08:19 AM EDT

With speculations that Apple has been working on the new MacBook Pro 2016, expectations have been running high as consumers look forward to even more upgrades when it comes to specs, design and more.

Rumors involving the notebook have been ample online, and here’s what fans might expect from the latest MacBook Pro.

A Sleeker, Thinner Design
 A “smaller footprint” has been associated with the new MacBook Pro, along with a sleeker look and an enhanced design due to “shallower curves around the edges.” It said to have shed off weight to achieve thinness by using specialized hinges, as pointed out by Ming-Chi Kuo, a KGI Securities analyst.

Two MacBook Pro 2016 Versions
 In addition to the design, Kuo also hinted that Apple could be releasing not just one but two variants of the MacBook Pro, the 13-inch and the 15-inch models.

OLED Display Touch Bar
 Deemed as one of the most highly-anticipated MacBook Pro 2016 features, the OLED display touch bar is expected to be the replacement of the traditional F key functions found above the keyboard’s number keys.

Additionally, the touch bar is believed to come with options for customization with which users are able to configure the functions to open apps and have volume controls assigned to other keys aside from the default ones.

Intel and AMD Components
Majority of the new MacBook Pro models are reportedly integrated with Intel Skylake chips, the sixth generation of the chip family. For users who look forward to enhanced graphic processing, there will be variants that come with AMD Polaris units for extra boost.

Fingerprint Security Through TouchID
 Similar to the iPhone, Kuo shared his speculations that the new MacBook Pro 2016 will come with TouchID technology beneath its power buttons. This suggests that users can unlock the notebook with their fingers, thereby adding to both security and convenience.

The USB-C
 Using the USB-C port, users can anticipate faster data transfer speeds between the notebook and an external device. On the down side, such port might also be used for charging, which means data transfer and laptop charging may not be done simultaneously.

Latest macOS Sierra
 The new MacBook Pro will come with the latest macOS Sierra, which offers a wide range of new and improved features. These include the Auto Unlock option for Apple Watch users to be capable of unlocking the notebook while wearing the watch. A Universal Clipboard has also been included to ease the process of copying and pasting text across Apple devices. Siri will also join the Mac family for the first time.

October Release Date
While there has been no final release date, the new lineup of the MacBook Pro 2016 is expected to be announced soon for a rollout in October.