We’ve all heard rumors about new, “fully redesigned,” slimmer MacBooks, with redesigned components. Now DigiTimes reports one component that will see a revamp are the hinges on the laptop, moving to a metal injection molding process for the new pivots.
Metal injection molding is used to create very small metal pieces typically used in the internals of electronics, including the iPhone and Apple Watch. Using such a process for the new MacBook’s hinges would save space, helping Apple to achieve the super-thin design they would likely be looking to achieve in a new laptop.
The report indicates the new hinges would be supplied by Amphenol, who creates the hinges used on the Microsoft Surface 4. Any refreshed MacBook is also expected to make use of Intel’s faster Skylake processors, as well as Thunderbolt 3 with USB-C.
The report also makes mention of possible battery suppliers for the new ultra-thin laptop, saying its sources indicate China-based Desay and Sunwoda Electronics are competing for battery pack orders.
Desay and Sunwoda Electronics have sent battery samples for testing but have not yet obtained any orders, the sources noted. The two China-based battery makers are currently suppliers for Apple’s iPhone products.
As always, reports like this are to be taken with a grain (or flake) of your favorite low-sodium seasoning. If Apple is to announce a new line of thinner MacBooks, such an announcement could come at WWDC 2016, and the new computers could hit stores in the second half of 2016.
