Apple released macOS Sierra 10.12.1 yesterday, and the newly updated operating system has been found to contain hidden Apple Pay-related images that show off a brand-new MacBook Pro with the much-rumored “Magic Toolbar” OLED touch panel. The new MacBook Pro models are due to be announced by Apple this Thursday, October 27.
In addition to confirming that such a product is in the works, the images give us our first full look at the redesigned MacBook Pro ahead of its launch. An OLED touch panel is located on top of the keyboard, where the function keys would normally be placed, and it very clearly supports Touch ID, as it is seen used with Apple Pay.
The rumored “Magic Toolbar” appears to be as expected, offering contextual support for whatever is displayed on the laptop’s screen. In the images accompanying this article, an Apple Pay dialog is shown, requiring the customer to confirm a purchase by placing their finger on the panel. The Touch ID capabilities appear to be built-into the OLED panel.
Other than the OLED touch panel, the new MacBook Pro models look as if they’ll be similar in design to the existing model, although the computer will gain speakers that will be located alongside the keyboard.
A major update of the aging MacBook Pro lineup has been long rumored, with reports indicating the revamped laptop will boast a number of changes, such as a thinner body, a MacBook-style keyboard, Touch ID support, and an OLED touchpanel replacing the usual row of physical function keys at the top of the keyboard.
Some reports indicate the new laptop will do away with most of the ports present on the current MacBook Pro, including the USB-A ports, the HDMI port, and SD card slot. The new Pro will instead boast four USB-C ports which will support USB 3.1 and Thunderbolt 3.
A 13-inch MacBook Air is also rumored to be ready to debut, also boasting USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 compatibility. The 11-inch MacBook Air is rumored to be on its way out.
Updated iMacs have also been rumored, which are said to feature AMD graphics chips. Also possibly making an appearance might be a much-rumored 5K display, to take the place of the discontinued Thunderbolt Display. The display is said to include an integrated GPU, which would make it an instant favorite among multi-monitor Mac users. Both the iMacs and the display are considered longshots.
Apple will be livestreaming the event, and MacTrast will provide live coverage of the debut of the new machines, so be here at 10:00AM Pacific/1:00PM Eastern Time on Thursday for all the fun.
(Via MacRumors)
