MacBook Pro, Air 2016 release date, specs news: New MacBooks ready?

Apple has already confirmed a keynote address on Oct. 27. Speculations suggest that the Cupertino-based tech giant will introduce its overhauled laptops, including the 2016 editions of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.

MacRumors has managed to get some supposed hidden images that give hint on the upcoming launch of the MacBook Pro. The supposed leaks have come out with the new macOS Sierra 10.12.1, which launched early this week.

The invitation sent out for the Apple keynote event on Oct. 27 Apple

In addition to hinting the imminent launch, the leaked images also confirm some of the previous speculations about the laptop's major overhaul. Based on the pictures, one noted improvement for the MacBook Pro is the addition of a "Magic Toolbar," an OLED touch panel replacing the function key row on top of the keyboard. Supposedly, the "Magic Toolbar" customizes itself depending on the opened app in the 2016 MacBook Pro. For example, when Apple Pay is opened, the touch panel converts into its Touch ID feature to confirm purchases. Meanwhile, the "Magic Toolbar" transforms into a function row with shortcut keys when task-focused apps like Word are used.

Meanwhile, the upgrades will also reportedly make it to the 2016 MacBook Air. However, the changes on the device will be minor as opposed to the Pro version. The new MacBook Air is supposed to still run on Intel Skylake (the Pro is said to feature Intel Kaby Lake), although improvements on its RAM and onboard storage configurations are already expected. It is said that one of the changes for the MacBook Air is in its lineup. Supposedly, Apple will phase out the 11-inch version of the series.

On the other hand, it is unclear if Apple will also showcase its new desktop lineups in the Oct. 27 launch. According to noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is having trouble with the production for the 2016 iMacs. Even if fans see the new desktops later this week, it is likely that the iMacs will roll out early next year instead.

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