Speculations suggest that the new 2016 MacBook Pro will come out with an OLED touch panel. However, instead of the feature being a customizable touch bar, the new addition will have an "on demand" function.
According to Bloomberg, Apple is looking to completely overhaul its laptop line, featuring major redesign and specs update for the first time in four years. For the new MacBook Pro, one significant change is the addition of an OLED Touch panel. Reportedly, the new touch bar will replace the function keys strip on the upper part of the keyboard. However, this digital screen will not be customizable by the user.
Instead, the function touch panel will change its features as needed. For example, when a music app is opened in the laptop, the function keys will display app-focused functions such as Play/Pause and Stop buttons, as well as volume and mixer controls. Meanwhile, for task-related apps like graphics, editing, and document-processing softwares, some features like keyboard shortcuts may also be added to the OLED bar.
Apple has yet to confirm the speculations on the new MacBook Pro. However, a number of supposed specs lists and feature improvements are already making their rounds online. Speculations suggest that the new professional-level laptop will feature Touch ID on its power button, a 3D Touch trackpad, AMD Polaris graphics, and the new seventh-gen Intel Kaby Lake processor. In addition, the design will get a major upgrade, as the new MacBook Pro 2016 will have integrated USB Type-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports, which will make for a slimmer, smaller body profile and lighter weight. The keyboard will also get an overhaul, as Apple will reportedly introduce the new butterfly keyboard switches that it used on the new 12-inch MacBook.
As to when can fans expect the MacBook Pro 2016, rumors say that it may be until the early months next year. Supposedly, Apple is focusing on the iPhone 7 and Apple Watch 2 for a late-2016 release, with its other lineups like new MacBooks and iPads launching a bit later.
