MacBook Pro 2016 release date: Will Apple include upgraded device at its October event?

Featured in the image is the Apple MacBook Pro Apple official website

MacBook Pro aficionados have been looking forward to the 2016 model for quite a time already and have been excited for the rumored October event that is said to launch the device. Additionally, MacPro fans are also on the lookout if an updated model is also ready to be revealed.

A big makeover is expected for the highly anticipated MacBook Pro 2016. It is rumored to feature an OLED touch screen function bar that is said to replace the traditional function keys. The function bar or touch-panel will give out different functions depending on the active application on the screen. In theory, if a user is using iTunes, it will display media playback controls. On the other hand, if the user has a word processing app open, it will have editing functions such as cut, copy, and paste.

It is also speculated that the upcoming notebook will have the Touch ID feature incorporated in the power button, four USB-C ports (with claimed chassis images), and a headphone jack. It could also contain a Thunderbolt 3 port.

Going now to the processor, it was previously rumored to be powered by the Intel Kaby Lake processor, but according to Forbes, production for the 13.3-inch and 15.4-inch upcoming models have started back the second quarter and inclusion for the 7th generation is highly unlikely. These means that it will be Skylake then.

Meanwhile, Mac Pro users are also anticipating an upgraded version for their three-year-old desktop machines. Rumors suggest that an announcement could happen by March next year, but Apple can surprise its fans by announcing it early during this alleged October event.

MacWorld reported that Apple's previous OS X El Capitan gave some hints that a possible new Mac Pro is could be in development, as early as 2015. The new desktop machine is speculated to have a codename of AAPLJ95.1 and is similar to the last Mac Pro that carried the AAPLJ90.1 codename.

Another clue uncovered from the last OS was a reference to 10 USB 3.0 ports on the new machine. No other Apple device carries ports that many except the Mac Pro. The latest model carries 4 USB ports and 6 Thunderbolt 2 ports, while the iMac carries 4 USB and 2 Thunderbolt ports.

Now, the only thing Apple fans can do is wait.

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