The new MacBook Pro is said to feature marked improvements over its previous generation, including Touch ID and an OLED touch panel strip.
According to 9to5Mac, Apple will incorporate the Touch ID feature into the 2016 MacBook Pro's power button. Reportedly, the new Touch ID support into the power button will work much like how the feature is incorporated in the Home button on iPhones. This means that for the 2016 MacBook Pro, users will be able to power on the device, as well as lock and authenticate only on a one-touch step. Although Apple has yet to confirm the rumor, having Touch ID support is supposedly already incorporated in the new macOS Sierra, further fueling the speculations.
Meanwhile, aside from Touch ID support, the 2016 MacBook Pro will also reportedly come out with an OLED touch panel strip. Supposedly, the new bar strip will replace the function bar on top of the 2016 MacBook's keyboard, and will change functions depending on the opened app currently being used.
Aside from the Touch ID and OLED bar panel, other purported specs for the 2016 MacBook Pro include USB Type-C connectivity, an overhauled design and body, and top-tier, performance-focused specs. This is already expected, since previous speculations say that Apple is planning a major overhaul for its laptop lineup, and the MacBook Pro remains as the top-tier series for the Cupertino-based tech company.
However, as to when fans can expect the new laptop remains to be seen. Previously, it is said that the 2016 MacBook Pro will come out at the latter part of the year. However, Bloomberg believes that the new top-tier MacBook Pro is more likely to appear during the early months of 2017. Reportedly, the planned September launch event is focused on Apple's new iPhone and Apple Watch models.
