The MacBook Pro 2016 is expected to deliver cutting-edge features that could include password-free unlocking using the iPhone Touch ID feature, native support for the Apple Pencil stylus, 4/5K high-resolution display and "no physical keys."
Yibada reports that these rumored upgrades are hinted by a newly revealed Apple patent. Also, one of the supposed features comes packed with OS X 10.12. The MacBook Pro 2016 is rumored to be launched immediately after the Apple 2016 WWDC scheduled on June 13.
MacRumors said in a report that the next OS X version that will run on the next-gen MacBooks is likely to support Touch ID. The laptops will not feature the same fingerprint sensor found on the iPhones but they will rather unlock by using the nearby iPhone feature.
The report explains that an auto unlock function will allow an iPhone to unlock a Mac being in its close proximity. This will avoid the need to enter a password on a password-protected Mac.
The iPhone and MacBook pairing will be made possible through the Bluetooth LE frameworks. It is expected that the necessary software adjustments will be implemented in OS X 10.12. This new operating system that will run on the upcoming MacBooks is rumored to be called MacOS.
According to 9to5Mac, another feature of the new MacBooks is native support for the Apple Pencil stylus. This was suggested by a new published Apple patent for an enhanced version of the Apple Pencil that will work seamlessly with a trackpad and a touchscreen device.
MacWorld reports that the MacBook Pro 2016 is expected to be powered by the new Intel Skylake processor. The new, sixth-generation chips by Intel will bring significant performance gains, making the new MacBook Pro an even faster machine.
Apple's competitors including Microsoft, Dell and HP have already moved to offer Skylake on their laptop models. Apple has to do the same move in order to keep pace with its rivals.
According to the same publication, it is a slight chance that people could see a 4/5 high resolution display on the 2016 MacBook Pro. An even more bizarre rumour about the keyboard suggests that there will not be any physical keys at all.
A device similar to the Force Touch trackpad might be used instead. This would look like a flat, 'zero-travel' touch-sensitive slate providing force feedback in order to offer the illusion of physical movement.
