Apple's next-gen of the MacBook Pro is expected in the in the coming months with some key changes such as the anticipated embrace of new, smaller USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3 data connectivity and high-speed USB 3.1.
MacBook Pro 2016 Updates
According to TechRadar, Apple has not updated its MacBook Pro range for some time. The last overhaul of the 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro has been done in March 2015 and the last update of the 15-inch MacBook Pro has been done in May.
Tech analysts expect the imminent launch of new MacBook Pros, especially considering the fact that, compared to the prior year, the market share of Apple in the computing space has dropped by 4.9 percent in Q2.
There are various rumors and speculations regarding the changes Apple might make to its MacBook Pro line. Depending on the source of these reports, they range from changes in the Pros' processors to detachable touchscreens.
USB-C Connector Support In MacBook Pro 2016
Among the most likely updates that Apple is expected to implement in its flagship MacBook Pro 2016 is the support for the USB-C connector. According to Apple Insider, the high-tech giant has already added USB-C connector support to its MacBook 2015.
At the time, Apple has used a single USB 3.1 Gen 1 connector, with limited speed up to 5 gigabits per second. Since then, USB-C has evolved to the full 10 GB per second Generation 2 and it is expected that the upcoming MacBook Pro2016 version will feature a Generation 2 USB-C connector.
Thunderbolt Connector In MacBook Pro 2016
The Thunderbolt connector has a different approach to data transfer, more like Apple's legacy FireWire connector rather than USB. Thunderbolt uses a chain up to seven devices deep to communicate with multiple devices and contains the DisplayPort video protocol.
Originally, Thunderbolt provided speeds per channel of up to 10 gigabits per second. With two channels available, the speeds are limited on any given device to 10 gigabits per second. According to Apple Insider, Thunderbolt 2 has been launched in 2013. While providing the same speed as the original version, Thunderbolt 2 and is more flexible overall with multiple chained devices. Tech analysts expect that Apple's MacBook 2016 will come with Thunderbolt 2 support.
