After days of speculation that Apple will hold an event on October 27, it is finally official. The Cupertino-based company has distributed invites for the event, which is expected to become the platform wherein the 2016 MacBook Pro will be unveiled. And unlike its predecessors, the upcoming device is expected to bring with it a range of new features and upgrades.
As BGR notes, the invite does not specifically note that the 2016 MacBook Pro will make an appearance on the event, but the agenda is actually no secret at this point. The public has been on their toes for an update for months and it looks like it is finally happening. And while other Mac products are in the lineup, the Pro is definitely the star.
One of the best features that are estimated - and pretty much accepted - to come in the device is an OLED display panel, which will be located above the standard keys. Reportedly, this revamped function key gets personalized depending on the need of the user, or the current application that is running on the device. And while there may be some doubts regarding this inclusion, the ultimate result is efficiency.
There are definitely initial problems with the OLED function key, but it seems that things can get solved with time. For one, the OLED function key will vary per third party application and might not be applicable to all at this point. Another is that there will definitely be an adjustment period to get used to the new addition.
The Touch ID technology is also expected to be included in the new 2016 MacBook Pro. This adds a new security defense to the unit, which is particularly helpful because macOS Sierra is expected to run on the device. Because of this, Mac users will be able to take advantage of Apple Pay over the web, which Touch ID will undoubtedly help secure.
There are expected changes in the design as well, albeit they are slight differences. That is, the 2016 MacBook Pro is expected to arrive thinner and lighter than any of its predecessors. It will also include a larger trackpad and a butterfly keyboard, which Apple boasts allows for more precision when typing.
There are differences that are expected in the connection of the device as well. The MagSafe, which has become a standard in Mac products, is no longer appearing on the 2016 MacBook Pro, as well as the traditional USB port. Instead, Apple will include a USB Type-C port, as well as a Thunderbolt 3 port. The unit is also expected to be faster and more powerful, possibly with new Skylake processors from Intel.
As C|Net notes, minor updates are expected to be made to the 2016 MacBook Air, as well as the Mac desktop. These updates, however, are undoubtedly less thrilling than what the 2016 MacBook Pro will arrive with. These include more memory, a better processor, and faster Wi-Fi capabilities.
The estimated plans from Apple are slight but have the potential to be very significant in the line of Macs. Hopefully, the Cupertino-based company will wow the public once again come October 27.
