MacBook Pro Refresh Believed To Land Late October

While the new iPhone 7 and Apple Watch 2 definitely deserve the media attention, Apple's other faithful users are also dying to have their time in the spotlight. Specifically, Apple's Mac computers have languished on the sidelines, in a dire need of revitalized models and marketing. Fret not, Mac faithful, because your time might be coming in just a few weeks. Based on movements of macOS 10.12.1, it is now believed that the first Mac refresh, namely the new MacBook Pros, could be finally revealed as early as late October.

macOS 10.12 "Sierra" has just gone out, but beta builds of 10.12.1 has already been making rounds among developers. While that's not exactly unusual, rumor has it that this particular maintenance release is being groomed by Apple to be the release that rolls out with the new MacBook Pro. Meaning, it will be the release that adds Touch ID and "second display" support for macOS.

Of the new Macs expected to land this year, the new MacBook Pro is, perhaps, the most intriguing. Very early one, it was rumored and leaked to replace the top function keys row with a strip of touch-sensitive OLED that functions as a secondary display with icons for additional functionality. Practically virtual function keys that may change depending on the context. Whether that context can be controlled by the user or locked by apps has yet to be confirmed.

The new MacBook Pro is believed to also have a Touch ID sensor, finally bringing the iOS biometric security system to Macs. There might also be lots of USB-C ports but, much to the disappointment of some, an absence of the MagSafe charging port. There will also be options for a beefier AMD card option to make the MacBook Pro more gaming-worthy, maybe even VR-worthy.

The new MacBook Pros will be the opening salvo. Other new Macs, including a new MacBook Air and iMacs are also expected to arrive before the year ends. Their dates, however, are less certain.

VIA: MacRumors