MacBook Pro owners have yet to see a refreshed version of the laptop. There had been rumors that Apple will release the MacBook Pro 2016 this year, but after three keynote events from the Cupertino-based giant this year, the existence of the laptop remains a mystery. However, latest reports suggest that the new iteration is in the works and will be released this October.
Apple hasn't announced MacBook Pro 2016 yet, but there have been hints pointing to the laptop's imminent release. As reported by MacRumors, the tech giant has recently been sending surveys to current MacBook users asking about the different features of the laptop, particularly the usefulness of the 3.5mm headphone jack. In addition, Twitter users have also reported about similar surveys, which then sparked speculation that Apple is considering removing the standard feature, just like it did for the recently launched iPhone 7.
There have been talks about a possible OLED Touch bar for the MacBook Pro 2016. The new OLED Touch panel will reportedly replace the standard function keys of the laptop, Apple Insider reported. The publication noted that there were trademark filings that introduced the "Touch Bar" and "Control Strip," the latter of which is said to have context-sensitive commands that will likely include controls for iTunes or word processors.
As for the processor, it has long been rumored that the new laptop will carry the freshest iteration of Intel chipsets, the Kaby Lake. However, TechRadar speculates that Apple will instead use a sixth-generation Intel Skylake processor for MacBook Pro 2016 for significant improvement in speed and performance. Given the hype surrounding the new MacBook Pro, it is expected to be a highly competitive device.
Microsoft is also rumored to release new models in its Surface lineup and according to iTechPost, MacBook Pro 2016 will compete against the Redmond-based tech giant's products - the Surface Pro 5 and Surface Book 2. Fans have been waiting for the arrival of the new MacBook Pro and this anticipation would greatly help improve the sales of the new iteration once it gets released. At this point, Apple has yet to confirm all these reports, so readers should take them with a grain of salt.