Rumor: Next MacBook Pros to have OLED touch strip, Touch ID in Q4

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My 2015 13" MacBook Pro is only about 9 months old, but I really want to get the new 15" model when it drops. Too bad I'm poor as fuck right now.
 
Software buttons on screen tech that allow them to change function depending on needs/context is great. All the doubters in this thread and half of the crazies of Android GAF need to get with the program.

#TeamSoftButts. And no, I don't care how that sounds.
 
32GB of RAM and >= 1TB SSD options, pls.

Work is going to buy a fairly kitted out MBP when I tell them to pull the trigger, so lets make this good. :D
 
Software buttons on screen tech that allow them to change function depending on needs/context is great. All the doubters in this thread and half of the crazies of Android GAF need to get with the program.

#TeamSoftButts. And no, I don't care how that sounds.
I think it's a great idea in concept, but execution often leaves a lot to desire. Maybe Apple manages to get everything right...
 
I hope that strip gets some kind of "texture" so we can feel the 'buttons' blindly.

Probably not, but then again Apple are pretty concerned about accessibility so who knows.
 
Are there solid timelines for Kaby Lake chips that would be suitable for MacBook Pros? Kaby Lake may see a release this fall, but that doesn't mean the chips that Apple would need (specifically the quad core + iris pro) would be available. Apple may be behind on Skylake, but the quad core and Iris pro chip that they are speculated to be using for the 15" wasn't even really available until very recently, despite Skylake launching awhile ago.

That's the question. I have no doubt that some Kaby Lake processors will be out in time.

On the one hand, the 14nm process and Skylake architecture should be pretty mature by the time of Kaby Lake's launch. On the other hand, Kaby Lake is supposed to include a brand new GPU architecture, so who the heck knows?
 
Software buttons on screen tech that allow them to change function depending on needs/context is great. All the doubters in this thread and half of the crazies of Android GAF need to get with the program.

#TeamSoftButts. And no, I don't care how that sounds.

Eyesore in the dark
Battery drain
People that buy a MBP likely do touch typing
Capacitive buttons are far too easily activated by accident.
 
oh man if the new MBP's have only USB-C ports people will lose their shit

This is a major refresh so I approve.

I am bummed that there isn't a smart-connector port. I was thinking that could double as "Magsafe 3", but it looks like it will only be USB-C charging. Don't want to think how many would be broken off in the port or how many have their laptops yanked accidentally.
 
This is a major refresh so I approve.

I am bummed that there isn't a smart-connector port. I was thinking that could double as "Magsafe 3", but it looks like it will only be USB-C charging. Don't want to think how many would be broken off in the port or how many have their laptops yanked accidentally.

I actually think there will still be another charging port. There's a giant bit of unused space to the left of the USB-C ports on the left side of the machine in those photos.
 
If the macbook pro supports touch ID through the OLED strip it basically confirms that the 2017 iphone when it switches to OLED will lose the home button and have it all be screen.
 
4 ports is a great sheer number of ports from a single type, problem is ecosystem is not there and I'm not sure it will be. I haven't seen one USB-C stick, I don't see TVs with USB-C inputs and so on and so forth.

And MacBook Pros aren't exactly gonna make a big push towards that. Ironically, the iPhone might have made.

Time to carry a bunch of compact USB adapters in a mini-box. Kickstarter heaven.
 
Yes, but necessitates carrying adapters to use either.

With Thunderbolt that was going to be the situation in any case, since Intel changed the connector to USB-C for TB3.

I do feel you on the lack of USB-A ports, though. I was really hoping there'd be one or two. For anything with a detachable cable, you can get new cables rather than use an adapter (there's a decent number of micro/mini-USB > USB-C and USB-B > USB-C cables out there), and there's also plenty of USB-C > USB-A hubs these days.
 
why not? there seems to be some pretty strong rumours that next years iphone will lose the home button and go all OLED on the front. If this strip does it, it goes a long way in confirming that apple is ready to do it.

like, it would certainly lend weight to the rumors but it doesn't actually confirm anything
 
With Thunderbolt that was going to be the situation in any case, since Intel changed the connector to USB-C for TB3.

I do feel you on the lack of USB-A ports, though. I was really hoping there'd be one or two. For anything with a detachable cable, you can get new cables rather than use an adapter (there's a decent number of micro/mini-USB > USB-C and USB-B > USB-C cables out there), and there's also plenty of USB-C > USB-A hubs these days.

I can walk into any conference room at any office of my employer and there will be a mini displayport connector for displaying on the videoconference system. It's a minor annoyance to have to remember to carry an adapter and not lose it, but it's still an annoyance.
 
If the macbook pro supports touch ID through the OLED strip it basically confirms that the 2017 iphone when it switches to OLED will lose the home button and have it all be screen.
I highly doubt they would debut that in the MacBook Pro. You will see it in the iPhone first.

My guess is this will have a little stainless steel band around it (like current Touch ID on phones) and be a separate sensor on the end of the touch strip.
 
As a current user of the X1 Carbon (2014) as my current work laptop, I say fuck any sort of capacitive touch buttons at the top of the keyboard. People were so annoyed at this design decision that Lenovo switched it back in the succeeding version. If they intend have the function keys on this strip, they definitely should not.
 
What if they want to use the OLED display to eventually remove the top menu bar? Have all the menu options for the app open on that display instead of taking up screen real estate.
 
What if they want to use the OLED display to eventually remove the top menu bar? Have all the menu options for the app open on that display instead of taking up screen real estate.

That's a super minuscule amount of screen real estate to be wanting to remove
 
As a current user of the X1 Carbon (2014) as my current work laptop, I say fuck any sort of capacitive touch buttons at the top of the keyboard. People were so annoyed at this design decision that Lenovo switched it back in the succeeding version. If they intend have the function keys on this strip, they definitely should not.
Yeah the supposed leaked keyboard chassis is disappointing to me because I was hoping the actual function keys (F1-F-12) would stay physical and this would be for things like volume brightnes etc only.
 
Apple isn't gonna take that out of Mac's any time soon, way too many producers, DJ's, and artists use the jack for music.

Aren't those people just using USB DAC's anyway for anything involving precise audio fidelity?

Not being snotty, I honestly don't know. I said I was surprised they kept it because all signs point to them removing it from their iPhones and iPads going forward. Seems to me it would be easier to sell their inevitable "LIGHTNING POWERED BEATS HEADPHONES" when all their devices lack the jack.

What if they want to use the OLED display to eventually remove the top menu bar? Have all the menu options for the app open on that display instead of taking up screen real estate.

I... Like this idea...
 
guys... where are the arrow keys

has apple gone too far?

edit: lmao it's still there, forgot how the up and down arrow keys take up just one key spot
 
guys... where are the arrow keys

has apple gone too far?

edit: lmao it's still there, forgot how the up and down arrow keys take up just one key spot

the-new-macbook-keyboard-is-unbelievably-nice-to-use.jpg

Edit: Dammit. Got me with the edit :P
 
I've been wanting a MacBook for a while, and feel the current 12" is maybe one more refresh away from being good enough for me, but a new Pro would be a great way to spoil myself if the form factor is up to par. A touch strip would not be my definition of up to par.
 
I would really miss MagSafe. Especially with the laptops getting lighter, having an easy-break-away connector is extremely important. It's really really REALLY stupid to drop it without making sure the replacement passes the same test.

Anyone know how easily the MacBook's USB-C connector disconnects itself? I can totally see a MacBook flying across the room with how light it is if the connector doesn't disconnect without trouble.

I mean I plan on keeping my current machine as long as possible. I bought the highest end machine available just so I could get as much use as I could out of it. But I don't want whatever machine I eventually get to be completely devoid of all the cool things that make a Mac a Mac. They seem to like removing the good stuff.

I already miss the glowing Apple, but I could get over that. MagSafe would be really hard.
 
I would really miss MagSafe. Especially with the laptops getting lighter, having an easy-break-away connector is extremely important. It's really really REALLY stupid to drop it without making sure the replacement passes the same test.

Anyone know how easily the MacBook's USB-C connector disconnects itself? I can totally see a MacBook flying across the room with how light it is if the connector doesn't disconnect without trouble.

I mean I plan on keeping my current machine as long as possible. I bought the highest end machine available just so I could get as much use as I could out of it. But I don't want whatever machine I eventually get to be completely devoid of all the cool things that make a Mac a Mac. They seem to like removing the good stuff.

I already miss the glowing Apple, but I could get over that. MagSafe would be really hard.

Agreed. I wouldn't be surprised if they keep magsafe and provide USB-C adapters for it, though. Also, the 15" chassis might retain a magsafe port.
 
If Apple does do this OLED touch strip, will they release new Bluetooth keyboards for desktop users?

Probably not for at least a year. They probably are using the MacBook Pro as a test platform to see what developers can come up with and/or if it even is viable.
 
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