Apple MacBook Pro to get a major overhaul, to include OLED strip and USB Type-C: Analyst

Popular Apple-centric blog 9to5Mac in conjunction with their sources and Ming-Chi Kuo, a reliable Apple analyst at KGI Securities, has reported that Apple is working on overhauling the MacBook Pro. It is being reported that the newer MacBook Pro will come with an even “thinner and lighter” design, with the overall design being inspired by the 12 inch MacBook launched earlier by the company. This includes the metal, injection-molded hinges. The refresh will obviously include the expected bump to the fastest and latest processors (Intel 6th Generation, Skylake processors), USB Type-C support (and Thunderbolt 3) and maybe an updated display. The reports also seem  to indicate that Apple will dump regular USB slots in favour of USB Type-C only. A move that will certainly not be very popular initially. In addition to that, Apple is also planning to launch a 13 inch MacBook, similar in size and design to the 12 inch MacBook model with plans to segregate the MacBook Air into an entry level device, MacBook into a medium range and MacBook Pro’s into a high-end, flagship product for laptops. Ming-Chi Kuo also added something rather unusual to the rumours surrounding the revamped MacBook line-up, stating that the function key row would be replaced by a dedicated OLED strip. The suggestion would be outrageous coming from anyone other than Ming-Chi Kuo and now we’re very curious as to what that means for the devices. At least we won’t have to wait long. The new devices are expected to be announced in the second-half of this year. Apple recently refreshed its MacBook lineup. The 12-inch MacBook got the biggest update in the form of updated internals with Intel’s Skylake processors (Core M) and a Rose Gold option. The 13-inch MacBook Air was also updated and now gets 8GB RAM as standard. The 2016 Apple MacBook now comes with new processors that can clocked from 1.3GHz to 3.1GHz.