Apple to launch “thinner and lighter” MacBook Pro models with Touch ID: Analyst

Apple is likely to completely refresh its MacBook lineup this year, according a new research note by Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities. Popularly regarded as the most trusted analyst for all rumours/speculations regarding Apple, Kuo claims that the models will be "thinner and lighter" and the design will largely be borrowed from the company’s 12-inch MacBook.

Kuo is said to have deep links within Apple's supply chain in China.

Further, the upcoming MacBook Pro models will also feature Touch ID support along with a new OLED display touch bar above the keyboard. The touch bar is supposed to replace the function keys at the top of the keyboard.


According to Kuo, the updates will be arriving to 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook models by fourth quarter of this year and calls them the “brightest spot for Apple’s 2016 rollouts.” Not only the 13-inch and 15-inch models are said to be updated, but the company is also rumoured to bring a new 13-inch MacBook that will be similar to the 12-inch Retina MacBook model.

The analyst predicts that Apple will eventually make the MacBook Air an entry-level model, while the MacBook and the MacBook Pro will be the mid-tier and high-end models.


Apple was recently also rumoured to bring Siri to the OS X v10.12 as well. The feature is said to be demonstrated during the Apple's upcoming Wordwide Developers Conference.

Voice command support for tasks like opening apps, conducting web searches, controlling HomeKit, sending text messages, reading emails, setting calendar events and more is expected to come through Siri's OS X version.

Meanwhile, Apple has confirmed that it'll be setting up an app design and development accelerator in Bengaluru to support engineering talent and grow the country's iOS developer community. The confirmation came during the visit of Apple CEO Tim Cook's maiden visit to India.