This is the new Apple MacBook Pro 2016 and yes, it will be launching with touchscreen Magic Toolbar above the keyboard.
So how do we know that this is Apple’s new MacBook? Well an intrepid sleuth at MacRumours actually found the images buried deep inside macOS Sierra, Apple’s brand-new software for MacBooks and iMacs.
Advertisement
MacRumours
The images show not only the new Magic Toolbar display but also confirm another suspicion we’d had which was that the new MacBook would launch with the TouchID fingerprint sensor.
Apple will almost certainly be annoyed that the cat has been let out of the bag but on the bright side for them, and us, we won’t have to wait long before they officially unveil the new laptop as Apple has a special MacBook event planned for Thursday 27 October.
MacRumours
Advertisement
As you can see from the images the new MacBook Pro will launch with a number of new features including side-mounted speakers, a new flatter keyboard and a brand-new hinge mechanism for the display.
By pairing this with other rumours we have about Apple’s long-awaited update to the Pro we can start to create a rough picture of what Apple will announce.
The MacBook Pro 2016 will almost certainly be thinner than the current models, however don’t expect it to feature the same contoured design found on the MacBook Air or MacBook.
It’s believed it will be significantly more powerful, using Intel’s brand-new Skylake chips.
There’s no word on the screen, however with Apple’s push into quality over quantity of pixels it would make sense for it to sport the same Wide Colour Gamut display that can be found on both the excellent iPad Pro and iPhone 7.
MacRumours
Advertisement
What we do know for definite is that it will come with a Magic Toolbar, a thin OLED touchscreen display that will display interactive information based on what you’re doing.
A perfect example being if you have music playing, the Magic Toolbar will show music controls including volume, next track etc.
All will be revealed on Thursday’s event where Apple is expected to unveil not only the new MacBook Pro but a new MacBook Air and potentially even a new iMac.
Best Smartphones 2016
Apple iPhone 7
Eduardo Munoz / Reuters
This is Apple’s best iPhone ever, and if we’re honest it’s one of their most innovative devices yet. It has an incredible camera, is water-resistant and boasts a stunning bright new display. Of course it can’t escape the rumours surrounding next year’s device but if you’re looking to buy a smartphone right now, and Apple are on your radar, this is the phone for you.
Google Pixel
The Huffington Post UK
This is Google’s iPhone. It’s that simple. As such there are achievements and compromises. If you’re after an incredibly well-built, powerful Android flagship, Google have given you a truly five-star smartphone. If you’re a photographer, the Pixel’s camera and cloud storage option make this a no brainer. It's not cheap though, with the XL costing over £800.
OnePlus 3T
The Huffington Post UK
The OnePlus 3T is simply a continuation of the ethos that makes OnePlus phones so good. It’s exceptionally well-built, powerful and offers you everything you could want in an affordable and meaningful package. No smartphone will give you more value for money.
Advertisement
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge
Bloomberg via Getty Images
With a new curved back and larger 5.5-inch display the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge is more about evolution than revolution. The S7 edge now sports a water-resistant body, embedded camera and a MicroSD card slot. The S7 edge is also Samsung's most powerful smartphone yet, so powerful in fact that Samsung have actually had to equip a tiny water-cooling system inside the phone. The good news though is that means you'll never have to worry about getting a warm hand.
Apple iPhone SE
The Huffington Post UK
Incredibly, Apple's familiar-looking iPhone SE manages to boast the same performance as its top-of-the-range iPhone 6s making it the most powerful 4-inch smartphone available. If you're keen to return to the days of one-handed texting then Apple's bite-sized iPhone is the smartphone for you.
LG G5
ASSOCIATED PRESS
The LG G5 sets itself apart from rivals like the S7, Xperia XA and the iPhone 6s by being something utterly unique. The G5 is the first commercial 'modular' phone, allowing you to swap out the bottom for new accessories. So far there's an audio one made in partnership with Bang & Olufsen and a camera-focused attachment which gives you extra camera controls.
Advertisement
Huawei P9
JACK TAYLOR via Getty Images
The Huawei P9 is a smartphone designed for capturing life. Thanks to a partnership with photography legends Leica this dual-lens camera can take pictures that'll put your dedicated camera to shame. Of course it helps that the P9 is also a pretty great Android smartphone as well.
Google Nexus 5X
The Nexus 5X strikes the ultimate balance between power and affordability. Taking over the responsibility from the frankly excellent Nexus 5, Google's new smartphone boast an ultra-light body but still crams in a fingerprint sensor, the latest version of Android marshmallow and a Full-HD display.
