The interwebs have recently been flooding with reports of Apple prepping to launch a sleek, updated Macbook Pro lineup by the end of this year. And since the Cupertino giant has already started nitpicking legacy tech out of its innovative products, the Macbook could also do away with a long time companion this time around.
According to fresh reports from Macotakara, Apple is gearing up to launch its new Macbook Pro lineup later this month, at an event scheduled for October 27th(a day after Microsoft’s surface launch event). It also sheds some light on hardware changes coming to the new Macbook lineup.
Firstly, while this could be disheartening for some, it could also be a reason of rejoice for others — optimists. The report suggests that Apple will continue with two models, 13-inch and 15-inch but they’ll arrive sans the USB port. Cupertino is expected to ship the new and powerful Macbook Pro’s with just USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 3 ports, hopefully more than one. It will get rid of the traditional USB-A connector port and the proprietary Magsafe charging connector.
This, however, isn’t the first time Apple is completely getting rid of the USB ports from its Macbooks. In order to maintain a slim profile, the company already shed any other ports and provided just one USB Type-C port on its 12-inch Macbook last year. This change, however, wasn’t received quite well by customers who needed to carry along a USB 3.0 connector to connect their peripheral devices. There is currently no word on the removal of the headphone jack.
But, there have been numerous reports suggesting that Apple is looking to include an OLED display strip to replace the function keys on the keyboard. This will probably be a dynamic display that will work in sync with different apps, and can also pack in TouchID — built right into the power button. Cupertino is also looking to slim down the clunky block-shaped profile of the Macbook Pro and give its internal specs a boost as well.
In addition, the report also adds that Apple will not only introduce refreshed Macbook Pro’s but also focus a little on the low-end Macbook Air lineup as well. The company will probably discontinue the 11-inch Macbook Air in favor of only the 13-inch model. There is currently no information if the refreshed Air’s would also lose traditional USB ports or not.
