MacBook Pro Gets Touch Bar in 2016 Update

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Apple announces the next generation of MacBook Pro-- one featuring what the company calls a "Touch Bar," a slim multi-touch display located just above the keyboard, replacing the function keys.

MacBook ProThe Touch Bar is an interesting addition, since it automatically provides app-specific commands. For example, Mail has it display buttons to create new messages, replying or moving an email to the trash, while in Safari it allows users to preview tabs, switch between tabs and go to a favourited site, all without need for mouse or trackpad commands. The Touch Bar is also customisable, and as such one can add features or buttons as required.

Another MacBook first is a Touch ID sensor-- a sapphire crystal-covered number located on the right of the Touch Bar. It is powered with a new chip, the T1, and promises to keep fingerprint data safe as well as allow users to switch between multiple profiles with a simple touch.

On the hardware side, the new MacBook Pro comes in 13- and 15-inch versions, and is described as the thinnest yet at 14.9mm. The 13-inch version carries a 2.9GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 CPU, 8GB RAM and Intel Iris Graphics 550 GPU, while the 15GB ups the spects to a 2.6GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 CPU, 16GB RAM and a Radeon Pro 450 GPU. Both offer 256GB of SSD storage, as well as a larger Force Touch trackpad and connectivity via x4 Thunderbolt/USB-C ports.

The MacBook event came with a second announcement-- the MacBook Air line is no more. Instead Apple offers a 3rd MacBook Pro, a 13-inch option lacking the Touch Bar and fingerprint sensor.

LG Ultrafine DisplayAlso making a brief appearance at the event is an Apple-LG display collaboration. Dubbed the LG UltraFine 5K Display, the 27-inch monitor supports 5120 x 2880 resolution and the P3 wide colour gamut, and handles both power and input through a single Thunderbolt 3 cable. Other features include x3 USB-C ports and built-in stereo speakers, microphone and webcam.

The new Mac Pro models are shipping now, with the UltraFine 5K Display to follow from December 2016.

Go Apple Unveils Groundbreaking New MacBook Pro

Go LG UltraFine 5K Display