New Macbooks Expected To Feature Touch Id Power Button As Well As Oled Touch Panel

A source who has provided reliable information in the past has informed us that the new MacBook Pro models, expected to be launched in the fall, will feature a Touch ID power button as well as the previously-reported OLED touch-sensitive function keys.

The KGI note which first reported the OLED function key display also suggested that the new MacBook Pros would offer ‘Touch ID support,’ but did not contain any specifics. Incorporating it into the power button would clearly make sense, allowing the same one-touch process to power-on and authenticate as is possible with the Home button on current iPhones. Resources spotted in macOS Sierra also hint at Touch ID on future Macs.

The previous report said that the new MacBook Pro models would be launched sometime in the fourth quarter of the year. The note suggested that the MacBook Air would be presented as the entry-level machine, a new 13-inch MacBook as the mid-tier and the two MacBook Pro models continuing to head up the range.

The new MacBook Pros are expected to be feature USB-C, with embedded support for Thunderbolt 3. Claimed chassis shots show room for four USB-C ports, with MagSafe gone.

You can check out everything we’re expecting, with news reports below, in our MacBook Pro Guide.

Concept image: Martin Hajek