Next-Generation MacBook Pro's Touch ID Feature Likely Built Into the Power Button

[Thunderhawks]

I just had my 4 year old 2012 rMBP fixed for free (graphics card/logic board, so not a cheap fix either) by Apple & personally I call that great service. But I guess you have loftier goals?

Short of the occasional bad "lemon" MBP's hold up great.

Just how long is something electronic supposed to last?

2008 17" (SNIFF) MBP bought used on eBay one motherboard repair ($ 349) after 5 years of intensive use.

Still going strong every day.

Gets a bit hot since I put an SSD into it for the superdrive (500 GB 7,200 rpm HD plus 500GB SSD), but you just prop it up for air circulation and it is still excellent.

Only thing bad is that the batteries do not last, so I no longer bother and run without.
They also swell or pop, blocking the trackpad click ability. Too expensive for what that battery generation does.

 

[Tech198]

I would say this Touch-ID would be part of the OLED display,, not a separate button u can wake/touch ID as on iOS.

The article said "similar" not exact.... Plus,, the Macbook pro is already thin as is,,,, If the OLED panel image occurs on the full row , exactly where would the power button even be if it wasn't in OLED display ? There is no more more for it.

While it would technically still be a button, it would be part of the OLED panel (from user perspective)

A feature would only work it effective most/all the time.... Look at "Auto unlock" with the Apple watch... There is already issues in the developer forums and iCloud integration... To me, that is always the key... While

If Auto unlock was done instead over Bluetooth, while it would pose and issue of un-pairing current device,re-pairing Mac to unlock (maybe so much inconvenience most may find it better just entering password), at least even Bluetooth would be better than relying on the cloud just for this.

But Apple does like their "integration"

 

[2IS]

Very much looking forward to this. My 2010 MBA has been showing it's age for a while now, but with Sierra, it's getting to the point where it's actually slowing me down. I know it's still beta, but I don't imagine the final release will show a whole lot of improvement on such old hardware.

 

[QCassidy352]

Sounds good. But please, not usb-c only. I use both usb-a ports on my current rMBP every day. Adapters are annoying, cumbersome, and inelegant. Please, phase the new tech in slowly rather than ripping out all the old ports at once and pretending we all have nothing but usb-c peripherals.

 

[rdlink]

Tim Cook doesn't have a computer LOL. He used his iPad Pro.

That's why I didn't say MacBook. An iPad is a computer, too.

 

[Yebubbleman]

At this point no new design gimmick will or even should excuse why there hasn't been a Skylake MacBook Pro release already. Hell, if the 27" iMac was able to get it in the fall, why the hell else has no other Mac (other than the USB-C'ed MacBook) gotten it? Makes almost no sense at all.

 

[Tech198]

It would also be interesting seeing all the developers scramble to update their apps..

"Now, if i wanted the user to press FN + (function key) how would that be done"

 

[Rob_2811]

At this point no new design gimmick will or even should excuse why there hasn't been a Skylake MacBook Pro release already. Hell, if the 27" iMac was able to get it in the fall, why the hell else has no other Mac (other than the USB-C'ed MacBook) gotten it? Makes almost no sense at all.

Clearly its a case of some of the functionality being dependent on Sierra.

 

[keysofanxiety]

It would also be interesting seeing all the developers scramble to update their apps..

"Now, if i wanted the user to press FN + (function key) how would that be done"

Simply holding down the 'FN' key could change what the touch keys do and display in realtime. Even holding down CMD + ALT could bring up a new set of commands/features/icons. FN+CTRL could be another set! Even user-customisations, so they can do their own keyboard shortcuts to bring up specific menus. The possibilities are so vast!

If it's done right and developers properly embrace it, it'd be a real game changer.

 

[zombierunner]

Please make touch id accessory for imac
[doublepost=1470684083][/doublepost]

But i want. I just don't want FBI to see my porn collection. Is it too much to ask?

do people still have porn stored on their hard drives? get with the times man ... the wonderful ****hub

 

[Piggie]

Love the look of this OLED strip, and would like to see it on all laptops and keyboards from all makes.
Something that's been possible for ages, but just not used in any real standard way yet.

It will be interesting to follow this as launch date gets nearer.
If this OLED strip is not really going to be there, I bet you there will be some unofficial/official leak rumour to kill off the expectation a week or 2 before the machines showing

 

[maxsix]

Apple wants _everyone's_ fingerprints...

 

[doelcm82]

what he is referring to is the judge can compel you to release your fingerprints but not your password (or something along those lines)

Yes, but if the judge's order comes after the window has passed, it will have no effect. Your MBP will ask for your password and won't unlock without it.
[doublepost=1470684898][/doublepost]

Apple wants _everyone's_ fingerprints...

Apple doesn't want anyone's fingerprints.

 

[iShater]

I always wait 1 or 2 gens when they show up on eBay or as refurbs at the prices they should be to begin with.

As for annoying us with all ports removed, OWC dock to the rescue. Has all the old (even FW) ports.

macsafe is a must. Even if they take it out , they'll go back to it.

Would like to see at least an outside source with a dongle for that.

I about to replace my trusty 2008 15" MBP (yes, ancient!) and I think I will go for a 2012 13" MBP. Will checkout the OWC dock, thank you for the tip.

 

[maxsix]

Yes, but if the judge's order comes after the window has passed, it will have no effect. Your MBP will ask for your password and won't unlock without it.
[doublepost=1470684898][/doublepost]
Apple doesn't want anyone's fingerprints.

You're only kidding yourself. Denial is comfortable for some...

 

[lordofthereef]

That OLED panel, while cool, seems kind of pointless. It's not like you can't display all of that on the screen... just more part clutter imo

 

[carrrrrlos]

Awesome! 17" please.

 

[Mac 128]

As a photographer I will miss the SD slot A LOT.

I agree, it seems a bit premature to remove the SD slot from a "pro" Mac. Having a hard time reconciling it, considering how widely used Macs are in creative businesses which deal with photography constantly. Are wireless cameras becoming that common place? It's not like there's a new standard threatening to take over SD cards for professional cameras?

Sounds good. But please, not usb-c only. I use both usb-a ports on my current rMBP every day. Adapters are annoying, cumbersome, and inelegant. Please, phase the new tech in slowly rather than ripping out all the old ports at once and pretending we all have nothing but usb-c peripherals.

Adapters are intended for transitions. USB-C is going to replace USB-A. The quicker those old ports are removed, the faster people will upgrade, and the sooner you can stop using those adapters.

 

[Royksöpp]

That OLED panel, while cool, seems kind of pointless. It's not like you can't display all of that on the screen... just more part clutter imo

Exactly, and distracting! There's nothing I can't do on screen that I can do with an OLED panel. It just seems like a gimmick. Where's the simplicity? Leave that cluttered nonsense to the PC makers okay Apple!

 

[magicschoolbus]

So where will all those iDevice apps get built? Windows 10? You can't be serious.

So.... citation please.

iPads.

Citation?

How about the fact that the mac line up is ..well.. who knows how old

 

[bbfc]

the new MacBook Pro will be "the most significant upgrade ever undertaken by Apple."

Got the message? It's clear and loud, and the source is reliable. Give Apple the benefit of doubt, they deserve it, and they've earned it.

To complain behind a keyboard is so much easier.

My 5 year old MacBook Pro needs replacing. Hoping for something significant.

 

[Tricky22]

I hope they keep the SD and HDMI as for a high end machine I don't expect to carry around adaptors..

What next just Bluetooth to connect!

 

[dmauck]

Where are the arrow keys at though? It seems like Apple is going back to the old days where the arrow keys were all in one row. I honestly would not like that as much. That would keep me from buying.

 

[dittman]

I use the function keys all the time. Having them replaced with a touch strip would be a downgrade for me. Having a touch strip in addition to the function keys would be fine.

 

[djcerla]

My 5 year old MacBook Pro needs replacing. Hoping for something significant.

Same boat.