New 'Ultra-Thin' MacBooks Launching in Second Half of 2016 May Sport Metal Injection Mold-Made Hinges

Last November it was reported that Apple was working with suppliers to "fully redesign" many of the MacBook's internal components to achieve a slimmer design. Today, DigiTimes reports one of those redesigns is a move to metal injection mold-made hinges.

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Metal injection molding is a metalworking process that's used to create very small metal pieces that are typically used by Apple for the internals of products like iPhone and Apple Watch. Apple is looking to use the technology for its MacBook hinges to save space and achieve an "ultra-thin" design, according to DigiTimes.

The new hinges will be supplied by Amphenol, who claims to produce some of the thinnest sliding hinges in the world on its website. The company partners with Microsoft to produce the parts for the hinges on the Microsoft Surface 4.

While DigiTimes has a mixed track record reporting Apple's future plans, the report does corroborate an earlier report that Apple was working toward a slimmer MacBook, likely scheduled for release after WWDC 2016. However, it's unclear which MacBook lineup these reports are referring to. Apple's refreshed MacBook is expected to include faster Skylake processors and Thunderbolt 3 with USB-C.

Related Roundup: MacBook Pro
Buyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Neutral)
Related Forum: MacBook Pro

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Top Rated Comments

MrFeezy Avatar
119 months ago
At this point, I'm not really desiring something thinner, especially with the latest iPads and macbook. Then again, apple says I don't know what I want.
Score: 55 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Westside guy Avatar
119 months ago
I don't want thinner if I have to sacrifice any more ports or battery life. As a matter of fact, the (perhaps sketchy) rumors from a few weeks back of a new, thinner MacBook Pro redesign coming this summer cemented my decision to go with the current-gen machine... which I'm enjoying very much, by the way!

The current 13" rMBP only weighs 3.5 pounds. I can comfortably hold it by the corner with one hand, just like I did with my second-gen MacBook Air. It's plenty light.

Stop with the thinner. Give us better performance and increased battery life in the same size package, please.
Score: 50 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Creep89 Avatar
119 months ago
Thinner, thinner, thinner.. Oh, come on, Apple. I need powerrr inside my rMBP and not a thinner design with less power.
Score: 28 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sunapple Avatar
119 months ago
Going to great lengths to achieve thinner design leads to breakthroughs like the unibody construction or smaller more efficient internals. Those do make a real difference in every day use, so I applaud thinner devices!
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Blue Sun Avatar
119 months ago
There you go boys, a rMBP rumour. At long last!
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kevsta26 Avatar
119 months ago
Oh my god would Apple just release a redesigned MacBook Pro already!! It's already been nearly 2 months over the average amount of time for updates and over a month longer than the past 4+ releases! Come on, I've got an early 2011, I'd like to upgrade soon!
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)