Concept Imagines What a Dynamic OLED Touch Panel Could Look Like on a MacBook Pro

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Following rumors suggesting the next-generation MacBook Pro will feature an OLED touch panel that replaces the function keys, designer Martin Hajek has created some renderings imagining what such a MacBook Pro might look like.

macbooktouchpanelmain
Hajek's design incorporates some recent information indicating the touch panel on the MacBook Pro could be contextual, with icons and imagery that changes based on the app that's in use. Hajek imagines music controls when Spotify is open, which morph into a download monitor when using Transmission.

macbooktouchpanelspotify
Also included in the images is an example of Siri on the Mac, with the colorful Siri waveform depicted on the touch panel. Siri for Mac is rumored to be one of the main features coming in OS X 10.12, set to debut on Monday. Not pictured is a Touch ID button, a feature also expected to be included on or alongside the panel.

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In addition to an OLED touch panel, Apple's next-generation MacBook Pro, which will come in 13 and 15-inch sizes, is expected to be thinner, incorporating metal injection mold-made hinges, thin speakers at the sides of the machine, and USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3 support.

As has been seen in a leaked chassis image, the OLED panel will be located at the top of the keyboard, where the function keys would normally be positioned. KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has said the upcoming MacBook Pro will feature "the most significant upgrade ever undertaken by Apple."

We don't yet know when the new MacBook Pro will launch, but Kuo has said he expects it to debut in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Make sure to check out Hajek's website for the full selection of concept images.

Related Roundups: MacBook Pro 13", MacBook Pro 16"
Tag: Concepts
Buyer's Guide: 13" MacBook Pro (Don't Buy), 16" MacBook Pro (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: MacBook Pro

Top Rated Comments

Apple_Robert Avatar
Apple_Robert
67 months ago
I wouldn't mind something like that at all.
Score: 43 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TMRJIJ Avatar
TMRJIJ
67 months ago
I know this is only a concept but..

Score: 37 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rowspaxe Avatar
rowspaxe
67 months ago
Minority report: i find the creation of a touch bar pointless.
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
citi Avatar
citi
67 months ago
You could also use it for the dock icons. That I would love to see.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
The Doctor11 Avatar
The Doctor11
67 months ago
It seems that a lot of people in this thread really like this. But I'm struggling to realize why. I don't really see the benefit of having information displayed on the keyboard. What would really be the benefit of having information placed not the keyboard? I'm already looking at the screen so put stuff there.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
69650 Avatar
69650
67 months ago
Please not another 13 & 15" MBP. Can we have some choice for heavens sake. Move up to 14 & 16" MBPs please. I want and need a laptop bigger than 15".
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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