The Next MacBook Is Rumored To Be The First Significant Overhaul Of The Laptop In 4 Years

According to Bloomberg, Apple is preparing “the first significant overhaul” of its MacBook Pro laptop line in over 4 years. The laptop will reportedly be thinner, include a touch screen strip for function keys, and will be offered with more powerful and efficient graphics processors. It will also feature a secondary display above the keyboard that replaces the standard function key row. Instead of physical keys, a strip-like screen will present functions on an as needed basis that fit the current task or application. “Apple’s goal with the dedicated function display is to simplify keyboard shortcuts traditionally used by experienced users,” says Bloomberg. “The panel will theoretically display media playback controls when iTunes is open, while it could display editing commands like cut and paste during word processing tasks, the people said. The display also allows Apple to add new buttons via software updates rather than through more expensive, slower hardware refreshes.”