Apple Mac Pro refresh to have AMD Polaris GPU option

Word on the street is that Apple is preparing to update its MacBook Pro, a lineup it has neglected for almost four years. The new laptops will have a smaller footprint and one of the major changes will be a secondary, OLED touchscreen above the keyboard that replaces the traditional function key row, as reported by Bloomberg:

Apple’s goal with the dedicated function display is to simplify keyboard shortcuts traditionally used by experienced users. 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.

The new MacBook Pros will be somewhat thinner than current models but are not tapered like the MacBook Air or the latest 12" MacBooks. Sources close to Apple say the laptop enclosure will have shallower curves, and that the pressure-sensitive trackpad will be slightly wider.

Details about the processor are unknown but it seems there will be an option for models with AMD's new Polaris GPU. Other than this, the new MacBook Pro is expected to feature USB Type-C and Touch ID fingerprint technology.

The launch date of the new MacBook Pro is still a mystery, the report indicates the laptop is unlikely to be part of Apple's September 7 launch event.