The MacBook Pro 2016 is finally here and it comes with some interesting features as well as improvements from the previous models.
The major highlight is where the function keys have been replaced by a Touch Bar. The new MacBook, which has three models, also gets support for Touch ID as well as Force Touch technology, among other goodies. Here’re the 4 important things you need to know about this new MacBook Pro 2016 laptop.
A brand-new design
The new MacBook Pro 2016 marks the 25th anniversary since Apple first unveiled a laptop. When compared to the previous Retina MacBook Pro, the latest laptop is a lot thinner and is available in 13-inch (two models) and 15-inch variants.
Apple has added Force Touch technology to the new laptops’ trackpad alongside an enhanced butterfly switch. The high-end 15-inch model comes with an Intel Core i7 quad-core processor, a 16GB RAM and an AMD Radeon Pro GPU. As for the 13-inch models, you get options of Intel Core i5 or i7 alongside an Iris GPU. The trio has USB-C ports on board, but the base model gets only two ports as opposed to the four ports found on the 15-inch model.
A new touch bar in place of function keys
The inclusion of the touch bar was the real highlight of the event. Two of the MacBook Pro 2016 variants have this feature, with only the base model of the 13-inch variant missing out. This touch bar responds to touch and gestures, but the type of response changes with the software in use. Users also have the room to control what default actions show up on the touch bar.
There is a Touch ID
Apple has also added a Touch ID fingerprint scanner into the power button of the MacBook Pro 2016. The same sensor that is used on the likes of iPhone 7 and iPhone 6S has been employed, adding a new and secure T1 chip meant to protect your Apple Pay transactions. In case of multiple users, the Touch ID can also be used to switch between users via a simple tap of the button.
Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports
The new Apple MacBook Pro 2016 has finally done away with traditional USB ports, instead debuting the future-proof USB-C ports that are also compatible with Thunderbolt 3 connectivity. These ports are backwards compatible, meaning devices with USB-A will also be supported, but an adapter must be present.
The addition of Thunderbolt 3 technology will help MacBook Pro 2016 users get to connect their devices to dual 4K displays, enjoy faster data transfers and more. As for the USB Type-C cables, it gets even better as you don’t have to worry about plugging it in the wrong way. No more flip dances that you are accustomed to with the traditional USB ports.