It's been quite a while since Apple gave its MacBook lineup a significant refresh. The iPhone and the Apple Watch have been getting all the nice updates here and there, but the MacBooks, especially the MacBook Pro, have remained silent for the most part, waiting in line for a makeover.
Well, it looks like the wait is finally over. Apple's set to unveil something during its event this coming Oct. 27, and it's practically a shoe-in that new MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models are to be announced, given the flurry of rumors circulating the web ahead of the event. Even more notable is the event's subtitle, "Hello again," which is a glaring allusion to the original "Hello" tagline back in 1984 when the first Macintosh was unveiled.
The event will start 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET) on Thursday, and users can access the live stream directly at Apple's website, if you want in on the eventual unveiling.
MacBook Pro
Leaks indicate that there will be three new MacBook models, a 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro joined by a new 13-inch MacBook Air. It's been highly speculated that the new MacBook Pro will feature something that has never appeared on Apple products before: a secondary display.
The OLED display is a horizontal screen strip replacing the traditional "F" keys, which will constantly change into customized buttons or a download progress bar, depending on the app that the user is currently using.
Apart from this, Apple is also rumored to be replacing the internals of the MacBook for newer, and much more powerful components. The new MacBook Pro is touted to house Intel's new Skylake processors alongside AMD's graphics chip with Polaris Architecture.
Other improvements include a Touch ID feature, USB-C ports as standard, a larger trackpad and a new keyboard similar to Apple's "butterfly" keyboard design seen on the newer 12-inch MacBook model.
MacBook Air
According to rumors, the 11-inch MacBook Air model could be axed from Apple's lineup while the 13-inch model will enjoy minor updates. The new model will have revamped and beefier internals alongside a USB-C port. Rumors are too scant to suggest if the new MacBook Air will feature an updated design, though.
iMac And Other Macs
The iMac and Mac Mini could also be outfitted with an internal refresh. Both devices are heavily dated now, and a worthy revamp should be in order if Apple wants to keep its desktop offerings up to speed with its laptop lineup. A sixth- or seventh-generation Intel processor could possibly grace the iMac or Mac Mini alongside a more powerful graphics processor and increased RAM.
Meanwhile, the Mac Pro, which has been untouched by Apple since 2013, will likely not get an update. There aren't reputable rumors suggesting as such, anyway. Apple will likely continue to sell it, but the prospects of a Mac Pro update are slim. Don't expect Apple to unveil a refresh of this one anytime soon.
So there you have it. Hopefully, Apple delivers during the event. Of course, take all these with a grain of salt as nothing has been specifically confirmed by Apple. The rumors, however seemingly legitimate, are still eligible for exhaustive scrutiny. Who knows? Maybe Apple has something else up its sleeve. Whatever it is, it can only either disappoint or appease. We'll find out on Thursday.
