Ming-Chi Kuo Reveals Apple Will Launch New 13″ MacBook, 2TB SSD Storage Option, and More

Just last week, Apple announced that they would be holding a media event in Cupertino, California; the event, simply titled “Hello again”, possibly a throwback to the “Hello” that was famously spoken by the first Macintosh during its 1984 release, may see the release of three new MacBooks, according to a report published by KGI Securities analyst and renowned Apple prophet Ming-Chi Kuo.

According to Kuo’s report, which was obtained by 9to5Mac, Apple will launch a new 13-inch MacBook, as well as 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pros. While the report failed to mention any specific features on the devices aside from the fact that the new MacBook Pro line will feature “many” major upgrades, previous reports from Kuo have noted a number of interesting new features for the MacBook Pro line. Although it’s currently unclear if the features will also debut on the 13-inch MacBook, the MacBook Pro models are expected to feature Touch ID support (possibly built into the power button), as well as a customizable touch-sensitive OLED bar – possibly called the “Magic Toolbar” – in place of the function keys, which will reportedly feature shortcuts and context-sensitive controls depending on which app the user currently has open.

In a note obtained by AppleInsider, Kuo shed a bit more detail on the release. According to the note, Apple’s new MacBooks will “incorporate processors from Intel’s Skylake family” and will feature a new 2TB SSD storage option, as well as displays featuring an oxide panel for enhanced energy efficiency and improved image quality. Kuo also reiterated the previous rumor that Apple would be ditching the popular MagSafe connector, opting instead for USB-C backed by Thunderbolt 3 for connectivity, data transfer, and power. However, Kuo claims that Apple may look to launch a USB-C adapter with MagSafe functionality with the new lineup, although he claims the adapter may be rolled out by a third party.

Finally, Kuo’s notes look to put another rumor to rest – that Apple would release a new iMac as well as a new external 5K display at the event. According to Kuo, although Apple is indeed working on the products, they are simply not ready for release yet. Kuo claims that users would likely see them in “the first half” of 2017.

[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]