Apple ‘redefines notebook’ with latest MacBook
APPLE has unveiled a new version of its MacBook Pro laptop complete with a touchscreen bar at the top of the keyboard that includes a fingerprint scanner.
Called the Touch Bar, the new, slim display adapts the controls it shows depending on the application a user is currently working in. For example, favourites and bookmarks appear when the Safari browser is opened, and editing tools when viewing photos.
Apple’s Touch ID fingerprint scanning technology has also been built into the power button on the Touch Bar as well, and can be used to complete payments using Apple Pay. The bar can also be customised by the user to show the controls they use the most.
Speaking at the technology giant’s headquarters in Cupertino, California, Apple chief Tim Cook said: “For 25 years we’ve been defining and redefining what a notebook can do, and today we’re going to do it again.”
The new MacBook Pro will come in 13 and 15-inch sizes and silver and space grey colour finishes.
Apple also revealed a more traditional version of the 13-inch MacBook Pro that does not have the touch bar and instead retains the physical function keys. It will cost £1,449, the company said.
The 13-inch version of the Pro with the touch bar starts at £1,749, while the 15-inch starts at £2,349, Apple confirmed.
“We think you are going to love the new MacBook Pro,” Mr Cook said as he closed the event.
“The new MacBooks are the best notebooks we have ever made, and are the most advanced notebooks that have ever been made.”