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New macOS release might confirm new MacBook Pro’s most exciting feature

Apple is hosting an event on Thursday where it is expected to unleash a new MacBook Pro and there’s no doubting the most anticipated feature…

The firm is rumoured to be ditching the keyboard’s top row of function keys in favour of a touch-sensitive OLED bar, featuring media controls, et al.

Just a couple of days before the event, it appears Apple may have let the cat out of the bag with the latest version of macOS Sierra, outed on Tuesday.

Hiding within the resources for System Preferences in macOS 10.12.1 are new assets showing a new keyboard layout, minus the top row (via
MacRumors).

The below would seem to confirm the existence of the new feature, although it’s yet to be seen how Apple would choose to implement it.

Related: Apple MacBook Pro 2016 – All you need to know
MacBook Pro

It’s possible that as well as digital representations of those media controls, brightness and Expose controls, Apple could also include a TouchID sensor.

Given Apple Pay is now available on the web, this would make it easier for users to authenticate payments.

[videoai]

Beyond the keyboard overhaul, Apple is also scheduled to modify the MacBook Pro design and ditch the MagSafe and headphone jacks in favour of a single port USB-C solution.

Earlier this week, the arrival of three new MacBook models was confirmed by Apple’s filings to Russian regulators.

Video: Laptop buying guide 2016

What would you like to see at Apple’s event this week? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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