Touch too much: The next MacBook Pro may support fingerprint scanning

By Brad Jones August 9, 2016

macbook pro touch id august rumor iphone fingerprint scanning header — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Apple is expected to release a new iteration of its MacBook Pro this fall, and we’re starting to hear more about what features the new model might bring to the table. On Monday, word began to spread that the laptop will follow in the iOS device’s footsteps with Touch ID biometric fingerprint scanning.

The Touch ID system allows iPhone and iPad users to prove their identity by pressing their fingerprint against the home button. This adds an extra layer of security to all kinds of processes — everything from unlocking the device to making a purchase on the App Store can be authenticated using the scanner.

The MacBook Pro will apparently house its Touch ID scanner within the system’s power button, according to a report from 9to5Mac. This makes sense, as the button is well-positioned for authentication while the system is already powered on.

Touch ID support for Apple’s flagship laptop was first rumored in June. Documentation related to MacOS Sierra contained references to the feature, which seemed to be a fairly strong indication that support would be added to the next wave of MacBook Pro hardware.

The source being used to corroborate Touch ID support rumors also states the new MacBook Pro will feature an OLED touch bar, another feature that has been the subject of pervasive rumors in recent months. This new hardware component will apparently replace the function keys across the top of the system’s keyboard.

Apple’s current iteration of the MacBook Pro has been available since the spring of 2015, so it certainly wouldn’t be too surprising to see the company introduce new features like Touch ID support and an OLED touch bar to freshen up the device. These rumors are still unconfirmed, but all signs point toward an update to this laptop this fall.

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Brad is an English-born writer currently splitting his time between Edinburgh and Pennsylvania. You can find him on Twitter…

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