“Apple’s suppliers have already begun providing it with parts for an upcoming 13-inch ‘MacBook’ update, according to a paywalled report from China’s Commercial Times summarized by DigiTimes,” Juli Clover reports for MacRumors. “Notebook hinge maker Jarllytec reportedly started shipping metal injection mold-made (MiM) hinges to Apple in May, said to be destined for a 13-inch MacBook. The MacBook in question is likely to be a future revamped 13-inch MacBook Pro, which past rumors suggest will use MiM hinges. Metal injection molding is a technique used to create small, intricate metal parts. Apple is rumored to be using hinges crafted this way to save space, as the next-generation MacBook Pro models are said to be ultra-thin. ”
“The same report suggests Jarllytec will begin shipping hinges for 15-inch MacBook models in the third quarter of 2016, raising the possibility that Apple will stagger the releases of the redesigned MacBook Pro, first introducing a 13-inch model and following it up later with a 15-inch model,” Clover reports. “If Apple already has hinges in hand for a 13-inch MacBook Pro, it would perhaps be ready to debut in the next couple of months.”
“In addition to being ultra thin with a MacBook-style design, Apple’s next-generation MacBook Pros are expected to include an OLED touch panel that will replace the function keys on the existing MacBook Pro.”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: We’re very interested to see how the size and weight of Apple’s smallest next-gen MacBook Pro compare to those of the 12-inch MacBook. That’ll help determine our next road Mac upgrades!