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One more way the 12-inch MacBook Air may be more like an iOS device

Published Feb 17th, 2015 5:15PM EST
12-inch MacBook Air Touch ID Features
Image: Apple Inc.

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Apple’s 12-inch MacBook Air, which is supposed to be unveiled and launched in stores in the near future, might have a special unexpected feature, a report from Apple.club.tw suggests.

FROM EARLIER: Apple might release new MacBook Airs later this month – but there’s an unfortunate twist

According to information received from its sources, who have delivered accurate information about Apple products in the past, the thinner MacBook Air could come with a Touch ID fingerprint sensor embedded in the trackpad, which could allow users to safely purchase products online using Apple Pay, similar to how you can already do so with the iPad Air 2. Furthermore, Touch ID trackpads could also be used for logging into your MacBook.

More interestingly, the 12-inch MacBook Air with Retina display isn’t the only new Apple machine to get this supposed Touch ID treatment. Other products including future MacBook Pro versions and also upcoming Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad models might also receive fingerprint sensors.

Recently, a note to investors from an analyst with intimate knowledge of Apple’s future plans said the company has ordered more than a quarter of a billion of Touch ID sensors this year, a 77% increase compared to 2014 Touch ID orders. MacBook use of fingerprint sensors was not mentioned in that note though.

The publication did not specify when the new MacBook Air and Pro models might be launched, but added that both laptop versions will come in three colors, including silver, gold and gray.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.