Apple’s upcoming Macbooks need to be a major refresh to the lineup, since the laptop selection is looking a little old lately. We’re expecting Touch ID and a new OLED button panel to come to the 2016 Macbook Pro, but code hidden in the latest version of macOS Sierra hints at one additional feature.
According to code uncovered by 9to5Mac, macOS Sierra will support USB 3.1 Gen 2, better known as the upgraded version of USB-C. Apple introduced USB-C ports into its lineup with the 2015 Retina Macbook, and it’s a safer bet than ever that those ports will be coming to the new Macbook Pro.
The code 9to5Mac found shows that Apple is planning to support the upgraded USB-C from a software side. Given that the Retina Macbook isn’t due for an update for a good six months, and a Macbook Pro refresh has been overdue for some time, it’s a safe bet that this code is aimed at the upcoming Macbook Pros.
I’ll be disappointed if the new Macbook Pros ditch conventional USB ports entirely, but adding USB-C connectivity could be a major boost. The ports should have the capability for 10Gb/s transfer speeds, which means that one port could potentially handle a high-resolution external display, talk to an external graphics card, and provide power all in one. If that doesn’t sound like a laptop you want in your life, there’s something wrong.
