Apple is rumored to be launching a new MacBook Pro laptop family this year that will feature a significant redesign, at least compared to current MacBook Pro models. Among the proposed changes, a secondary OLED touchscreen that would replace the top row on the keyboard stands out. The design choice would allow Apple to offer a contextual menu that could adapt to what’s happening on the main display. A few days ago, a designer put together gorgeous 3D renders that imagine what an OLED bar would look like (top image), but it appears as though he’s not the first one to do it.
In September 2014 a designer created a video of a similar feature, and he sent his creation to Apple.
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According to The Verge, Łukasz Majer imagined a MacBook Pro that had a touchscreen display instead of the function key row. Majer’s concept was sent to Apple on September 21st, 2014. Since then, it was viewed 11 times initially. Then, in May, it was seen three more times.
As you can see, Majer’s secondary touchscreen display features app shortcuts that would fit the main app on the screen, potentially making it even easier to interact with the computer. Recent leaks suggested the OLED screen will replace that row, with Apple making use of that same space.
Naturally, this doesn’t mean that Apple stole the feature from a creative designer – and if it did, it probably can’t be proven. Apple already has patents that imagine putting touchscreen interfaces on Macs, and they may describe technology that could be used in this rumored MacBook Pro redesign.
Check out Majer’s video below.
