10 Things Apple Should Do to Update MacBook Pro Laptops

If the rumors of a MacBook Pro update are true, here’s a wish list of features that would make the new models the most attractive and sought-after to date.

Although some are hoping for a major design overhaul in the MacBook Pro, that shouldn’t happen. While the device’s design obviously will be tweaked, it shouldn’t be a major redesign. The MacBook Pro’s metal body and refined finish make it among the most attractive computers on the market, and Apple shouldn’t forget that.

Some rumors have suggested that Apple is working on a thinner, lighter MacBook Pro in response to market demand for more portability. That would be nice. Apple’s MacBook Pro is a little hefty and notably thicker than its MacBook and MacBook Air. Making the device thinner and lighter could help it in the portability department.

Adding Touch ID is not only probable, but also a necessity. Apple lags behind its competitors when it comes to fingerprint sensor security in its computers, and Touch ID can address that. Touch ID could be used to unlock the computer and ultimately could be a welcome addition for corporate users worried about security.

The idea of an OLED touch bar coming to the MacBook Pro is intriguing, if nothing else. The technology would allow users to see notifications, quickly handle functions and provide easy access to important information. More importantly for Apple, the feature would set it apart in a market that has become increasingly commoditized with nearly identical features.

Pricing is always a concern with Apple products, but it shouldn’t be in this case. Although Touch ID- and an OLED touch bar would likely boost the MacBook Pro’s price, they would represent major upgrades that might justify such a premium. In addition, there’s a good chance Apple still will offer less-powerful model options with fewer features to appeal to customers on a budget.

Once upon a time, Apple offered a 17-inch MacBook. Now, the company’s computers top out at 15 inches. As more people use their notebooks to stream content and play video games, though, perhaps the time has come for Apple to bring back its 17-inch display. Certainly, many gamers and some enterprise users would be happy to see such a move.

USB Type-C seems like a guarantee in the MacBook Pro—and for good reason. The feature, which is available in Apple’s MacBook, not only would act as a charger port, but also would allow users to transfer data and connect an external display. Plus, it would keep Apple in step with competitors that increasingly are using the technology. Offering a MacBook Pro absent USB Type-C ports could be a major mistake.

Apple undoubtedly will offer a new processor and graphics unit in the new MacBook Pro, but they should be big updates. The company must deliver a high-end processor to go along with a high-end graphics unit to ensure the MacBook Pro is sufficiently more powerful than cheaper MacBooks—and, just as importantly, to keep pace with other top-of-the-line notebooks from other vendors.

If the MacBook Pro comes with Touch ID, Apple must allow it to be used across both its own software and third-party apps. Touch ID represents an opportunity for Apple to support Apple Pay from the Mac, and could be used to protect passwords in an app such as 1Password. If Touch ID only works to unlock the computer, that could be a mistake.

The big question on everyone’s mind is whether Apple will finally offer a notebook with a touch-screen. While all of its competitors have done so, Apple so far has declined. The time has come for Apple to offer a touch-screen in the MacBook Pro and put all of its hand gestures to work in macOS Sierra.