Source code in Apple macOS Sierra reveals a future of OLED touchpads on MacBooks

According to the latest images sourced to Cult of Mac, there have been rumors of future MacBook Pros featuring an OLED touchbar, which might replace the first row on the MacBook Pro’s keyboard, currently assigned to function keys. Concept images, like the ones created by concept artist Martin Hajek, have spread like wildfire, igniting the imagination of Apple enthusiasts looking forward to what Apple may really be working on, in regard to the next generation of Macs.

In Hajek’s concept portfolio, we are able to catch glimpses of said touch bar, which, according to more recent information, could be more likely to happen than some may think. With the first beta of macOS Sierra now available, testers have been hard at work, taking apart the new operating system, and promptly discovered source code that provides clear clues that Sierra will indeed support an OLED touch bar.

While there is still debate on the actual look and functionality of the touch bar, Hajek’s concepts show a fair amount of research in the possible look and feel of the feature. The concept touchbar seems to provide an interface that almost mimics the macOS ‘s main menu bar, with battery, wireless connectivity, clock and a search feature (Siri shortcut?) on the right side of the touch bar, while on the left we can see custom controls for different applications, such as playback and volume controls for Spotify, iTunes and other music apps, with the potential for more applications to make use of the touch bar’s sleek and minimalist interface.

Companion displays have always been a tough sell, outside of the PC gaming market, mostly due to the fact that most companion displays, such as those featured on Logitech G15 keyboards, use a proprietary interface, with extremely targeted support for apps, aside from hardware monitoring. Furthermore keyboards that support touch screen companion displays are extremely rare and very expensive, with a very narrow target audience.

With that said, if Apple truly intends to introduce such feature to MacBook users, the response could be similar to what happened post-Apple Watch, prior to which, consumers were not completely sold on a wrist-worn device capable of making phone calls and sending text messages, until Apple, a company that rarely gambles on technologies unvetted by proper market research, decided to endorse the concept and created the Apple Watch. In turns, Apple endorsement of smartwatches had an odd effect on consumers, which has been an increased interest in smartwatches, including Apple’s competing brands, such as Samsung, and even Microsoft Band.

By the same token, we could say that once Apple decides to endorse an OLED touch bar on the MacBook Pro, one of the most popular laptops worldwide, there is a strong chance that consumers demand will drive other manufacturers to follow suit, which is not a bad idea, considering how long it’s been since the laptop has offered anything truly original, aside from increasingly powerful specs and smaller form factor.