MacOS Sierra code hints at MacBook Pro touch bar, Touch ID integration

A number of system control files discovered in Apple's latest macOS Sierra reference options for a potentially customizable LED interface, adding fuel to recent rumors of an OLED touch bar-equipped MacBook Pro.

Falling just shy of confirming the latest MacBook Pro rumor, macOS Sierra APIs spotted by French language publication Mac Generation point to human interface device (HID) usage resources suggest incorporation of a secondary, potentially customizable, display.

For example, the Sierra beta released Monday includes reference to "kHIDUsage_LED_NumLock" and "kHIDUsage_LED_CapsLock" APIs seemingly related to a keyboard status graphic, a logical asset for inclusion if Apple were to integrate a standalone status bar. Other resources control display of battery life indicators, printer status, media player functions, media transport, system status messages, audio controls and generic alerts, among other assets.

A closer look at Apple's developer document covering "IOKit Changes" reveals identical additions, as well as support for biometric devices listed under a subheading containing various keyboard operations.

Again, while not a direct reference to Touch ID, the APIs allow for tap tracking on a biometric key. Interestingly, support for key presses is not included at this time, suggesting the biometric device is a fixed structure. By comparison, the Touch ID home button as implemented in iOS differentiates tap and press events, for example a double tap triggers Reachability, while a long press invokes Siri.

Apple is rumored to deliver a dramatically redesigned MacBook Pro model later this year. In a note to investors last month, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the forthcoming laptop will nix the top row of function keys in favor of a single OLED touch panel, potentially with integrated Touch ID fingerprint authentication technology.

22 Comments

suddenly newton 13819 comments · 14 Years

About 8 years ago

Let's see how outlandish and unrealistic we can drive these "OLED touch bar" rumors. /s

I'm gonna start things off by predicting that it will not only have a fingerprint sensor built in, it will also have a psychometric sensor that can see the fingerprints of your past lives.

why- 305 comments · 9 Years

I'm no engineer but wouldn't this thing need bezels?

coolfactor 2332 comments · 20 Years

Both Capslock and Numlock keys already have LEDs. That's nothing new.

suddenly newton said:

Let's see how outlandish and unrealistic we can drive these "OLED touch bar" rumors. /s

I'm gonna start things off by predicting that it will not only have a fingerprint sensor built in, it will also have a psychometric sensor that can see the fingerprints of your past lives.

If the Touchbar uses haptic feedback, then it would feel like real button presses. The only challenge being using it blindly. I'm a huge Esc key presser, so that key position better remain when I need it. :)

foljs 390 comments · 15 Years

coolfactor said:

Both Capslock and Numlock keys already have LEDs. That's nothing new.

You don't seem to understand APIs and how "kHIDUsage_LED_NumLock" and "kHIDUsage_LED_CapsLock" are new development -- that previously didn't need (or have) any APIs besides the generic keyboard API.

Not to mention there are TONS of other LED-related APIs there, such as: kHIDUsage_LED_PaperJam, kHIDUsage_LED_PaperOut, kHIDUsage_LED_Pause, kHIDUsage_LED_Play, kHIDUsage_LED_Record etc -- which don't have leds "already".