Last year we heard rumors that Apple could be looking to introduce redesigned, thinner MacBooks for 2016. This report was further substantiated by a new report from last month which seemingly confirmed that these new “ultra thin” MacBooks were on track for a 2016 launch and possibly during WWDC.
That being said, how does Apple plan on achieving this thin design? According to a report from DigiTimes (via MacRumors), this will be achieved through metal injection mold-made hinges. For those unfamiliar, metal injection molding is a process used to create very small metal pieces, and so far it has typically been reserved for the internals of Apple’s mobile products like the iPhone and Apple Watch.
However by applying this process to the MacBook, it could in theory help reduce the bulk of the laptops and in turn help Apple achieve that “ultra thin” design. The new hinges are also said to be supplied by Amphenol, who on their website boasts that they provide the thinnest sliding hinges in the world.
Apple has been trying to make its laptops as thin as possible over the past few years, so we have to wonder with this new process if they will be able to achieve that? In any case take it with a grain of salt, but hopefully we will find out more at WWDC soon.
Filed in . Read more about Macbook.