MacBook Pro 2016 release date, specs rumors: New MacBook Pro has Magic Toolbar, no escape key; debuts Oct. 27?

Alleged images of the long-rumored Magic Toolbar on the MacBook Pro 2016 have been leaked just days ahead of the laptop's speculated Oct. 27 launch.

The images, which were uncovered by MacRumors, were reportedly hidden in the system files of the macOS Sierra 12.1 update. They confirmed the rumors, which began circulating early this year, that Apple has added a touchscreen bar to the keyboard of the MacBook Pro. The addition of the OLED touch panel means that the physical function keys at the top of the keyboard have been eliminated. There's no more escape key, no physical buttons for increasing and decreasing the screen's brightness as well as for controlling the volume.

Perhaps these settings, especially the ones used most often, will appear on the touch bar by default. But for many MacBook Pro users, especially people such as developers who frequently utilize the function keys, the new touch panel may pose a problem.

So why has Apple replaced the function keys with a touch bar? Previous reports indicated that the panel will present different "buttons" and options based on the apps that are being used. The Verge noted that the versatility of touchscreens was one of the major features of the original iPhone that the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs wanted to highlight. With the touch bar on the rumored MacBook Pro 2016, this technology could finally be coming to Apple's laptops.

The outlet also suggested that forcing MacBook Pro 2016 users out of their button instincts (pressing F2 to make the screen brighter, for instance) may be a way of getting them to rely more on Siri, which was recently made available to Apple's desktop and laptop computers via macOS Sierra.

The hidden images also revealed that Apple may have introduced the Touch ID sensor to the MacBook Pro 2016 and that it may be combined with the laptop's power button.

Tech Crunch suggested that based on the images, the MacBook Pro 2016 keyboard may be patterned after the one on the 12-inch retina MacBook, which has bigger keycaps.

Apple is expected to hold an event on Thursday, Oct. 27. It is unclear if the tech giant is actually unveiling the MacBook Pro 2016 at the event, but if it does, tech bloggers anticipate that it will debut alongside the rumored 13-inch MacBook Air.