Redesigned MacBook Pro leaks ahead of launch: What's a touch strip doing on the keyboard?

Apple is all-set to host its second event this year and this time it is going to be all about the laptops.

The event will be taking place at the company's campus in Cupertino and fans around the world can watch the event live from the company's official site.

Nothing is official from the company regarding what it plans to launch on Thursday, but there have been some strong suggestions from industry experts.

Shortly after KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested that the iPhone-maker would launch two redesigned MacBook Pro with 13-inch and 15-inch screens along with a new OLED touch bar and a Touch ID sensor, photos of the unannounced MacBook Pro were leaked to confirm the latest change.

MacRumours picked up some hidden Apple Pay images from the macOS Sierra 10.12.1 update that was released on Monday and offered a closer look at the redesigned MacBook Pro.

The leaked images show an OLED touch panel located just above the keyboard, which also has Touch ID used for authentication.

According to the report, the touch panel is referred to as "Magic Toolbar", which will coincide with what appears on the screen.

In the leaked photo, the Magic Toolbar shows an Apple Pay dialog while the screen shows a confirmation of a purchase, which requires an authentication via Touch ID. Simply by placing the finger on the Touch ID located at the extreme right side of the Magic Toolbar, the user can complete the transaction.

The Touch ID is not reserved for payment authentication, but can also be used to unlock apps as the icons in the resource files of the macOS Sierra 10.12.1 suggest.

Another notable change as seen in the MacBook Pro is the placement of the speakers located at the sides of the keyboard. Also, the leaked model appears to be a 13-inch MacBook Pro and rumours suggest the new machine will be thinner and lighter than the current models.

Apple will officially announce the new MacBOok Pro on October 27 at 10 am. The event will also be used as a platform to unveil a new MacBook Air and possibly the new iMacs, according to the rumours. We'll provide live updates of the event on Thursday, so stay tuned.