These pictures show how insanely cool the next MacBook Pro could look (AAPL)

Martin Hajek

Based on parts that leaked and credible reports, the MacBook Pro expected to launch later this year is shaping up to be very cool.

Now 3D-render master Martin Hajek has produced detailed pictures of what the new MacBook could look like, and they're incredibly exciting for anyone who might be considering buying a MacBook Pro later this year.

The biggest rumored new feature on the MacBook Pro is a touchscreen display integrated into the keyboard, located where the function keys would normally go.

The idea is that programs — like Photoshop or Siri — could use the touchpad to display custom shortcuts depending on what the user is doing at the moment. Hajek provides a beautiful example in his renders using Spotify, which could use the screen to display the current track along with touchscreen play, pause, and next-track buttons. 

Of course, the pessimistic take on this new touchpad is that it requires third-party support, and like some of Apple's new interface tweaks, like 3D Touch, the installed base might not be large enough for developers to devote time to it. (In one worst-case scenario, the touchpad could become like the edge screen on Samsung's Galaxy Edge phones — nice to have, but not essential.)

Still, it's fun to imagine what the next MacBook Pro could look like. 

You can see all of the MacBook Pro renders below, reproduced with permission. Check out Hajek's website for more device renders, or follow him on Twitter @deplaatjesmaker for the latest.

A case leak cutout showed that the function keys were likely to be replaced by a touchscreen. However, there are rumors that the MacBook Pro will have a TouchID fingerprint sensor as well, and that's not depicted in these renders.

The touchscreen bar could be a great place for the traditional Mac menu bar.

It could certainly free up valuable screen real estate.

See the rest of the story at Business Insider