The Taiwan-based DigiTimes claims that Apple intends to adopt super-slim metal injection molding-made hinges for new “ultra-thin” MacBooks set to arrive in the second half of 2016.
As MacRumors explains, metal injection molding is commonly used for making minuscule metal pieces that typically feature in the internals of mobile devices such as the iPhone and Apple Watch. The new hinges should help with further trimming MacBook chassis sizes. DigiTimes adds that these unorthodox hinges will come from Amphenol, which claims to make some of the world’s thinnest sliding hinges.
However, it is unclear what exact MacBook line the news outlet is referring to here. Either the standard MacBook line, pictured above, or the MacBook Pro range could plausibly be in line for updated models during the cited launch period – with a possible announcement at WWDC, which is likely to be held in June.