Huge changes may be in store for Apple's MacBook Pro

That rumor about Apple redesigning the MacBook Pro might come true after all.

Corroborating a previous report from KGI Securities analyst Ming Chi-Kuo, Cult of Mac claims to have obtained photos of what could be the aluminum casing for a new MacBook Pro.

The "spy shots" reveal what appears to be a 13-inch MacBook Pro chassis. Look closely and you'll be able to spot some big changes.

Noticeably missing are the function keys that normally sit above the numbers row. The missing row matches up with a recent report that the new MacBook Pro will sport an OLED touch bar instead of function keys.

Replacing the function keys with a touch bar could allow for a multitude of different use cases. If it's indeed a screen, it could be used to display simple notifications, replace OS X's dock entirely, or allow for customizable shortcut buttons that change depending on the app in use. 

There are also a pair of speaker grilles flanking the keyboard. The 15-inch MacBook Pro is currently the only laptop in Apple's lineup with this kind of speaker grille on the left and right side of the keyboard; the 13-inch MacBook Pro has its speakers built into the vents underneath the hinge. This could suggest audio will get a big boost on the 13-inch MacBook Pro.

A second photo shows four USB-C ports (two on each side) and a headphone jack on the right side. 

A redesign for the MacBook Pro is due. Apple slimmed down the MacBook Pros in 2012 starting with the 15-inch Retina model, and the followed it up with the 13-inch Retina model in 2013. Both MacBooks dropped the optical disc drive, although Apple still continues to sell the 13-inch non-Retina MacBook Pro with it.

Apple will hold its Worldwide Developer Conference on June 13. It's possible Apple may show off the redesigned MacBook Pro. Ming Chi-Kuo's report, however, claims Apple may not announce them until later this year.

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