Apple is holding an event on Tuesday, October 30, where the Cupertino firm is expected to debut new iPad Pro and Mac devices. They may also unveil a few other devices and accessories. Let’s take a look at what we might see during the event.
Apple is expected to unveil new iPad Pro models with a style that somewhat mimics the style of the iPhone XS lineup. The new tablets will boast slimmer bezels and no Home button, and will include Apple’s TrueDepth camera system, replacing Touch ID with FaceID for biometric authentication.
Some believe the new iPad Pro models will include the notch as found on the latest iPhones. Apple moved the time indicator on the iPad screen to the left in iOS 12, bolstering rumors that the new iPads will include a notch.
Apple is said to not be using OLED displays on the new iPads, due to their cost. and because of production issues.
A recent case maker’s rendering of the upcoming pro-level tablet. The case maker indicates the new smaller iPad Pro will be 7-inches wide and 9.7-inches tall, while the larger model will be 8.5-inches wide and 11-inches tall.
The smaller iPad Pro could be as thin as 5.86mm, but no thickness numbers have surface for the larger model. Bezels for both models could measure in at 6mm on all sides of the device.
The Smart Connector on the new iPad Pro is expected to be located on the bottom of the device, moving from its current side location. Rumors indicate the bottom connector will be for use with a new Smart Keyboard.
The new iPads are said to be able to use FaceID in both horizontal and vertical orientations, as code in iOS 12.1 suggests the technology will work in both orientations.
Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the new iPad Pro will feature a USB-C port, replacing the current Lightning Port. Rumors also claim the new Pro lineup will do away with the headphone jack.
The new iPad Pros are expected to feature an A12X Bionic chip, with more power than the A12 Bionic used in this year’s new iPhone lineup.
Ming-Chi Kuo also expects Apple to debut a new iPad mini with an upgraded processor and a lower-cost display panel, but he hasn’t nailed down the release date. Kuo expects to see the new model in late 2018 or early 2019, but isn’t sure if they’ll be unveiled at Tuesday’s shindig.
Apple is also expected to debut a new Apple Pencil 2 boasting a new design. Rumors indicate the new stylus will offer an AirPods-like pairing experience, and the ability to switch the stylus between devices without the need to plug it into the Lightning port.
Leaker Benjamin Geskin claims the new Apple Pencil will sport a more minimalistic design, will be missing the silver rail on top, will be magnetically attachable to the new iPad, will offer a new charging method, and tap and swipe gestures along the pencil.
Apple is said to have a 13-inch MacBook Air in the works, but it isn’t clear if the Cupertino firm will retain the MacBook Air name or if they’ll simply call it a MacBook.
However, most information about the new notebook indicate the screen will measure in at 13-inches and will be a Retina display. The design is said to be similar to the current 13-inch MacBook Air, but will sport slimmer bezels.
The new laptops could possibly use Intel’s new Whiskey Lake chips, which were announced by Intel back in August.
Pricing has been rumored to be anywhere from $799 to $1,200. However, Bloomberg has said its price will be sub $1,000.
Apple’s current MacBook lineup could get a refresh, with Intel’s 8th-generation Amber Lake Y-series processors, announced in August. The new chips offer improved battery life and performance.
Analyst Kuo says Apple has an updated iMac in the works and could unveil it on October 30. The new iMacs could feature Intel’s new 8th-generation processors, and possibly the new T2 chips that debuted in the iMac Pro and are currently in use in the MacBook Pro lineup.
Last but not least among Mac expectations is the long-awaited update to the Mac mini lineup. The upgraded device is expected to feature updated processor and storage options, and some models could be aimed at “Pro” users, so some models could boast high-end features.
While I am of the opinion Apple has given up on the AirPower and simply hopes that we’ll all let it quietly fade away, there are some that believe the wireless charging pad could make an appearance at Tuesday’s shindig, or at least be mentioned.
If the AirPower does see the light of day on Tuesday, the AirPods wireless charging case will likely appear alongside. In addition, an updated AirPods model could debut, featuring the wireless charging case and “Hey Siri”
The Apple event will kick off at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, 7 a.m. Pacific Time on October 30, 2018, in New York City.
Apple will live stream the event, and it can be viewed via the Events app on your Apple TV, or in your device’s browser on the company’s events website.
If you’re unable to view the event, don’t fret about it, as we’ll be here to tell you all about it.
