Apple launched three new iPhones, the Apple Watch Series 4, iOS 12, watchOS 5, tvOS 12, and macOS Mojave at the September event. However, the company made no Mac or iPad Pro-related announcements. Now there are speculations that Apple will announce these products and more at another event this month.
Will there be an Apple event in October?
Apple has traditionally used October to announce Mac and iPad Pro hardware updates. Although it could very well release the new hardware via a press release and then follow it up with private press briefings, that would be unlike Apple.
The company held October events in 2016, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2010 and 2008, so there is a good chance of an Apple event in October this year as well. The first iOS 12.1 beta also hinted at an Apple event in October. The code included the term “iPad2018Fall,” suggesting Apple could release an iPad this fall.
Now that we have a fair idea about the chances of an Apple event in October this year, the next question is which day. In 2016, Apple hosted an event on Oct. 27, and that event was announced on Oct. 19. However, this year Apple could hold an event sometime before the iPhone XR hits stores. Pre-orders for the iPhone XR start on Oct. 19, while the handset will reach customers a week later.
It would make sense for Apple to reveal the other new products in the days leading up to the iPhone XR pre-order date so they could be pre-ordered and released on the same date as the iPhone XR.
What to expect from the Apple event in October event
Apple is expected to announce two new variants of the iPad Pro in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes. Both new variants are rumored to come with Face ID and a USB Type-C port instead of the Lightning Port. Apple is also expected to trim the bezels on this year’s iPads, enhancing their screen-to-body ratio.
There are also speculations that Apple will ditch the home button on the new iPad. Further, the new iPad Pros will likely be powered by the A12 chip or the new A11X chip or 7nm processor. Apple’s current iPad Pro uses the A10X chip.
Expect some information on the AirPower as well during the Apple event in October, if one is held. Apple showcased the AirPower, a wireless charging mat which can charge an iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods simultaneously, at the iPhone event in 2017. Previously, Apple has said the AirPower is a “work in progress” and promised to share more information this year.
There have been several bits of evidence hinting at the launch of the AirPower, like the iOS 12.1 beta code, the iPhone XS manual and more. However, Apple has been silent so far. There are also reports that Apple is facing technical challenges in developing the charging mat.
Another product Apple may talk about at the event in October is the AirPods 2. Apple’s next-gen wireless earphones are expected to be completely water resistant and offer better battery and audio quality. However, the wireless charging case for the AirPods, which has already been shown, likely depends on the AirPower’s debut.
Something for Mac fans
The Apple event in October could be a big one for Mac fans with plenty of additions to the current lineup. In July, Apple upgraded the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pros by adding a True Tone display, Hey Siri, and higher core options. Now Apple is expected to announce at least one new Mac design.
The MacBook Air has long been due for a hardware upgrade. Thus, Apple is expected to announce a new MacBook Air with Touch ID in two variants: with and without the Touch Bar. The prices will certainly be higher, somewhere in the $1,000 to $1,500 range.
Apple is also expected to give a much-deserved update to the Mac mini, which hasn’t been updated since 2014. The new model will likely be aimed at professionals, so that is why the rumors are referring to it as the “Mac mini Pro.” This fall Apple may finally update the Mac mini with modern specs like new Intel processors and more RAM but leave it the same size.
Apple’s iMac is also due for an update. Reports suggest the new iMac will have major display performance upgrades. Apple last updated the iMac lineup in June 2017, and the iMac Pro reached buyers in December 2017. Apple may update both versions this time. However, considering the Pro variant is only a year old, Apple could focus only the iMac. The company may update the iMac Pro when it introduces the 2019 Mac Pro, which has already been announced.
