What to expect from Apple’s October event: iPad Pro, M2 Macs, and more

After a September event focused on new iPhone and Apple Watch models, Apple often holds another event in October focused on new iPad and Mac models, and this year is likely no exception. October is still three weeks away, but we already have a pretty good idea of ​​what products are likely to be announced at next month’s event.

For the October event, rumors have it that Apple plans to announce new iPad Pro models with the M2 chip, a redesigned 10th-gen entry-level iPad, and at least a few other Macs powered by the M2 series, with potential candidates including the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and/or Mac Pro.

iPad Pro with M2 chip

Apple plans to release new iPad Pro models With M2 chip and MagSafe wireless charging Support in October, according to BloombergMark Gorman. Both 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models are expected to be updated, but the 11-inch model is It is still not expected to feature a small LED screen.

The following iPad Pro models will feature a chassis design similar to current models, but with Four-pin connectors on the top and bottom edgesaccording to the Japanese blog Mac Otakara. The purpose of these connectors and whether they will replace the three-pin smart connector on the iPad Pro is unclear.

Apple last updated the iPad Pro in April 2021, with new features including an M1 chip, a Thunderbolt port, 5G support for cellular models, a 12.9-inch mini LED display, and an upgraded 12MP front camera with support for Apple’s Center Stage feature. Helps keep you in frame in video apps like FaceTime.

iPad of the 10th generation

Apple is expected to unveil a redesigned entry-level iPad in October with a Larger 10.5 inch screenAnd the USB-C . portand Flat bezel body with rear camera bump. Other rumored features include the A14 Bionic chip and 5G support for cellular models.

While the 10th generation iPad is expected to retain the Touch ID home button, rumors suggest that the device will no longer have a headphone jack.

Doubtful report from Mac Otakara He claimed that the tenth generation of iPad will It actually has a Touch ID power button On the top edge of the chassis, like the latest iPad Air and iPad mini models. The report also claimed that the FaceTime camera can be placed in the right frame of the device for landscape use.

Apple released the 9th generation iPad in September 2021, with key features including a 10.2-inch display, A13 Bionic chip, an upgraded 12MP front camera with Center Stage and True Tone support, and double the base storage. In the US, the 10.2-inch iPad starts at $329 with 64GB of storage.

More Macs with M2 Chips

In late August, Gorman said that Apple was working on the M2-based Mac mini, MacBook Pro, and Mac Pro models, adding that “we’re likely to see at least a pair of these in about two months from now.” with October. However, some of these Macs will likely be announced later in the year or next.

Mac mini with M2 and M2 Pro chipsets

Apple released the Mac mini with the M1 chip as one of Apple’s first three silicone Macs in November 2020. Almost two years later, there’s a new version of the Mac mini with the M2 chip on the horizon, according to Gurman.

Apple is still selling a higher-priced Mac mini configuration with Intel processors, but Gurman said it will be Behind the M2 Pro chip model.

MacBook Pro with M2 Pro and M2 Max chipsets

Apple’s next-generation 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M2 Pro and M2 Max chipsets are “Good at development and testing, “and planned for release” early this fall, according to Gorman. As has been the norm in recent years, Gorman said the time frame could be delayed due to supply chain disruptions or other factors.

While some reports have indicated that the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips may be Apple’s first 3nm chips, it seems increasingly likely that the chips will 5 nanometers left. The chips will still have modest performance improvements over the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, and it’s also likely that the number of GPU cores and unified memory (RAM) will be increased.

Mac Pro with M2 Ultra and “M2 Extreme” chipsets

After the Mac Studio was announced at its March 2022 event, Apple teased that Apple’s silicon version of the Mac Pro tower It was coming later.

Back in 2020, Apple said its transition from Intel processors to Apple’s silicon chips across its Mac lineup would take about two years to complete, so the new Mac Pro is expected to be announced by the end of 2022.

It will be the new Mac Pro Equipped with “M2 Ultra” and “M2 Extreme” chipsAccording to Gorman. The new Mac Pro will likely be smaller due to the switch to Apple silicon, but it’s unclear if the desktop computer will see any major design changes compared to the current Intel-based model released in December 2019.

The new Mac Pro will be the fastest Mac ever, leading the Mac Studio with the M1 Ultra chip.

Apple TV with A14 chip?

Apple plans to launch a New Apple TV ‘with improved cost structure’ In the second half of 2022, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, but it is unclear whether the device will be announced during the October event or at some other time.

New Apple TV in development With A14 chip and 4GB RAM, according to Gorman, but it is unclear whether this model is the same as that indicated by Kuo. Either way, internal upgrades will result in faster performance compared to the current Apple TV 4K, which is equipped with an A12 chip and 3GB of RAM.

The current Apple TV 4K was released in April 2021 at $179 with 32GB of storage, while the Apple TV HD remains available for $149. In comparison, there are many streaming sticks from brands like Chromecast and Roku available for between $25 and $100.

iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura release dates

Apple says iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura It will be released in OctoberExact release dates are likely to be announced at this event.