October Is Here: All the Rumors on New MacBooks, iPads, and What’s Next from Apple
- Apple’s October event could bring a redesigned Mac mini—smaller and sleeker.
- iPad Mini fans, you’ve waited three years… and the new version might finally be here.
- M4 chips in MacBook Pros are coming—and they’re faster than ever before.
Apple is set to continue its busy product launch season this October with rumored updates to its MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iPad, and more. While September’s “It’s Glowtime” event focused on the new iPhone models, October is traditionally when the company introduces updates to its Mac and iPad lineup. Here’s what to expect from Apple’s rumored October 2024 event.
Macs to Watch: M4 MacBook Pro and Mac mini
MacBook Pro: Apple is expected to unveil updated 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models featuring the new M4 chip. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, while there won’t be any significant design changes, the real upgrade lies in the M4's enhanced efficiency, made possible by second-generation 3-nanometer technology. This chip boasts two more efficiency cores compared to its predecessor, resulting in improved performance and battery life.
Photo via 9to5Mac // Apple fans are eagerly awaiting Apple's next-gen M4 MacBook Pro.
Versions Expected:
- M4
- M4 Pro
- M4 Max
These updates mirror Apple’s strategy from last year, where the M3 Pro and M3 Max processors made their debut at a similar event. However, consumers shouldn’t expect any major changes to the MacBook Pro’s design until at least 2026.
Mac mini: Rumors also suggest the Mac mini is getting its first major redesign since 2010. Apple is reportedly planning to make this desktop even smaller, almost approaching the size of an Apple TV. The compact device will come in two configurations: M4 and M4 Pro.
Interestingly, the Mac mini is expected to lose USB-A ports, relying instead on five USB-C ports, two of which will be located at the front. Pricing details are still unclear, but it’s anticipated to be in the same range as previous models, starting around $599.
Photo via AppleInsider // Left: New Mac mini concept. Right: Current Apple TV for scale. The new Mac mini, rumored to be nearly the size of an Apple TV, set to debut this October.
iPads: New iPad mini and Budget iPad
iPad mini 7: Apple fans have waited three years for a new iPad mini, and their patience may finally be rewarded this October. The iPad Mini 7 is likely to be a performance upgrade, focusing on faster internal components. The 2021 model introduced a larger 8.3-inch display, and this new version is expected to maintain that form factor while delivering a more powerful chip.
While not much else is known, previous complaints about "jelly scrolling" — where text appears to shift when scrolling in portrait mode — could be addressed in this update.
Photo via Miror Pro (via YouTube) // Rumored specs for the iPad Mini 7 hint at a new A16 Bionic chip and more RAM.
iPad 11: For those looking for a more affordable option, Apple’s iPad 11 is expected to make its debut this month as well. The iPad 10, released in 2022, saw a price drop earlier this year, and it’s likely that the iPad 11 will follow suit, starting at $349. Similar to the iPad Mini, this model is expected to feature internal improvements rather than a design overhaul.
Photo via Lifewire // Apple's upcoming 11th-generation iPad might feature a new display upgrade.
What’s Not Coming: iPhone SE 4 and Apple TV
Despite rumors swirling around an iPhone SE 4, fans of Apple’s budget iPhone will have to wait until 2025. The SE’s next iteration is likely to sport an OLED screen and could ditch the Home button entirely. Historically, Apple has released new SE models in the spring, so it’s no surprise that the next release is still several months away.
Similarly, there were hopes for a new Apple TV in 2024, but Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman squashed those expectations. While Apple has been working on an update to the set-top box, no new model is expected anytime soon.
The Possibility of No Event?
Although an Apple event in October seems highly probable, there’s always the chance the company could choose a quieter approach. Apple has sometimes opted for press releases to introduce new products rather than holding a full event. This was the case with the launch of the M3 MacBook Air earlier this year, where no major event accompanied its release.
Stay Tuned
Whether Apple chooses to hold a grand event or quietly releases updates, October is shaping up to be another significant month for Mac and iPad users. With exciting upgrades like the M4 MacBook Pro and a redesigned Mac mini on the horizon, Apple fans should keep their eyes peeled for official announcements soon.
As always, Apple Scoop will have full coverage of the event, so stay tuned for more updates.
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Published to Apple Scoop on 1st October, 2024.
