Apple has announced that it will be holding its next media event on October 22nd, which is in line with expectations. The event will take place at 10 AM Pacific/1 PM Eastern Time at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, California.
The event will likely showcase new versions of the iPad, including a redesigned full-sized model that looks like a larger iPad mini and a new iPad mini that boasts a Retina display.
Also in Apple’s pipeline are new iWork suites, a new version of the Apple TV, new MacBook Pros with faster chipsets, OS X Mavericks, and the new Mac Pro. It’s unclear which of the aforementioned products will actually get stage time this time around, but the new Mac Pro, MacBook Pros, and OS X Mavericks are the most likely to appear in addition to the tablets…
As we previously reported, OS X Mavericks will be available in late October, making the timing for final details, such as pricing, perfect for the media event. The new Mac Pro was introduced earlier this year, and Apple has previously said it will ship this fall. Recent reports indicate that Apple is already preparing to put the new computer into production.
Apple typically releases its new iOS Devices around a week following their unveilings. So, it would make sense for the new iPads to arrive in stores around November 1st. However, there has been talk about delays (or constraints) for the iPad mini with Retina display. Though it would not be unprecedented for Apple to hold the launch (even with low supplies) as soon as November 1st.
The primary focus is expected to be on the iPad, with both of Apple’s tablets undergoing a refresh. Rumors and leaks point to the two models taking cues from one another: photos show a slimmer, narrower 9.7-inch iPad that looks more like last year’s iPad mini, and a 7.8-inch mini with a Retina display that will look as good as its larger sibling. Apple’s Touch ID fingerprint sensor is a likely new addition to the lineup, as is Apple’s new A7 processor. Less certain is whether or not the iPad will follow in the iPhone 5C’s colorful footsteps, or if Apple might be working on a new screen size entirely.
