This week on The CultCast: Is Apple about to make massive updates across the entire Mac line? Don’t miss our Oct. 27 Mac event predictions! Plus: Decoding the Apple event invitation, and everything we know about Nintendo Switch.
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Our Mac event predictions
MacBook Pro
It’s been 528 days since its last update (average is 268), and four years since its last major overhaul.
We expect:
- OLED display bar.
- Touch ID power button and four USB-C ports (with Thunderbolt 3 compatibility).
- The MagSafe port reportedly will be scrapped.
- Upgrade to 4K 4,096-by-2,160 screen resolution from current 2,880-by-1,800 resolution.
Macbook Air, Apple’s cheapest computer
It’s been 591 days since its last update (average is 350).
We expect:
- Overall design of the MacBook Air will likely remain the same.
- The machines are expected to be updated with USB-C support, according to a new Bloomberg report.
- Updated internals for sure.
- Retina display is possible but may not happen since this is now Apple’s budget machine.
- According to Macotakara, no more 11-inch model.
MacBook
Nuthin’ … the 12-inch MacBook got updated with Intel Skylake processors and a new rose gold color option in April 2016.
iMac
It’s been 374 days since its last update (average is 317).
We haven’t heard a peep about updates. Likely just updated internals, but possibility of larger screen with curved display.
Mac Pro
It’s been 1,037 days since since the Mac Pro’s release, with no updates since then. Average update is 449 days.
Major internal updates expected with a possibe design overhaul.
Mac mini
It’s been 735 days since last update (average is 438).
No rumors.
We’re expecting internal updates, but that’s probably it.
New Cinema Display
In June 2016, the Cinema Display was discontinued.
There have been rumors of a new “Thunderbolt Display” that will feature a 5K display and an external GPU in the display itself, so even underpowered Macs can run it.
Apple accessories
The Magic Trackpad 2 with Multi-Touch and Force Touch was announced October 13, 2015, along with the Magic Mouse 2 and Magic Keyboard, so there probably won’t be any updates for Apple accessories. It’s possible we get an updated Magic Keyboard with OLED display bar.