At its huge press event last month, Apple took the wraps off the iPhone XS, XR and Apple Watch Series 4. But we don’t think that’s everything the company is going to unveil this season.
Here are five good reasons why we think Apple will hold another press event in October to show us new tablets, laptops and desktops.
Reason #1: Apple does this all the time
There’s a second Apple press event 60 percent of the time. It’s possible many people have forgotten that because there hasn’t been one in a couple of years. Even so, in the past decade, Apple has held October events to announce new products in 2016, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2010 and 2008.
All of these came about a month after an Apple press event in which new iPhone models were announced.
Reason #2: iOS 12.1 says there’s a new iPad coming
Buried in the code for the first iOS 12.1 beta is a mention of a model called “iPad2018Fall.” That’s not an obscure reference that needs translating. It clearly states Apple is going to release an iPad in the fall of 2018.
Even better, the iOS 12 beta also includes support for 4K external displays. That’s something that isn’t physically possible with the ports in Apple’s current tablets, clearly indicating that new models are on the way. The smart money is on USB-C being added.
And the debut of this new iPad(s) will surely be at a press event. No new iPad has even been announced without one. And three out of the last four October events have featured an iOS tablet.
Reason #3: Lots of other iPad details
Part of the reason some people were surprised that there was no new iPad at the Sept. 12 event is that tons of details about an upcoming tablet had leaked out. These features aren’t mentioned in iOS 12, but there sure are a lot of them.
According to all the rumors, the next iPads will follow the design cues of the 2018 iPhones: no Home button, slim bezels and Face ID. Multiple unconfirmed reports indicate they’ll keep the same 12.9- and 10.5-inch screen sizes, but shrinking the bezels will allow them to be smaller overall.
Reason #4: Rumors of a redesigned MacBook Air
This month’s anticipated event won’t be just about iPad. There have been several unconfirmed reports of a 2018 MacBook Air.
About the only thing these agree on is that this refresh will bring a long-overdue Retina display. Beyond that, however, reports differ on whether the screen will get larger, or if it will stay the same 13.3 inches and the bezels around it will shrink.
The addition of USB-C seems safe, as well as the same $999 price. Apple has had no luck replacing the MacBook Air with pricier models.
Reason #5: Don’t forget the Mac mini Pro
Our expectations for any Apple October press event include a refresh for the Mac mini, which hasn’t been updated since 2014.
This model supposedly will target professionals, which is why some have been calling it the “Mac mini Pro.” The small size isn’t expected to change, but Apple will likely include newer Intel processors and additional RAM and storage options.
And that’s our five reasons why we expect reporters will soon be trekking off to the Steve Jobs Theater an the new Apple campus to see Tim Cook and Co. unveil a wide range of updated hardware.
Unfortunately, guessing when the event will be held is nigh impossible. The previous six October events were on October 14, 20, 23, 22, 16, and 27. There’s clearly no pattern. But this year’s iteration is at least a week away because Apple hasn’t sent out press invitations yet.
