Apple event October 2018: What we expect Apple to announce
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Loading... - Jason Russ
- 30 Oct 2021
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Apple will announce a new set of devices shortly and the rumours have been building up for some time. We're most certain about a new pair of iPad Pros, but there are other devices that could be launched too.
To help, we've put a list together that we've ranked in order of likelihood.
iPad Pro 3
We're 99.99% positive that Apple will announce a new iPad range at this event.
Expect two models, as before. The sizes are uncertain this time around though because the rumours all suggest that the iPad is getting an edge-to-edge screen with a minimal bezel.
Perhaps Apple will call this the iPad Pro X because these models borrow from the iPhone X and Xs in a major way. Expect Face ID to be the secure login for the new iPads.
It's also likely we'll see touch gestures like the iPhone X, where the home button is replaced with swiping. Some might fear this, but on the iPhone it's so intuitive we really can't wait to see the back of the button.
Macbook Air
Rumours about an updated Macbook Air are nearly as old as the hills now. Apple has always tweaked the hardware in this popular laptop, but it's been a long time since it had a major update.
The problem for Apple is not cannibalising sales of the more expensive Macbook with a cheaper, potentially more powerful, product.
Apple would want the new Air to include USB-C as that's what it uses on the Macbook. Perhaps the new Air will keep some extra sockets like a traditional USB port and maybe even the SD card slot
A retina screen is very likely. If Apple keeps the Air as a larger device (compared to the tiny Macbook) then it can fit a lot of battery capacity in and keep the much-loved all-day power the Air boasts.
Expect a new range of processors too, and with it perhaps a little more grunt in the graphics department.
Apple Pencil
Rumours for this are a little sketchy (yes, deliberate) but new iPad Pros suggest that the old Apple Pencil might get an update.
This might be as simple as making it smaller through to adding entirely new features.
One idea floated is that the Pencil will get the AirPod feature of proximity pairing. Before you inserted the Pencil's lightning connector into the device to connect - that might go wireless soon.
Less interesting rumours indicate a magnetic attachment between the Pencil and iPad. That's a handy feature though, even if not the most fascinating rumour.
Mac Mini
The Mini is a great machine. It's the perfect family computer, it's affordable and offers amazing features for those learning computer skills.
The existing Mini is fine for most uses, but getting new options for processors might help boost sales.
Pushing the Mini so that it can compete with Windows-based PCs for creative work, like video editing at 4K might also give Apple a big sales boost. The Mac Pro is out of the reach of most starting out.
Imagine if the Mini became a hobbyist version of the Pro, that would be awesome.
AirPower and AirPods
The AirPods will get an update at some point. They will get wireless charging and better sound quality. Maybe even improved fit in the ears.
AirPower we know is coming, but Apple has reportedly got some issues getting the device to work reliably. We don't know what's going on here, and Apple is silent on it.
We're excited for both, but we don't think they'll get announced tomorrow. This is more a creativity launch, and these devices feel wrong for that.
