Apple has a big event planned for October 30. We already know there’ll be two new iPad Pro models to show off and a new report adds some more products to the mix.
According to well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (via MacRumors), Apple is going to unveil a pair of iPad Pros with better displays, USB-C connectivity, and a revamped Apple Pencil. Other rumors have indicated that they’ll be equipped with Face ID, no Home button, and thinner bezels.
iPad Mini 5 Incoming?
Kuo also believes there’s an iPad mini 5 in store. This is a big surprise since Apple hasn’t released a new model in the series since 2015. Everyone had naturally assumed the lineup was dead, especially in the face of the massive 6.5-inch iPhone XS Max.
The iPad mini 4 has a 7.9-inch 2048 x 1536p LCD screen. It seems the tablet’s sequel will have a lower-cost panel and an updated processor. There’s no word on whether it’ll feature slimmer bezels and no Home button like its Pro counterpart. Touch ID makes more sense for a budget iPad, but who knows what Apple is up to.
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Unfortunately, the analyst doesn’t know if the refreshed iPad mini will be launched next week or at a later date. Next week makes sense since Apple is launching a pair of iPad Pros anyway. A brand new mini variant could attract buyers on the hunt for a budget option, just in time for the upcoming holiday season in the US.
Kuo also had some insight into the long-in-the-works AirPower and AirPods 2. They’re either going to come out in the fourth quarter of 2018 or in the first quarter of 2019. Apple had promised to release the wireless charging mat in 2018 and time is running out for it to fulfill that pledge. Hopefully, we’ll see a fixed date announcement at its upcoming event.
Finally, Kuo expects a wave of new Macs to arrive on October 30, including new iMacs, Mac minis, and MacBooks. Everyone is predicting a new MacBook Air with an updated Retina display and better internals. Price-wise, it might stick to its current $999 cost or become cheaper.