WEB DESK: Apple is reportedly preparing to host two separate product events this month, with the first potentially taking place as early as October 13. The event is expected to centre on the company’s long-rumoured smart home hub featuring a square 7-inch display.
Alongside the smart home device, Apple could also unveil an updated Apple TV 4K and a refreshed HomePod mini equipped with enhanced Siri AI capabilities.
The next-generation iPad mini is also tipped to make an appearance. The compact tablet is expected to receive an Apple A20 Pro chip and could mark Apple’s first move to an OLED display for the iPad mini lineup.
However, according to leaker yeux1122, the tablet may feature a 60Hz LTPS OLED panel rather than the more advanced 120Hz LTPO technology. The lower refresh rate could result in less fluid animations and may be a drawback for users who primarily use the device for gaming.
Despite that limitation, the combination of a powerful processor and compact form factor could still make the upcoming iPad mini an appealing gaming device.
New Macs expected later in October
Apple is also reportedly planning a second event toward the end of October, with the focus shifting to its Mac lineup.
The biggest announcement could be a redesigned MacBook Pro, which has been rumoured to carry the MacBook Ultra name. Bloomberg editor Mark Gurman previously reported that the new model would be significantly lighter, while his latest information suggests the laptop will be only marginally thinner.
For comparison, the current 14-inch MacBook Pro measures 15.5mm in thickness and weighs around 1.6kg, while the 16-inch model is 16.8mm thick and weighs approximately 2.15kg.
The redesigned machine is also expected to feature an OLED touchscreen, with Apple reportedly replacing the traditional display notch with a Dynamic Island.
On the performance side, however, the upcoming MacBook Pro may retain the existing M5 Pro and M5 Max processors rather than introducing a new generation of Apple silicon.
