What to Expect From an Apple Event in October: iPad Pro, M2 Macs, and More

Following its September event focused on new iPhone and Apple Watch models, Apple often holds another event in October focused on new iPad and Mac models, and this year will likely be no exception. October is still three weeks away, but we already have a good idea of the products that would likely be announced at an event next month.

iPhone News - 11-09-2022 13:32

For the October event, rumors suggest that Apple plans to announce new iPad Pro models with the M2 chip, a redesigned 10th-generation entry-level iPad, and at least a few more Macs powered by the M2 series of chips, with potential candidates including the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro, the Mac mini, and/or the Mac Pro.

iPad Pro With M2 Chip

Apple plans to release new iPad Pro models with the M2 chip and MagSafe wireless charging support in October, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch models of the iPad Pro are expected to be updated, but the 11-inch model is still not expected to feature a mini-LED display.

The next iPad Pro models will feature a similar chassis design as the current models, but with "four-pin connectors" on the top and bottom edges, according to Japanese blog Mac Otakara. The purpose of these connectors and whether they would replace the existing three-pin Smart Connector on the iPad Pro is unclear.

Apple last updated the iPad Pro in April 2021, with new features including the M1 chip, a Thunderbolt port, 5G support for cellular models, a mini-LED display on the 12.9-inch model, and an upgraded 12-megapixel front camera with support for Apple's Center Stage feature, which helps keep you within the frame in video apps like FaceTime.

10th-Generation iPad

Apple is expected to unveil a redesigned entry-level iPad in October with a larger 10.5-inch display, a USB-C port, and a flat-edged chassis with a rear camera bump. Other rumored features include an A14 Bionic chip and 5G support for cellular models.

 

While the 10th-generation iPad is expected to retain a Touch ID home button, rumors suggest the device will no longer have a headphone jack.

A questionable report from Mac Otakara claimed that the 10th-generation iPad will actually feature a Touch ID power button on the top edge of the chassis, like the latest iPad Air and iPad mini models. The report also claimed that the FaceTime camera could be positioned in the right bezel of the device for landscape usage.

Apple released the 9th-generation iPad in September 2021, with key features including a 10.2-inch display, an A13 Bionic chip, an upgraded 12-megapixel front camera with support for the Center Stage feature, True Tone, and double the base storage. In the U.S., the 10.2-inch iPad starts at $329 with 64GB of storage.

More Macs With M2 Chips

In late August, Gurman said Apple had been working on M2-based Mac mini, MacBook Pro, and Mac Pro models, adding that we were "likely to see at least a pair of those machines about two months from now," which lines up with October. However, it is possible that some of these Macs could be announced later in the year or next year.

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