Everything you can expect from Apple’s October Mac event


    If this week’s “California Streaming” event didn’t blow you away, maybe an October Apple event focused on Macs will. Expectations are high: We could see the debut of as many as four different models, all powered by a new Apple M-series processor.

    Here are the computers that leaks and rumors say are coming. But we could always be surprised. Again.

    Enter the Apple M1X processor

    Moving Apple computers away from Intel processors is an ongoing process, with the first M1-powered Macs landing last November. The next step involves Apple’s second-generation chip. It’s supposedly an improved version of the original, likely dubbed the M1X.

    The 10-core processor will pack eight high-performance cores and two energy-efficient ones, according to published reports. For comparison, the original M1 features four high-performance cores and four energy-efficient ones. The M1X allegedly will sport either 16 or 32 graphics cores, depending on configuration. That’s up from eight graphics cores in the M1.

    The M1 Macs blew everyone away with their killer combo of power and efficiency. These enhancements should bring considerable performance gains for regular and graphics-intensive tasks. And that could benefit every Mac at the Apple October event.

    Redesigned 16-inch and 14-inch MacBook Pros

    Even if they didn’t come with a faster processor, there’s still be plenty of anticipation for a new round of macOS notebooks, as they’re supposedly getting significant redesigns. That includes the return of a built-in SD card reader and an HDMI port. And a MagSafe charger. But no LED Touch Bar. Plus, these could be the first Macs with mini-LED displays.

    Apple supposedly plans two sizes of pro laptops. One will replace the current 16-inch MacBook Pro, while the other will be the first 14-inch MacBook Pro. Supposedly, the size will be the only significant difference between these two.

    Various tipsters say both versions will arrive this autumn. At an Apple October event maybe?

    A bigger iMac

    Earlier in 2021, Apple replaced the 21-inch iMac with a super-slim 24-inch version built around the M1 processor. It’s possible this device will get an upgrade to the M1X.

    But the 27-inch iMac is one of the few products left in Apple’s lineup with an Intel chip. A replacement is rumored, with an M1X and a larger display. That said, how much larger is unknown. Could be 30 inches, could be 32 inches. Whatever the size, it’s likely to borrow much from the 24-inch iMac, like a svelte design and a magnetic power cable attachment.

    Mac mini speed bump

    If Apple does unveil a new chip, it only makes sense to put it into the Mac mini. Remember that the 2020 Mac mini was one of the first with an M1 chip.

    And that’s not all — there’s rumored to be a redesign that could shrink the device even further. But the M1X Mac mini reportedly will find room for double the number of Thunderbolt ports. And a magnetic power cable attachment like the 24-inch iMac.

    Sources point to a launch before the end of 2021. So … October maybe?

    AirPods 3 at last

    Obviously, AirPods aren’t Macs. But Apple supposedly has a new version ready to go and these might be on the docket for the Apple October event, too.

    AirPods 3 are expected to be a mix of AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro, with shorter stems but no silicone tips. And no active noise cancellation. Alternatively, Apple could just announce its upgraded AirPods via a press release sometime this autumn.

    An Apple October event? Or maybe November.

    Please note that almost all the leaks and rumors about these new devices come with vague time predictions. Generally, they point to releases this autumn or before the end of 2021. This means there could be a big Apple event in October to unveil them, but it could happen later instead.

    Remember, the M1-powered MacBooks and Mac mini were unveiled during a November 2021 event. History might repeat itself. Plus, beta testers know that macOS Monterey is not near release.





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