Joe Rossignol
Apple's chief marketing officer Greg Joswiak said today that the company has “an exciting week of announcements” planned for next week. Joswiak said “Mac your calendars,” and the post includes an animated icon for the Finder app on the Mac, so it’s clear that at least some of next week’s announcements will be Mac-related.
Subscribe to MacRumors on YouTube for more videos!
Below, we’ve summarized what to expect from Apple’s announcements next week.
Hardware
MacBook Pro
Apple is expected to announce new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, including an entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M4 chip, as well as higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips.
There have been no rumors of any major changes to the laptops' external design this year, with improvements like an OLED display and thinner design not expected until 2026. However, the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro is expected to get an additional Thunderbolt port over the current model, based on alleged leaks earlier this month. Those same leaks also revealed that the MacBook Pro lineup could finally launch with 16GB of RAM, instead of the 8GB that was rumored before the leaks.
Apple last redesigned the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros in 2021, and the last models with the M3 chip family were released last October.
iMac
The next iMac is expected to feature the standard M4 chip, rather than the M3 chip in the current model that launched a year ago. There have been no rumors of any major design changes to Apple's all-in-one desktop this year.
It's likely that the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad accessories that come with the iMac will finally feature USB-C ports as part of Apple's move away from Lightning. More on that below.
Mac mini
Smaller Mac mini concept
The next Mac mini is expected to be available with both the M4 and M4 Pro chips. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman expects the next Mac mini to be smaller, bringing it closer in size to the Apple TV, and he said the computer will get two USB-C ports on the front. Overall, the Mac mini is expected to get its biggest redesign since 2010.
It's unclear whether the next Mac mini will also start with 16GB of RAM, up from the current 8GB.
USB-C Magic Accessories
MacRumors writer Aaron Parris recently discovered references to code for new versions of the Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Keyboard, and those accessories will likely switch from Lightning to USB-C for charging along with the new iMac. In the EU, a regulation requiring USB-C as a common charging port will come into effect later this year.
It's unclear whether there will be any other changes to accessories.
Software
iOS 18.1 brings first Apple Intelligence features and more
Apple recently confirmed that new AirPods Pro 2 hearing health features will be coming to iOS 18.1 next week, so it may be announced when the software update will arrive, especially since it also includes the first set of Apple Intelligence features for the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and all iPhone 16 models.
Gurman said Apple plans to release the update on Monday, October 28.
Other updates are expected to be widely released next week:
- iPadOS 18.1
- macOS Sequoia 15.1
- watchOS 11.1
- tvOS 18.1
- HomePod Software 18.1
- visionOS 2.1
Earnings
Apple will discuss its fiscal 2024 fourth quarter earnings results on Thursday, October 31 at 2:00 p.m. PT. The call will provide early sales details for the iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10, and AirPods 4, and Apple will likely also touch on some of its Mac-related announcements.
Related Reviews: iMac, MacBook Pro, Mac miniTags: Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, Magic TrackpadBuyer's Guide: iMac (Don't Buy), 14″ and 16″ MacBook Pro (Don't Buy), Mac Mini (Don't Buy)Related Forums: iMac, MacBook Pro, Mac mini[ 85 comments ]
