As Halloween approaches, Apple has something special in store for tech enthusiasts – a virtual event titled ‘Scary Fast’ scheduled for October 30. This event promises to be a treat, especially for those eagerly anticipating the launch of new Mac models.
Leading up to this announcement, the rumor mill had been abuzz with speculations about potential Apple releases this month, primarily focused on new iPads. However, those speculations fell flat when Apple unveiled a new iteration of its Apple Pencil stylus, equipped with USB-C connectivity, on October 17.
Now, with the official confirmation of the October 30 Apple event, the excitement is mounting. Here’s a peek into what we know about the event and what we can anticipate.
- WHEN IS THE APPLE OCTOBER EVENT TAKING PLACE?
Mark your calendars for the highly-anticipated October Apple event, set to take place on October 30 at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET. Unlike the in-person gatherings of the past, such as the September event that unveiled the new iPhone 15 and Apple Watch Series 9 models, this event will be entirely virtual. Apple has occasionally resorted to press releases to announce its latest products. However, this time, the company is taking a step back into the virtual presentation realm, a format it hasn’t embraced in well over a year.
Apple has a history of October product launches, but this year’s timing adds an intriguing twist. Apple’s quarterly earnings are set to be revealed on November 2, a date that usually falls in October to announce the company’s fiscal fourth-quarter results. This shift to November for the earnings announcement hints at the likelihood of a significant product reveal accompanying it.
- WHAT PRODUCTS SHOULD WE EXPECT TO SEE APPLE LAUNCH THIS MONTH?
With the updates to the iPhone and Apple Watch already on the 2023 roster, the spotlight naturally shifts to another potential candidate for Apple’s October 2023 announcement – a new iMac. The last iteration of Apple’s all-in-one desktop was released back in 2021, marking a significant gap between updates.
Mark Gurman’s report also alludes to the possibility of new MacBook Pros in development, driven by supply constraints. Presently, some 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models are showing ship dates in November, hinting at Apple’s need for a lineup refresh.
Notably, Apple introduced new MacBook Pro models equipped with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips in January, seemingly eliminating the possibility of further updates for the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros this year. In contrast, the 13-inch MacBook Pro, last updated in June 2022 with the adoption of the M2 chipset, remains a contender for a 2023 refresh.
- WHAT ELSE DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE RUMORED NEW IMAC?
With the current iMac already boasting the M1 chipset, it’s only natural to anticipate upgraded silicon in the pipeline for a new model. While Apple might opt for the M2 chipset for the all-in-one desktop, the prevailing rumor points toward Apple’s M3 chip as the powerhouse behind an enhanced iMac.
The M3 is slated for a potential release this year, and its inclusion in a 2023 iMac would amount to a dual upgrade, delivering more power to the desktop. However, some sources have suggested 2024 as a more probable release year for the M3, with MacBook Pro models expected to be the initial recipients.
For those curious about the M3’s capabilities, leaked specifications indicate an entry-level configuration with 8 CPU and 10 GPU cores. Speculation surrounding an M3 Max system-on-chip hints at a beastly 16 CPU cores and a whopping 40 GPU cores. Meanwhile, the prospect of an M3 Ultra raises the bar even higher with the potential for 28 CPU cores and a staggering 80 GPU cores.
It’s worth noting that the 2021 iMac release marked a significant redesign for the all-in-one setup, and all signs point to a new model retaining that design, down to the 24-inch display. While discussions have arisen regarding a 32-inch iMac, that particular iteration is not expected until the following year.
- WHAT ELSE DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE RUMORED NEW MACBOOK PRO MODEL?
With the introduction of the latest 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models a mere nine months ago, the likelihood of an immediate upgrade for those models appears low, with a 2024 refresh seeming more plausible. However, it’s not unprecedented for Apple to release a second update within a year, particularly if the new M3 chips are ready for deployment.
A more probable scenario might involve an initial update for the 13-inch MacBook Pro, as it has been around for a longer duration. An upgrade featuring the M3 chipset remains the most likely change, although this is anticipated to occur in the upcoming spring, according to industry experts.
The renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has asserted that M3-powered MacBook Pros will take the spotlight on October 30. Nevertheless, initial availability may be limited, potentially presenting challenges for those eager to make a purchase at the launch.
