### Apple’s Anticipated October Event: Expectations for New Macs and iPads
Apple’s September announcements usually center around the release of new iPhones and Apple Watches, yet the tech behemoth often saves its Mac and iPad news for later in the autumn. This year seems to follow the same pattern, with speculation buzzing about an October event that will unveil a fresh lineup of Macs fueled by the next-gen M4 chips, alongside updates to some of Apple’s more affordable iPads.
Here’s a summary of what we can look forward to from Apple’s speculated October gathering.
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### **Fresh Macs Featuring M4 Chips: What’s in Store?**
Apple’s shift to its proprietary silicon has revolutionized its Mac range, and the imminent event is predicted to uphold that momentum with the launch of the M4 chip. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests that the event will likely spotlight the initial range of Macs outfitted with M4 processors, which follows the debut of the standard M4 chip in the iPad Pro earlier this year.
#### **MacBook Pro: M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max**
Anticipated to take the spotlight, the MacBook Pro will feature new variants powered by the M4 chip and its more robust counterparts, the M4 Pro and M4 Max. These chips are expected to deliver enhanced performance and efficiency compared to their M3 forerunners, making the MacBook Pro an even more attractive choice for creatives and demanding users.
Historically, Apple’s MacBook Pro selection has been divided between standard and “pro-level” chips, and we can expect a similar approach with the M4 lineup. The M4 Pro and M4 Max are likely to have added CPU and GPU cores, increased memory bandwidth, and superior I/O capabilities, which makes them perfect for intensive tasks such as video editing, 3D modeling, and software development.
#### **24-inch iMac: A Highly Anticipated Update**
The 24-inch iMac, which has operated on the M1 chip since its redesign in 2021, is also slated to receive an M4 upgrade. While the aesthetic of the iMac is not expected to shift dramatically, the updated chip will deliver substantial performance gains, making it a more efficient tool for everyday and creative users alike.
#### **Mac Mini: Potential Redesign Ahead?**
A particularly exciting rumor involves a possible redesign of the Mac mini. The existing Mac mini has maintained the same basic exterior since 2010, but the new iteration is reportedly smaller, akin to the size of an Apple TV. Despite this reduced footprint, it will allegedly maintain an internal power supply, removing the need for an external power brick.
One fascinating detail is the reference to a “five-port” Mac mini, hinting at a model with altered port configurations based on options. The present M2 Mac mini versions have fewer ports than the M2 Pro models, suggesting that the M4 Pro Mac mini will feature enhanced I/O options, potentially incorporating additional USB-C and Thunderbolt ports. Some speculations even indicate that some of these ports might be positioned on the front of the device, reminiscent of the Mac Studio, which would prove convenient for users.
#### **Mac Studio and Mac Pro: Updates Anticipated in 2025**
While the Mac Studio and Mac Pro are not expected to feature in this year’s event, Gurman reports that these high-performance systems will receive M4-series upgrades in 2025. Both models are still utilizing M2-series chips, making an upgrade overdue, particularly for users relying on these machines for resource-intensive tasks.
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### **New iPads: What’s on the Radar**
Alongside the new Macs, Apple is also predicted to announce updates to its entry-level iPads. While the iPad Pro received an M4 chip earlier this year, the more budget-friendly iPads have gone over a year without substantial hardware enhancements.
#### **iPad 10: A Simple Upgrade**
The $349 iPad 10 is believed to be getting a newer chip, though it remains uncertain whether it will be an M-series chip or a more modest upgrade such as the A15 or A16 Bionic. The design of the iPad 10 is not expected to change, but the upgraded chip will enhance its capabilities for everyday activities like web browsing, streaming, and light productivity.
#### **iPad Mini: Long-Awaited Update**
The iPad mini, which last saw a hardware refresh in 2021, is also anticipated to receive a more modern chip. Similar to the iPad 10, it’s unclear whether the iPad mini will get an M-series chip or a more modest enhancement, but any upgrade would be warmly welcomed by enthusiasts of Apple’s smallest tablet.
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### **What’s Not Included?**
Although the October event is gearing up to showcase a wealth of new hardware, there are a few conspicuous absences. The MacBook Air
