Chance Miller
Even though 2022 is quickly coming to an end, there are still some other
announcements we expect from Apple before then. While it's unlikely that
Apple will hold another special event in October, it can still make
announcements via press releases. This month, we're expecting updates to the
MacBook Pro, new iPad hardware, and more.
Will there be an Apple event in October?
Apple held a special event in September focused on the iPhone 14 lineup and
the Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra, and Apple Watch SE. At the
time, there was an expectation that Apple would also hold an event in
October focused on the Mac and iPad.
October events focused on the Mac and iPad have been scattered over the
years. In October of 2021, for instance, the company held an event focused
on the new MacBook Pro and their M1 Pro and M1 Max processors. In October
2020, there was an event focused on the iPhone 12, which was delayed due to
the COVID-19 pandemic. In November 2020, Apple held a Mac-focused event for
the M1 MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini.
This year, however, Apple is reportedly not planning another event.
According to Bloomberg, Apple is likelier to make any remaining
announcements via press releases rather than an actual event. In this
scenario, we would see press releases published on Apple's website while
certain members of the press would receive private briefings and review
opportunities.
New MacBook Pro
Following the all-new MacBook Pro lineup announced last year, Apple is
preparing iterative updates for this year. The overall design and form
factor is expected to remain the same, with Apple focused on internal
performance boosts, thanks to new M2 Pro and M2 Max chips.
In June, Apple launched its first M2-powered Mac models with the MacBook Air
and the 13-inch MacBook Pro. Benchmarks and reviews for these machines
showcased that the performance jump is notable compared to the M1 but not
nearly as drastic as from the previous-generation Intel chips to the M1.
Bloomberg has emphasized that the new M2 Pro and M2 Max chips will focus on
improved graphics performance. Recent predictions from Macworld also show
what we could expect from the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips:
. M2 Pro (predicted): up to 10-core CPU, up to 20-core GPU, up to 48GB RAM
. M2 Max (predicted): up to 10-core CPU, 40-core GPU, up to 96GB RAM
M2 Mac mini
Continuing with the focus on the Mac, Apple is also developing a new version
of the Mac mini with the M2 chip inside. This new Mac mini will reportedly
feature the same design as the current model.
9to5Mac has reported that the new M2 Mac mini is internally code-named J473.
There's also a Mac mini in development with the M2 Pro chip, code-named J474
with eight performance cores and four efficiency cores. These Mac mini
models would be the first updates to the most affordable Mac since the M1
Mac mini in November 2020.
New iPad Pro
Next up, Apple has some updates to the iPad lineup in the works. There's a
new iPad Pro iteration in development, featuring upgraded performance with
the M2 chip inside. These new iPad Pro models could also feature a new
design, or at least some design tweaks.
Bloomberg initially reported that Apple has tested a redesigned iPad Pro
with a glass back. This would allow the iPad Pro to support wireless
charging for the first time, as well as reverse wireless charging. Reverse
wireless charging would allow you to place a wireless charging-compatible
device, such as an iPhone or AirPods, on the back of the iPad Pro to
recharge that device. The power would be shared from the iPad Pro to the
other device.
More recently, however, 9to5Mac learned that Apple has scaled back its plans
for an iPad Pro redesign. Instead of a completely glass back, the company is
planning a larger glass Apple logo that would support wireless charging.
iPad 10
Perhaps more interesting than the new iPad Pro, however, is a new version of
the entry-level iPad. This is the last iPad in Apple's lineup that features
a design with a Home button, large top and bottom bezels, and a Lightning
port. All of this is set to change this year, as long as the rumors come to
fruition.
Recent supply chain reporting has painted a very interesting picture of what
to expect from the 10th-generation iPad:
. A new flat-edged design with no Home button and smaller bezels
. Touch ID in the power button, similar to the iPad Air and iPad mini
. A repositioned FaceTime camera, located on the right side rather than on
the top
. Lightning port is replaced with USB-C for charging and data transfer
. 5G support for cellular connectivity
This would bring the iPad 10 much closer in design and features to the iPad
Air. The biggest differentiator would be the difference in performance. The
iPad Air is powered by the M1 chip, while the new iPad 10 will reportedly
use the A14 chip.
Some of these rumors should be treated with skepticism for the time being;
particularly regarding the relocated FaceTime camera.
New Apple TV
There have been scattered reports regarding a new Apple TV throughout 2022.
We've heard a few different things about what to expect. In May, analyst
Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple was readying a cheaper Apple TV to "close the gap
with competitors," with the focus of this new model being on improving the
"cost structure of the Apple TV."
Bloomberg has also reported that Apple is developing a new Apple TV,
code-named J255, with the A14 chip inside. These appear to be two separate
products; one a completely new, lower-cost model and the other an update to
the existing Apple TV 4K that starts at $179.
Mac Pro?
Last but not least, we're still waiting on the new Mac Pro powered by Apple
Silicon. When Apple started its transition to Apple Silicon in November
2020, the company said that it would complete the transition within two
years. That puts the deadline at November 2022, and the Mac Pro is the only
Mac that's not available with an Apple Silicon option.
Apple teased its Mac Pro powered by Apple Silicon at the end of its event in
March, which also saw the introduction of the Mac Studio. Following that Mac
Studio introduction, Apple VP John Ternus said:
"That leaves just one more product to go: Mac Pro, but that's for another
day."
The new Mac Pro is expected to show just how intense Apple Silicon
performance can be.
Bloomberg has reported that this redesigned Mac Pro will come in 20 or 40
computing core variations, comprised of 16 high-performance or 32
high-performance cores and four or eight high-efficiency cores.
The question is whether this Mac Pro will be available or announced this
year. Most recently, Mark Gurman has said that the new Mac Pro is likely not
coming until 2023. This, however, doesn't mean that Apple won't pre-announce
it this year as a way to satisfy those buyers waiting on the release.
Wrap up
As you can see, there are still a ton of new products in the works by Apple
for this year and likely this month. Even if there is no dedicated October
event, a string of press releases announcing these updates will create buzz
and hype as we head into the holiday shopping season.
There's also still new software on the way: iPadOS 16 is slated for a
release sometime toward the end of this month, as is macOS Ventura. Apple is
also beta testing iOS 16.1 with new features and improvements.
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