Apple is gearing up for a week of exciting announcements focused on the Mac lineup. The company’s marketing chief, Greg Joswiak, teased the upcoming reveals, urging fans to “Mac” their calendars. The highlight of the week is expected to be new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.
Also in Power On: Details on new low end iPad coming next year; first thoughts on iOS 18.2 and new Apple Intelligence features, and more on Apple’s glucose tracking plans https://t.co/TEv9si1tDP
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) October 27, 2024
Apple’s upcoming home smart display will include old school iMac-like base. Plus, more details on the device. https://t.co/TEv9si1tDP pic.twitter.com/EToQdfZSso
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) October 27, 2024
The entry-level 14-inch model will likely feature the M4 chip, while higher-end models will boast M4 Pro and M4 Max chips. No significant external design changes are anticipated, but the new 14-inch model is rumored to include an additional Thunderbolt port and 16GB of RAM as standard. The iMac is also set to receive an upgrade, moving from last year’s M3 model to the standard M4 chip.
I would imagine the first Apple announcement tomorrow will be at 9am eastern. Guessing they’ll do the Mac release then and a separate intelligence one in the afternoon.
— Parker Ortolani (@ParkerOrtolani) October 28, 2024
Although no major design changes are expected, the included Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad accessories are likely to switch to USB-C ports as part of Apple’s shift away from Lightning. The Mac mini is another product to watch, with reports suggesting it will be available with M4 and M4 Pro chip options.
New M4 chip upgrades unveiled
This model is expected to receive its most significant redesign since 2010, including two front-facing USB-C ports. Alongside the new Macs, Apple is expected to introduce new Magic accessories that transition from Lightning to USB-C for charging. This change aligns with upcoming EU regulations requiring USB-C as a common charging port.
On the software front, Apple is set to release iOS 18.1, which will introduce new AirPods Pro 2 hearing health features. The update will support the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and all iPhone 16 models. Other software updates, including iPadOS 18.1, macOS Sequoia 15.1, watchOS 11.1, HomePod Software 18.1, and visionOS 2.1, are also expected.
Finally, Apple will discuss its earnings results for the fourth quarter of its 2024 fiscal year. This call will provide insights into iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10, and AirPods 4 sales, and will likely touch on some of the Mac-related announcements. As the week unfolds, Apple fans and tech enthusiasts alike can look forward to a series of exciting reveals that will shape the future of the company’s Mac lineup and accessories.
April Isaacs is a news contributor for DevX.com She is long-term, self-proclaimed nerd. She loves all things tech and computers and still has her first Dreamcast system. It is lovingly named Joni, after Joni Mitchell.
