There’s More In The Making

Rumors have been swirling the Internet for a while now, so we have a couple of clues about what’s coming up for Apple’s Event tomorrow. Like every other tech site, I figured I should say what I’m expecting tomorrow as well.  

iPad Pros

The strongest rumored product that we’ll see tomorrow is the new iPad Pro.  I tackled the iPad Pro earlier this month. Soon after, 9to5Mac had an exclusive leak with details that helped back up all the rumors.  

All the rumors are pointing to a big update for the iPad Pro this year.  For those of you that aren’t up-to-date, the iPad Pro is supposed to get the iPhone X treatment this year.  

Screen

That means almost edge to edge screen and FaceID.  Sorry to those TouchID fans out there that don’t want to move towards FaceID, but FaceID is taking over.  

Apple seems to have solved the problem of only using FaceID in one orientation, but the rumors haven’t really determined how this will work just yet.  It will be interesting tomorrow to see how they will make this work, will it use software or multiple FaceID cameras?  I honestly don’t know at this point.  

How will they make FaceID work in different positions?

The screen size of the smaller iPad Pro might be creeping up as well this generation.  Rumors are that it will get closer to 11 inches across while the large iPad will keep the same size but slim down the rest of the device.  This should make the larger device easier to hold.

Chips

9to5Mac‘s leak also points out that the new iPad will use A12X.  The A12 is the same chip inside the iPhone XS and XR.  It is amazingly fast, so I expect the A12X to run even faster, possibly even with more cores on the inside as well.  

I’d expect a huge focus on the machine learning the chips can handle as well during the explanation.  

Ports

All the leaks have also suggested that there will be two new ports on the iPad.  The first port is a change from lightening to USB-C.  I’m really interested to see the story that Apple tells behind the change if this is true.  I think changing the port brings the machine more in line with the laptops than the iPhones.

 We have evidence that the new iPad can drive a 4K monitor, but why would it do it if you still need touch?  Can the iPad do anything else with the switch?

There’s also a new magnetic spot on the back that is thought to be for the Apple Pencil and maybe even the new smart keyboard.  

Apple Pencil

Along with the iPad Pro, rumors of new accessories are popping up as well. Today 9to5Mac again had the exclusive about the Apple Pencil 2.  The new pencil should be able to attach to the iPad’s magnetic connector for travel and charging.  

Having had the current Apple Pencil, I hate charging the thing because it sticks out like a sore thumb.  I’m always scared that I’ll hit on something.  So having it attach and charge should make many artist happy. 

Along with the new charging system, it sounds like you’ll be able to use the pencil for more things as well.  The rumors are saying that using the pencil with swipes and taps on the pencil itself you can change brushes and command other things inside apps.  

Questions

I have some questions about the new iPad that I can’t wait for answers:

• Is the price going up?
• Will I have to use the magnetic connector to attach a smart keyboard
• If I do, will I have to use my iPad vertically?
• Will the operating system have some surprises?

MacBook

The iPad isn’t the only thing that should be getting attention at the event.  The long neglected Mac should be seeing some love.  

I’d guess that a new MacBook will get announced tomorrow, the one that will replace the MacBook Air. 

I think this new MacBook Air will help bridge the gap that currently exists in the line-up.  It might push the 12 inch MacBook down in price point or it might take over that price point because it could use a cheaper Intel chip.  The rumors are saying a new MacBook Air with a retina screen and TouchID on this new laptop.  I can’t imagine how they are going to do this at the moment, but a new Apple Laptop top that’s not sacrificing speed for thinness will be nice.

I’d assume all the laptops get an updated version 3 butterfly switch keyboard which was announced on the MacBook Pros that were updated in July.  I doubt this laptop will have anything different than that as well.  Apple is moving towards this type of keyboard and will keep improving it until it doesn’t break anymore.  

Questions

• How does this new laptop fix the laptop price line?
• Will it come in colors?  Just silver and space grey?
• Which keyboard will be in here?
• Will it be interesting enough for me to upgrade to that instead of a new iMac?
• How many ports will it have?

Other Macs

Mac Mini

I think the Mac Mini has a shot at being updated here, but I don’t really know what they would do.  I feel like this event is already packed, and if they announced something like this they would probably want to include a new Apple Display.  That would just bloat the event even more.

I do think that if it gets announced you will see a new form factor and spec bump.  I think if they could get the Mini down to the size of an Apple TV they might have an intriguing product, but I’m not sure that’s what they want to do.

They could just push the LG displays that they currently offer to go with the MacBook Pros, and that might be what they end up doing, but I just don’t think it’s the best move.

iMac

I think the iMac will get a spec bump tomorrow, and maybe a new screen feature. I’m not sure what they would add but True Tone and Pro motion are on my list.  I think Pro Motion would be the more likely of the two.

I don’t think an overhaul of the iMac will come out this year, although I wouldn’t say it’s impossible either.  There just haven’t been many leaks regarding the iMac.

iPad Mini

Coming out of nowhere last week, Ming-Chi Kou came out with a suggestion that Apple might update the iPad Mini.  If this happens, I’d expect just a spec bump.  I can’t imagine a redesign of this product at this point.  Apple hasn’t shown the iPad Mini and love in years, and I just don’t think it sells well enough to warrant a redesign.  I know many people love it though, and I’m happy it might be getting an update.

Maybe, maybe not?

This event seems jam-packed already, so is there anything else that Apple might want to announce?

AirPower

I’m not ready to give up on AirPower yet. 

I know many are, but the fact that AirPower was still mentioned in the iPhone XS packaging material and some rumors coming out, I think there’s a small chance that we get a mention about it tomorrow.  I’m not confident in that, but I am hopeful.  

At least mention it Apple.  You said that you would release it in 2018 and you are running out of time there.

AirPods

I do think that new AirPods are a possibility as well.  Apple teased us with “Hey Siri” added to them at the last event during a promo, so I think we might see them being announced.

I hope we see them being announced.  I need a new pair, so hurry up and help me out. 

Wrap up

I expect a pretty full event tomorrow, and my body is ready.  

Between all the hardware that I think could be announced, a mention of iOS 12.1 coming out tomorrow (and Group FaceTime! [I hope to have something on this sometime soon as well]) and software demos and everything in between I’m pretty sure that something will have to slip.  

I just hope it’s not AirPods.  

I also have this suspicion that some things will in stores tomorrow too.  But that could just be wishful thinking.

What do you think is going to be announced?  Did I miss anything?  What are you most looking forward to?  Leave a message in the comments.

Check back tomorrow for live coverage on the site and on Twitter.

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