Apple is holding a second fall media event today, and we're expecting a boatload of new products and announcements. The company even admitted as much in its "We still have a lot to cover" invite. Here's what we know -- and what we think we know -- about what's coming.
iPads, iPads, iPads: A Retina mini and Fifth-Generation iPad
From a consumer perspective, the biggest thing about today's event will be the announcement of a Retina display iPad mini and a fifth-generation 9.7-inch iPad. There have been numerous rumors and reports supporting the existence of both of these and there's pretty much no question we'll be seeing both of them today.
The Retina iPad mini should outwardly look similar to its predecessor, but with the addition of a gorgeous high-resolution display. The fifth-gen iPad, based on leaked photos and videos, will also be styled similarly to the iPad mini (and the iPhone 5/5s). The devices will definitely be available in white/silver and space gray, and maybe in gold, also.
I'd expect both iPads to get speedier processors, with battery life at least as good as their predecessors. The full-size iPad could get an A7X processor. The iPad mini, which currently houses an A5 processor, could get an A6 or A6X chip. Due to its smaller size and focus on content consumption (rather than creation), the mini doesn't need quite the processing chops as its full-sized cousin. Both will likely feature Touch ID, Apple's fingerprint-sensing technology, built into the home button.
The Next Wave in OS X: Mavericks
Unveiled at WWDC this year, Apple will give us another look at the next version of OS X, Mavericks. As it did with iOS 7 last month, Apple should introduce us to some of the highlights and best new features the OS offers. Expect a release date for the OS too, likely October 30.
Better, Faster, Stronger: Updated MacBook Pros
Apple should be updating its MacBook Pro line with the latest Haswell processors and 802.11ac Wi-Fi, bringing it up to snuff with the iMac, which was recently updated, and the 2013 MacBook Air. We definitely expect this for the Retina MacBook Pro, which was first introduced in summer 2012. It's unclear whether non-Retina Pros will also get a 2013 upgrade, however, or if Apple will leave them as is and focus on Retina-only for its higher-performance notebook line. The MacBook Pro could also get a higher-quality FaceTime camera.
For the Power User: Mac Pro
We got a preview of the slick-looking new Mac Pro at WWDC. Like Mavericks, we expect the cylindrical computer, the fastest and priciest device in Apple's Mac lineup, to get a release date -- and perhaps even some hands-on time after the event. Apple could decide to announce the Mac Pro's release information in a press release rather than at its Tuesday event, though.
No iTV, No Apple TV
We're definitely not going to see that rumored Apple television, and apparently we also won't be seeing an updated Apple TV set-top box, according to MG Siegler. While Apple is reportedly working on a redesigned puck and a redesigned user experience, it's not quite ready to show off yet. Perhaps we'll see it at Apple's next event.
A Smartwatch? No Way, Jose
While there are a growing number of signs that Apple is working on a wearable device of some kind -- dubbed the iWatch, for now -- I do not expect to see a smartwatch at Apple's event today. New Apple products very rarely debut without leaked images and specs these days. The notable exceptions are the Mac Pro, announced at WWDC 2013, and the redesigned iMacs shown off at Apple's October event last year. In both cases, the products were announced with more than a month before their official launch date, which means there wasn't time for supply chain leaks to start happening as manufacturing ramps up.
When Apple debuts a wearable device, I don't expect it will wait months before announcement and arrival. It'll show it off, and make it available in a similar time frame as the iPhone or iPad (about a week and a half after being announced). If the company waited longer between announcement and ship date, that also gives competitors a chance to iterate on their products to emulate any unique features Apple develops.
