Apple's October Mac event or release plans still aren't clear

AppleInsider

The iMac, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini are all expected to receive the M4 chip later this month in the form of an online-focused event.

Apple could introduce a redesigned Mac mini with M4

While Apple recently announced the seventh-generation iPad mini through a simple press release, new Mac computers will reportedly be revealed via an online event later in October.

In a social media post on Threads, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman says that the inventory of Mac and Mac-related products in Apple Stores is currently "very low." This includes iMacs, MacBook Pros, Mac mini units, the Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad.

According to the post, the iMac and MacBook Pro are expected to receive the Apple M4 chip, currently only found in the iPad Pro. The Mac Mini, meanwhile, is set to receive a "full-scale overhaul," which aligns with previous rumors saying that the device would come in a smaller form factor and that it would feature a different selection of ports.

"I've seen no evidence to suggest Apple will hold a full-scale, iPhone-like event at its headquarters with press," Gurman said. "Instead, I'd anticipate the announcement to be online-focused with press hands-on opportunities, not too dissimilar from Scary Fast last year."

This would align with Apple's previous events, such as the online iPad event in May of 2024, where redesigned iPad Pro and iPad Air models were introduced.

This event, much like the Scary Fast event from October 2023, had no in-person component and was streamed online through Apple's website. Select members of the press got hands-on opportunities in London and New York.

Gurman has previously said that he expects new Mac computers with an M4 chip to launch on November 1, 2024, following the rumored October event.

Rumor Score: Likely

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Toortog

The only thing about the new Mac Mini is when is Apple going to annouce the date for the release event.   Time is running out for  October event.  

mpantone

Since their recent M.O. has been to give event invitees two weeks lead notification, it's pretty much too late for an October event. They won't have a product launch on Thursday the 31st since that's the date of their quarterly earnings announcement. The following week is likely to be avoided with the US Election Day (Tuesday the 5th) and the likely media frenzy the following days.

My guess is they will launch any new Macs via press release this time around especially if they ship macOS Sequoia 15.1 with Apple Intelligence next week.

Marvin

Toortog said:

The only thing about the new Mac Mini is when is Apple going to annouce the date for the release event.   Time is running out for  October event.  

It's pre-recorded so there's not much planning needed for the broadcast, just an announcement, likely tomorrow and then setup a video stream next week.

If they want to do a Halloween themed event again, they have to stream it next week so the announcement will be any day now.

Marvin

mpantone said:

Since their recent M.O. has been to give event invitees two weeks lead notification, it's pretty much too late for an October event.

Last year they announced on the 24th the event on the 30th:

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/24/tech/apple-october-event-2023/index.html

9secondkox2

I would expect a press release lance, but with the Mac mini being tipped for a radical redesign, apple will surely do an event. Probably the end of this month like last year - or perhaps they’ll do a thankful themed one next month. But that’s cutting it close for Christmas shopping.