Apple’s next press event is just days away, but speculation about what the company would announce at the show has been running rampant for months.
Earlier this week, Apple (AAPL) announced plans to hold a press event at 1 p.m. On October 27 at its headquarters in Cupertino, Calif. While Apple didn’t say what it might announce at the show, the event’s tagline, “Hello Again,” appears to reference Apple’s famous “Hello” tagline it used to unveil the Macintosh in 1984. Several reports over the last few months have also suggested Apple would hold a press event in late October to unveil new Macs. But there might be more to the show than just Macs.
Macs, Macs, Macs
There should be no shortage of Macs on Thursday—and chief among the announcements will be a new and improved MacBook Pro.
According to reports that have piled up over the last few months, Apple is planning to unveil the biggest MacBook Pro update in years. The latest rumors say the MacBook Pro will come with a new organic light-emitting diode (OLED) touchbar above the keyboard, allowing users to view notifications, see which apps are open, and control parts of the operating system with their fingers. In addition, the MacBook Pro could add a fingerprint sensor that would let users log into the computer with their fingerprints. The feature would be based on Apple’s Touch ID, the same technology it uses in iPhones and iPads, so users could also authorize payments through Apple Pay, according to reports.
Get Data Sheet, Coins2Day’s technology newsletter
Earlier this week, a rumor surfaced, saying Apple would eliminate traditional USB and its MagSafe power port in the MacBook Pro in favor of the newer USB Type-C connection and Thunderbolt 3.
Beyond that, Apple reportedly has plans to discontinue the 11-inch MacBook Air and focus solely on a 13-inch model. That version will get new ports, including the USB Type-C, according to rumors.
Meanwhile, expect Apple to deliver some new components to the iMac all-in-one computer, including an improved processor and graphics card. It’s also possible the iMac gets USB Type-C ports.
Some macOS surprises, perhaps?
With updated Macs in the works, it shouldn’t come as a surprise if Apple announces some updates to macOS Sierra, its latest desktop operating system.
Historically, Apple has kept new features in its operating systems secret until it announces hardware that come with new features. It’s widely believed that will happen this time around, though it’s hard to say what new features might come to the operating system.
For more about Apple’s MacBook Pro, watch:
Chances are, the biggest update to macOS Sierra could be an update that fully supports the aforementioned integration of Touch ID in the MacBook Pro. Apple might also need to update Sierra to facilitate the use of its OLED touchbar.
A new Apple TV
Apple recently announced that it discontinued the third-generation Apple TV, leaving only last year’s model on store shelves. As Apple generally likes to offer two Apple TV models, it’s possible the company announces a small upgrade to its home-entertainment box. The update likely wouldn’t be a major one, but it could come with updated components that improve its performance.
Is a new Apple Display in the works?
For months now, we’ve been hearing rumors that Apple is planning a new Display to replace the current (and aging) model it’s currently selling.
The rumor mill says Apple is working on a new monitor that would come with 5K resolution, matching its high-end iMac screen. In addition, the Display could come with a built-in graphics card that would allow users of lower-powered Macs to get the benefit of the high-resolution screen.
But beware: if Apple announces the new Display, it’ll likely be expensive and could cost around $1,000, if not more.
