The first Apple fall hardware event introduced the highly anticipated iPhone 13 lineup featuring a 120Hz ProMotion display and upgraded cameras. Additionally, Apple surprised us with the unveiling of the revamped iPad mini 6. However, Apple’s hardware launches continue with a second fall event recently announced. Named the Apple ‘Unleashed’ event, it’s set to reveal the latest silicon, new Macs, and more on October 18. While the new MacBook Pro models are expected to be the highlight, other exciting announcements are likely. Here’s what to expect.
Faced with fierce competition and growing discontent about the lack of innovation, Apple aims to revitalize its Mac lineup. Despite the promising performance of the M1-powered Macs, will the 2021 Macs meet expectations? With the official announcement of key specs imminent, explore the leaked specifications and features of the upcoming M1X-powered MacBook Pros. Additionally, we’ll discuss the potential launch of a new Mac Mini and AirPods 3 at the event. Without delay, let’s delve in:
How to Watch Apple’s October 18 Hardware Event
Before discussing the products expected at Apple’s hardware event tomorrow, let’s detail how to watch the ‘Unleashed’ event. Like recent Apple events, this will be a virtual launch livestreamed on Apple’s official event page and YouTube channel on October 18th at 10:00 AM PDT (1:00 PM EST, 10:30 PM IST, or 6:00 PM BST).
Bookmark the official livestream links to watch the Apple hardware event tomorrow. We will cover the event in real-time on our website for more information on the upcoming products, which we will detail below:
New 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro
Rumors swirl about the redesigned 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. Reliable reports suggest Apple will unveil two new high-end MacBook Pro models soon. With the notebooks long overdue for a redesign, anticipation mounts for this significant announcement.
Flat-Edged Design
Leaked images reveal the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro will sport a flat-edged design, akin to the iPhone 13 series and iPad mini 6. Additionally, the notebooks will boast slimmer bezels for a modern aesthetic.
Image courtesy: Yanko Design
One design element that could garner attention is removing the “MacBook Pro” branding from the bottom of the display. The rationale behind this decision is clear: Apple aims to achieve a bezel-free design and provide more screen real estate.
Improved Notch with Webcam
Prior to discussing this rumor, it’s advisable to take it with a grain of salt. According to speculation from Weibo, the forthcoming 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models will feature a notch housing the webcam. Reportedly, the notch will resemble the one seen on the iPhone 12 series. While I’m uncertain about its compatibility with Apple’s current desktop OS, it’s not entirely implausible.
If you’ve been active on Twitter lately, macOS Monterey users have noticed the Menu bar is now thicker than in macOS Big Sur, sparking speculation that it hints at an upcoming design change to accommodate the notch.
Image courtesy: MacRumors
Considering Apple’s push for an edge-to-edge display, the addition of a small notch at the top housing a better webcam seems plausible. Rumors indicate the 2021 MacBook Pros, expected to be unveiled at the October 18 Apple event, will feature an upgraded 1080p webcam, a significant improvement over the current below-par 720p webcam on MacBooks.
mini-LED Display
After introducing mini-LED displays on the 2021 12.9-inch iPad Pro, Apple is rumored to equip upcoming MacBook Pro models with the same technology. Mini-LED will provide thinner, lighter laptops, along with OLED-like benefits such as high contrast, dynamic range, truer blacks, and wider color gamut support.
ProMotion 120Hz Refresh Rate
To compete with gaming laptops, Apple is expected to add 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate support to the new MacBook Pro models. This enhancement will deliver smooth scrolling and improve the gaming experience. Additionally, the variable refresh rate will help conserve battery life.
Recent macOS Monterey leaks suggest True 2x retina resolutions for upcoming MacBook Pro models. The 14-inch and 16-inch versions are expected to feature 3024 x 1964 and 3456 x 2234 display resolutions, respectively.
Farewell, Touch Bar!
Despite its potential, the Touch Bar has largely been seen as a gimmick that failed to win over professionals. Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo indicates that Apple will remove the Touch Bar in favor of a more traditional and user-friendly design.
The Touch Bar will likely be removed from new MacBook Pro models.
“Touch Bars remain the #3 application, capturing an 18% unit share and 1.2% revenue share in Q1’21. Tablets are poised to surpass Touch Bars with the anticipated adoption of the 10.9” AMOLED iPad by Apple. Additionally, sources indicate potential discontinuation of the Touch Bar in the future,” reveals a recent report from Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC).
The 2021 MacBook Pro models, unveiled at the October 18 Apple event, will replace the interactive OLED Touch Bar with a standard row of function keys. Although it may seem like a regression, eliminating the OLED touch strip in favor of physical keys enhances control over specific functionalities.
Introducing 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, Apple is set to abandon Intel chips entirely. Both high-end MacBooks will feature the faster and more powerful Apple M1X chip, rumored for a long time and succeeding the original M1 chip.
The M1X chip boasts a 10-core CPU, comprising eight high-performance cores and two energy-efficient cores, along with a 16-core/32-core GPU. This advancement places the MacBook Pro at the forefront in terms of speed and efficiency. Base models for both sizes will offer 16GB RAM, expandable to 64GB, and come with standard 512GB SSD storage, with upgrade options available.
SD Card Slot, HDMI Port, and MagSafe
Great news for creators longing for an SD card slot and HDMI port on MacBook Pro models since 2016! The tech giant plans to add more ports to upcoming notebooks. Back in 2016, Apple ditched most ports for USB-C.
2021 MacBook Pro models may also reintroduce MagSafe magnetic charging, more efficient than before. Tomorrow’s 14-inch and 16-inch Pro models might feature a faster MagSafe charging port alongside USB-C.
Compact Mac mini
With a redesigned appearance and the Apple M1X chip anticipated to power the upcoming MacBook Pros, the 2021 Mac mini appears poised for a significant upgrade. According to reports, the revamped Mac mini is set to be revealed at Apple’s October 18 event.
Image courtesy: Apple
Featuring a smaller form factor and a plexiglass-like top atop the aluminum enclosure, the Mac mini will offer enhanced portability. Reports suggest it will include four Thunderbolt ports, an Ethernet port, an HDMI port, and two USB-A ports. Additionally, the new Mac mini will feature the same magnetic power connector as the recently released 24-inch M1 iMac.
Introducing Affordable AirPods 3
AirPods 3, originally anticipated to debut alongside the iPhone 13 series, missed last month’s release. Now, rumors indicate their unveiling alongside the new MacBook Pros. In terms of design, they closely resemble the AirPods Pro.
Featuring shorter stems and a revamped charging case, these wireless earphones adopt a contemporary look. However, they will be priced more affordably than their counterparts and will lack premium features like Active Noise Cancellation. Further details are expected at the official event.
macOS 12 Monterey Launch Date
iOS 15, iPadOS 15, watchOS 8, and tvOS 15 launched in September, yet Apple has not announced the release date for macOS 12 Monterey. Typically, macOS updates follow later than other software releases, so the unveiling of macOS Monterey’s release date might occur at the October 18 Apple event.
Given the significance of the event for Macs, it would be fitting to reveal macOS 12’s release date during it. The latest 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models are expected to be the first to ship with macOS 12.
Image courtesy: Apple
Stay Tuned for More Coverage from Apple’s October 18 Event
That’s what we anticipate Apple will announce at the upcoming Unleashed hardware event on Monday. We’re particularly eager to examine the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, featuring a modern design and all essential ports. Additionally, we’ll monitor the AirPods 3 to assess their audio quality and value compared to their predecessors. What excites you most about the Apple Event tomorrow? Share your expectations in the comments below.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
