Apple is preparing for another product launch event scheduled for October 30th at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT, which makes it Tuesday, October 31 at 5:30 AM IST for those watching in India. The company has initiated the distribution of invitations, inviting everyone to join the event, which is named “Scary Fast.” These developments follow speculations that Apple is poised to unveil updates for its Mac lineup.
Rumors about what specific products Apple will announce at the event have been swirling for weeks, but the most likely contenders include a new 24-inch iMac and a new MacBook Pro. The 24-inch iMac was last updated in early 2021 with the M1 chip, so it is ripe for a refresh.
The M3 Chip
The new Macs are expected to be powered by Apple’s next-generation M3 chip. The M3 chip is rumored to be a significant upgrade over the M2 chip, offering even better performance and efficiency.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the M3 chip will be manufactured using TSMC’s 3nm process. This will allow Apple to pack more transistors onto the chip, which should lead to significant performance improvements.
An animation on Apple’s event page that displays the Apple logo changing into the Finder symbol raises the possibility that new Macs are on the way. Apple may be organizing a surprise “Mac-centered product launch” event, according to a report earlier this week from Gurman.
In addition to the performance improvements, the M3 chip is also expected to be more efficient than the M2 chip. This means that the new Macs will be able to last longer on a single charge.
The MacBook Pro is also due for an update. The current model was released in late 2021, and it features the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips. The new MacBook Pro is expected to feature the M3 Pro and M3 Max chips, which should offer significant performance improvements.
In addition to the iMac and MacBook Pro, there is also a chance that Apple could announce other Mac products at the event, such as a new Mac mini or a new Mac Pro. However, the iMac and MacBook Pro are the most likely contenders. Though Apple usually announces new iPad models in October, Ming-Chi Kuo, an Apple analyst, speculates that there might not be updates until next year.
Why a ‘Scary Fast’ event?
Apple’s choice of the tagline “Scary Fast” for its upcoming event is likely a reference to the expected performance improvements of its new Mac computers. The M3 chip is rumored to be a significant upgrade over the M1 chip, so Apple is likely hoping to generate excitement by emphasizing the speed of its new Macs.
The tagline could also be a nod to the fact that the event is taking place just before Halloween. After all, what’s scarier than a Mac that’s so fast it can do your work for you?
What to expect from the event
In addition to the new iMac and MacBook Pro, Apple could also announce other products at its “Scary Fast” event, such as new AirPods, new HomePods, or new accessories. However, the Mac is expected to be the star of the show.
Here is a more detailed look at what to expect from the new iMac and MacBook Pro:
New 24-inch iMac
- M3 chip
- New design with thinner bezels and a flat back
- More colour options
- Improved display with higher resolution and brightness
- Better camera and microphone system
- New Magic Keyboard with Touch ID
New MacBook Pro
- M3 Pro and M3 Max chips
- New design with thinner bezels and a flat back
- More ports, including MagSafe charging and HDMI
- Improved display with higher resolution and brightness
- Better camera and microphone system
- Longer battery life
When and how to watch the event
Apple’s “Scary Fast” event will be streamed live on Apple’s website and on YouTube. To watch the event, simply visit Apple’s website or YouTube channel at the scheduled time. You can also watch the event on your Apple TV, iPad, or iPhone.
Apple recently hosted its most recent “Wonderlust” event in September, during which it unveiled the new iPhone 15 series, introduced enhancements to the Apple Watch, and introduced the AirPods Pro featuring a USB-C charging case. Additionally, the company showcased a more affordable version of the Apple Pencil compatible with USB-C just last week.
Apple’s “Scary Fast” event is shaping up to be one of the biggest tech events of the year. Given that the event is just a few days away, we can anticipate that the company has some exciting surprises in store, and we won’t have to wait long to discover them.
