Sticking with older rumors about the likely launch period for the next iPad models, Apple has started sending out invites to the media for an event on October 16 at its Cupertino campus in California at 10am PST. The company is still keeping its cards close to its chest and has only scribbled down ‘It’s been way too long,’ on the invitations in question.
But considering Apple’s launch history, we can at least take a stab at guessing what will be in store for audiences on October 16 next week. Speculations about the tech giant slipping the wraps off two new iPad variants are flying around. In addition to this, it may also unveil a 27-inch iMac sporting an HD Retina display.
Not much is known about the upcoming iPad models even though there are unconfirmed reports about them expected to arrive with Touch ID fingerprint readers, a feature that’s exclusive to the iPhone lineup presently. We could also be seeing the tablets land with gold as one of the color options and the 64-bit Apple A8 processor.
Also see: Apple updates MacBook Pro lineup with more RAM and faster CPUs
The previously revealed NFC-based mobile payment service called Apple Pay, may be released at the event as part of an Apple iOS 8 update which is anticipated to touch down this October. The virtual wallet is only designed to work with the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus as far as we’ve been told. The list certainly doesn’t stop at this point though.
AppleInsider speaks of at least two more possible launches at the forthcoming press event. We could be welcoming an Apple iMac with a 27-inch Retina display spewing out visuals in 5K resolution. The company has yet to put an ultra HD resolution panel on any of its AIO desktop offerings, meaning this would certainly make it a first if it does so.
Then there’s Apple OS X Yosemite, Apple’s latest Mac operating system marked for a fall roll-out, which could also turn up next Thursday. A new Mac mini and a MacBook Air laptop fitted with a high resolution Retina screen are supposed to be in the pipeline too, though these may not make it to the October 16 iPad event.