Apple Announces ‘Unleashed’, a Special Event For October 18

Apple has announced that it would hold a hardware event on October 18th tagged Unleashed according to invites it recently sent out.

The tech giant is widely expected to launch new MacBooks, a redesigned higher-end Mac Mini, and possibly a pair of third-generation AirPods. The “special” event will stream live on Apple.com at 1 PM ET / 10 AM PT/6 pm.

There have been reports for months that Apple is on the edge of releasing new 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. The new MacBooks would be the latest step in Apple’s transition away from Intel chips, replacing them with an Arm-based processor called the M1X that Apple designs itself.

Other anticipated features include the return of fan-favorite MacBook features like magnetic MagSafe charging, an HDMI port, and an SD card slot. The maligned OLED touch bar, mercifully, could be on the way out. 

Rumors suggest that the same M1X processor will feature in a redesigned higher-end Mac Mini. The new machine will reportedly have more ports than last year’s M1 model, with two Thunderbolt / USB 4 Type-C ports and two USB Type-A ports. The changes should make the new Mac Mini much better suited to power users.

Finally, Apple may announce a pair of redesigned AirPods, representing the third generation of the company’s original true wireless earbuds. The AirPods are expected to adopt a design similar to the AirPods Pro, with shorter stems and a redesigned charging case.