What to Expect at Apple's October 30th Event: New iPad Pros, Mac Mini, Low-Cost Retina Notebook and More

[theluggage]

I doubt it. The current Mini is the entry level desktop unit and probably will remain the same. It gives Apple a machine for those who want or need a desktop.

Except the Mac Mini rumors have talked about a new Mini with a "pro focus" and higher price - which seems strange if there is going to be a new Pro as well.

On the other hand, since the Cylinder hasn't been updated since 2013, and any still-in-use Cheesgraters are effectively becoming more like Hackintoshes, the majority of actual "pro" users must surely have given up and switched to Windows or Linux so that they can use purpose-built systems and have a reasonable expectation of upgrading them when the tax/leasing cycle dictates.

For the remaining enthusiasts, and developers, A i7/i9 Mini with a half-decent dGPU might be a better option than a Xeon shoe-horned into $5000 aluminium shard ($300 AMD GPU in a $1000 eGPU enclosure extra). Or, maybe, Apple will get over themselves and make the true Pro the mini-tower PCIe "pickup truck" system that fills in all the gaps between the Mini, the MacBook Pro and the iMac Pro.

 

[jlc1978]

I know it may be hard due to thickness etc.....

But would it not be GREAT and IDEAL if a new Apple pencil slid into a hole/slot in the iPad's and it recharged automatically when back in this slot.

Would be great........... yes?

Great - yes. Reality - no. That would mean the iPad case would have to be thicker than the pencil; given Apples push to thiness that's a non-starter.

 

[theluggage]

Apple's own CPUs running Mac OS X. That will be a game changer.

If it had been announced at WWDC along with temporary hardware for developers, maybe.

An ARM-based MacBook Air with zero software support on day one would be a ridiculous mess.

 

[jlc1978]

[QUOTE="Kabeyun, post: 26707341, member: 31633"But it doesn’t always have to be. Those who want an entry level Mac could buy an basic iMac for $1100.[/QUOTE]

True, but a lower priced Mini could appeal to a broader market; while still allowing Apple to produce more powerful versions for the higher end. Entry level and Pro are not mutually exclusive in a mini form factor.

 

[0947347]

My life will be complete once Logic Pro X is released on the iPad. And with 512GB internal storage, sample libraries galore! Oh my...

What music genre are you composing?
External storage would be nuts great as the transfers of my friend’s vocals would be even easier

 

[scottinlexky]

Anxious to see what hardware the new iMac has. Although I am highly tempted to build a dual boot Hackintosh this time
around

 

[PowerGala]

The loss of the headphone jack in the iPad Pro would be pretty devastating to me, but USB-C may be a decent trade-off. I’m not sure if it’s enough for me to become a buyer in 2018 since my iPad is just a consumption device. It would make me hold off until the iPhone X2 to see if it has USB-C, so that’s nice. I love my X.

The real question is with the mini. The rumor is that it won’t be so mini, so I’m guessing that it may be called the Mac, which I like.

If it can do VR, I’m sold. Especially if the new iMac doesn’t have a 32 inch option.

 

[Zdigital2015]

Would a T2 chip in the iMac mean a TouchBar Keyboard?

I have been thinking about this one quite a bit lately. I say no. Please follow my logic - Apple implemented the T1 in the MacBook Pro for Touch Bar and Touch ID only because it had a captive keyboard, meaning the keyboard plugged directly into the logic board, so there is nothing in-between that would be able to intercept the communication between the Touch ID sensor and the Secure Enclave in the T1. The question then becomes, how does Apple replicate that security over Bluetooth 4.2 and/or 5.0? I do not see Apple releasing a wired keyboard again ever, so a Touch Bar and Touch ID keyboard is going to need a bigger battery as well (others have pointed this out before me), but the security aspect is the one that I think about more. Also, when you are recharging the keyboard via the USB cable it disconnects Bluetooth, so you also have to make sure the USB connection is secure as well. Lots in play, I do not see it happening ever, but see the 13” MacBook getting Touch ID as a more likely scenario.

The flip side is that the keyboard in a MacBook Pro just presents as a USB device in System Information, so why would Touch ID NOT work over Bluetooth 5.0 and/or USB just as securely? Wish I had the expertise to answer the question authoritatively.
[doublepost=1540645338][/doublepost]

Except the Mac Mini rumors have talked about a new Mini with a "pro focus" and higher price - which seems strange if there is going to be a new Pro as well.

On the other hand, since the Cylinder hasn't been updated since 2013, and any still-in-use Cheesgraters are effectively becoming more like Hackintoshes, the majority of actual "pro" users must surely have given up and switched to Windows or Linux so that they can use purpose-built systems and have a reasonable expectation of upgrading them when the tax/leasing cycle dictates.

For the remaining enthusiasts, and developers, A i7/i9 Mini with a half-decent dGPU might be a better option than a Xeon shoe-horned into $5000 aluminium shard ($300 AMD GPU in a $1000 eGPU enclosure extra). Or, maybe, Apple will get over themselves and make the true Pro the mini-tower PCIe "pickup truck" system that fills in all the gaps between the Mini, the MacBook Pro and the iMac Pro.

My hope would be that Apple gives us two “minis”, one in the existing case that uses Intel 28w U-Series CPUs and simply replaces the Thunderbolt 2 ports with Thunderbolt 3 ports at the same or very similar price points and a “Mac” that is like that mini on steroids, but uses the Core i5/i7 8xxxG CPUs with Radeon Pro WX Vega Graphics in a larger, more flexible chassis that allow for better thermals and up to 64GB of DRAM. This would also make a cheaper Developer box for AR/VR provided it also had an HDMI output.

Now, I will not be surprised when this does not happen nor will I be upset. Again, for most people, the gateway into the Apple world is the iPhone and/or the iPad and not a Mac. The iPad is the most logical choice for users who enter via the iPhone as then they do not have to purchase new applications. H/T to user abizigal for that insight.

Unfortunately, I think the Mac Pro will be less accessible than most would like it to be and with a rarified price tag (5K base and up it goes).

However, I will try to be optimistic that Apple has not yet abandoned the Mac. Looking forward to Tuesday either way.

 

[curtvaughan]

But "retina" means nothing. Apple calls iPhone, iPads, iMacs "retina" but they all have different resolutions. "retina" is just a buzzword made up by Apple.
[doublepost=1540622930][/doublepost]
This is the real "elephant in the room" If Apple are going to continue with the narrative that the iPad is a "real computer" and it "can replace your laptop" why would they hold an iPad event where they announce a computer and laptop?

One way to advance the iPad as a replacement for "real computers" is to reduce ports and interfaces on laptops and desktops to the point that the iPad really can be a replacement. The latest Apple laptops are so small, thin, and portless as to look sort of like toys. That's really the impression I get when looking at the laptops students are using at a local university, where it's the case that many are choosing high quality PC laptops over MacBooks . They really need and use the ports.

 

[GalileoSeven]

I mothballed my Mini in favor of a 27" iMac a while back. This beast is far from dying, but for me to keep a Mac presence on my desktop when it does - a future Mini will have to have easy upgradability/expandability (at least for the RAM) and a decent value proposition.

The bar is a bit higher where laptops are concerned. The 11" Air I bought (for $800-odd bucks after tax) has been the best laptop I've ever had - a solid road warrior that's kept up with all my emailing, writing and even photoshopping. I've entertained the idea of replacing it with something that has a bigger/better screen, but all the reliability and support issues surrounding the current offerings, plus the poor value proposition, I'm definitely back in the Windows/PC camp.

I'd like to see something with a better screen and better starting specs for around the same price. A tall order, I know.....but if I wanted something with 5 year old specs (128GB SSD, 4GB RAM, 1366 x 768 screen etc), you can be damn sure I wouldn't pay $900+ for it. If that's the best Apple's got, then they can go pound sand.

 

[kahkityoong]

no way in hell would they do a screen like that.

You do realise that he was taking the pi55 right? Your own avatar describes my reaction perfectly

 

[MyMacintosh]

Prepare to be disappointed.
[doublepost=1540640235][/doublepost]
But they aren’t bezeless. Why do people call it bezelles when there’s not one device who’s bezeless. NOT ONE!

semantics. Its bezeless enough. Technically you can't actually have no bezels.
[doublepost=1540649278][/doublepost]

I've come to accept that these products are unergonomic without the use of third party accessories https://www.studioproper.com.au/products/hand-strap

yikes

 

[Firebrand]

Can’t wait to hear Apple’s latest definition of “low-cost”...should be a hoot. If it’s under $1,199 I’ll eat my hat. They seem to be on a “take features/performance away in the pursuit of almighty thinness and raise the price” tear these past 3-5 years. Why the hell should (or would) Tuesday be any different?

I hope I’m wrong, but...

I don’t follow all this stuff like I once did (who does, right?)...is there some solid rumors/evidence of an updated Mac mini or is this all just some sort of mass “wishful thinking” hysteria, with everyone desperately, gamely hoping to will it into existence?

Because it sure seems like the very type of product Apple doesn’t give a rip about anymore. Evidence? Oh, the past four years.

So what’s suddenly different/changed now? If that model “mattered” to them, why has it sat, completely untouched, for four(!) solid years? I think a lot of people in the Apple forum/rumor community need to steel themselves for the very real possibility that, like the iPhone SE, Apple simply yanks the mini from their lineup completely, effective Tuesday.

It wouldn’t surprise me one bit at this point.

I certainly hope not, but this just isn’t the Apple that once was. That’s become painfully obvious with each passing year. I truly believe if Tim and a few others had their way, all they’d make would be phones, watches, Apple TVs and related accessories and software. All his boilerplate, canned rhetoric about “the Mac is as important to us as ever” simply doesn’t line up with reality in any way, at least on the non-notebook front.

Check out the Buyer’s Guide at this very site if you doubt me. It’s quite telling and clear-cut. And a little sad.

You know, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Mac Mini (Minnie?) gets renamed to iPad Mini.

 

[Count Blah]

Except the Mac Mini rumors have talked about a new Mini with a "pro focus" and higher price - which seems strange if there is going to be a new Pro as well.

You can easily differentiate the two...

• ECC RAM - Mini no, Pro yes
• More than 32 Gigs of RAM - Mini no, Pro yes
• dGPU - Mini no, Pro yes - People will tout eGPU, but you really lose 25-30% performance going with an external, and power users who NEED the graphics power are not going to go this route
• More than 4-6 CPU cores - Mini no, Pro yes - depends on how much Apple wants to give the mini users, I have my doubts about even getting 6 cores, given the past screw job

People get hung up over ‘pro’ versus power. The mini is not going to hold a candle to the Pro, but it certainly can be MUCH more powerful/useful for many more purposes than it currently is.

 

[Naimfan]

If the Mini isn't offered with a 6 core option, Apple shouldn't bother.

 

[curtvaughan]

I mothballed my Mini in favor of a 27" iMac a while back. This beast is far from dying, but for me to keep a Mac presence on my desktop when it does - a future Mini will have to have easy upgradability/expandability (at least for the RAM) and a decent value proposition.

The bar is a bit higher where laptops are concerned. The 11" Air I bought (for $800-odd bucks after tax) has been the best laptop I've ever had - a solid road warrior that's kept up with all my emailing, writing and even photoshopping. I've entertained the idea of replacing it with something that has a bigger/better screen, but all the reliability and support issues surrounding the current offerings, plus the poor value proposition, I'm definitely back in the Windows/PC camp.

I'd like to see something with a better screen and better starting specs for around the same price. A tall order, I know.....but if I wanted something with 5 year old specs (128GB SSD, 4GB RAM, 1366 x 768 screen etc), you can be damn sure I wouldn't pay $900+ for it. If that's the best Apple's got, then they can go pound sand.

My largest complaint regarding the iMacs - I'm on my third in 10 years - is with the cooling. Generally after about 3 years, at least in my environment, enough dust accumulates in the machines to cause excess fan noise to combat the lack of ventilation. They need a means of easily vacuuming, which is a real hassle requiring removal of the screen to do adequately. I would think that Mac Minis and Pros would be simpler to open up and clean, and likely wouldn't be as susceptible to dust blocking proper ventilation.

 

[skippermonkey]

if you've been following the eGPU threads and the fact it suddenly got enabled in recent High Sierra updates, you're pretty spot on the money. Apple's ideal of a modular Mac will just be a basic Mini-like device with TB3 accessories like an eGPU or a PCIe cage, probably third party for the latter, Apple-branded for the former. My guess is they'll use the aluminum case as a passive heatsink for lower-end CPUs and an active cooling solution for the higher end. The fact they can fit a Xeon inside an Imac now is telling of the direction this will go. But I also wouldnt expect Apple to offer high-end CPU offerings in the package... if we're lucky, an LGA2066 based CPU like Xeon Ws, but my money will be on hex-core i7/i9/e3 xeon CTO options with standard i5 as the baseline.

Careful with that talk. I suggested the same thing on the Mac Pro forum and the joyless nerds over there went mad. But I don't think it's totally out of the question – especially seeing all the horsepower shoehorned into the iMac Pro. Take the screen off it and what do you have? A Mac Mini 'Pro'. Box size/volume is probably quite similar, it just needs a different design to manage the cooling. If Apple has an eGPU enclosure that connects, then you just plug in your keyboard and monitor. Technically it might not make sense (to people who understand this stuff) but the idea of a scaleable, modular system certainly does.

Having said all that, I just want a replacement for my Mac Pro that's as near as twice as fast as I can get.

 

[Naimfan]

Having said all that, I just want a replacement for my Mac Pro that's as near as twice as fast as I can get.

That SHOULD be easy for Apple: update the damn cheesegrater!

Of course, it won't do that, because that's what people want.

 

[Val-kyrie]

$20 says the new low-cost Macbook Air replacement is ARM-based.

I wouldn't expect this until next WWDC (June 2019). New hardware requires new software requirements and Apple will want to lay out the upcoming OS transition in more detail.

I honestly don't really expect any significant new Mac releases. Maybe some spec bumps, but neither a completely new MacBook model nor a redesigned Mac mini (and definitely no Mac Pro).

The iPad Pro update is simply too big. Apple will most likely spent most of the time hyping the new tablet and how it will make desktop computers and laptops obsolete, and how it will be an incredible tool for artists and so on. They will show off the upcoming new Photoshop for iPad and how it will work splendidly with the updated Apple pencil – which would fit with the different teaser pictures in diverse art styles for the event invitation.

There just won't be much room for any (really) new Macs.

The lack of information about hardware updates is telling. At most, I expect minor hardware updates and the MBA and MM to be discontinued and replaced by a single MB model to be priced at $999 ($1 below the $1000 psychological threshold). Prepare for a lot of whining and disappointed MR members.

 

[lilrush]

But will you buy if it has a spinner in it??

It has SSD options even now, so im not worried.

 

[skippermonkey]

That SHOULD be easy for Apple: update the damn cheesegrater!

Of course, it won't do that, because that's what people want.

Just think where we'd be if they'd have done that instead of 'designing' the stupid trashcan? Dual 10- or 14-core (not underclocked) or maybe even a Threadripper, with two GPUs and loads of room for SSDs.

 

[Naimfan]

Just think where we'd be if they'd have done that instead of 'designing' the stupid trashcan? Dual 10- or 14-core (not underclocked) or maybe even a Threadripper, with two GPUs and loads of room for SSDs.

Yep, we've had to move to HP Z8s because the 5,1s we had just weren't fast enough for the data analysis we do. And every time we tried a trashcan it burned out - we run them 24/7/365 at 100% of the GPU and CPU. As you'd imagine, the Z8s with Quadros comprehensively annihilate all the MPs.

 

[iLLUMI]

nah, I want an iPad Mini with slimmer bezels and face ID.
More and more of my headphones are becoming wireless so not having a headphone jack no longer bothers me.
If iPad Mini 5 still looks like the previous gens then I'm going to stick with my Mini 4. I don't want another product that looks the same. Design fatigue. I want something different. I love the slimmer bezel look and I'm really hoping for it.

 

[bluespark]

After a slow year last year, Apple is giving us a deluge of good products this year, and making me very poor in the process.

 

[MvdM]

What to expect from Apple these days.
Everything we don't want or need.
- no upgradable or reparable Macs with fewer ports than ever. But in a very small casing because that's what we (read:they) want
- a nodged iPad screen

- Wait! Just got a great idea! An iMac with a nodged screen, usbc ports only and a touch bar in the chin or foot.