What to Expect From the 'Scary Fast' October 30 Apple Event

[deconstruct60]

Everything is pointing towards M3 Pro and Max. The question is - will the iMac get M3 and M3 Pro or just M3?

Unless Apple physically changes the iMac 24" chassis there is no room for a M3 Pro. Those package are no where near the same size. Remember the RAM packages are soldered to that base package also. Not onl is the "Pro" die bigger but there are also two more RAM packages soldered to the system.

There is no copious amounts of empty space inside the iMac 24" at all. The space is constrained by the size of the 'chin' ( because that is where apple is placing the main board). If the chin as bigger , but if the screen size stays the same ( which is likely since the logistics for the iMac chassis hasn't leaked anything about changes ).

[ This is nn start contrast to the Mini which is about half empty with the M1/M2 inside. So there was copious room for a M2 Pro to be squeezed into the chassis. ]

Is Apple going to abandoned the "iPad on stick" iMac 24" format? Probably not. When has Apple completely run away from a new chassis in a few years? Apple 'pressed on" with the butterfly keyboard for YEARS! Pretty good chance they strongly like the "iPad thinness" aspects of the iMac 24". Which puts the 24" off the "Mn Pro" option path.

Gurman is reporting that they tweaked the mount point for the stand. That likely saves Apple money some how. ( lower product assembly costs , repair costs , and/or boarder economies of scale with the Studio Display. ) . It is a connector adjustment to reinforce the whole 'iPad on a stick ' approach.

Jumping from M1 to M3 with no intermediary stop at M2 is fast. M3 versus M1 Pro ... the M3 probably isn't in a bad place on a fairly broad array of mainstream applications.

 

[Gudi]

The window management on windows out of the box is superior to that on Mac OS without having to seek and download additional software.

No it's not. It's just different and many Windows folks consider different to be wrong or inferior. Just like they expect folders to come before files when sorted by alphabetic order.

 

[eropko]

OLED iPads, please.

Local trolls will immediately start bitching about OLED burn in, referring to video "I kept an image for 36000000 hours on max brightness on ipad and it burned in" as a 100% proof.

 

[eropko]

If you ask me, Surface devices (specifically the Surface Pro) work extremely well because of Windows. Just compare Windows to the limitations of iPad OS, especially when you use the device as a laptop replacement.

Device not intended to be laptop replacement is bad as laptop replacement? Wow.

 

[Gudi]

Honest question, why do you need M3 in Air? Air is not a product thats about performance. So why do people keep asking for this? If you need the power, you go for Pro, if you need office and light stuff, the M2 is plenty fast. So honestly, why do you need M3 in Air?

Isn't it great that M3 is literally Apple's slowest, smallest and most efficient macOS processor?

M3 ➞ M3 Pro ➞ M3 Max ➞ M3 Ultra

 

[Odysseus17]

Apple earlier this week surprised us with an unexpected October event, and curiously, it is set to take place on Monday, October 30 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Apple has never hosted a nighttime event before, so Monday should be quite interesting.

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The "Scary Fast" event will be focused on the Mac, which has been confirmed by Apple's artwork for the event. On Apple's website, there is an Apple logo that morphs into the Mac Finder icon, so it's Macs that we're going to see.

Rumors have been mixed about what we can expect at the event, but it's sounding like we'll get the entire M3 chip lineup. We've outlined what we've heard is coming, but we might also get some unexpected announcements.

14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro

The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models were updated with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips in January 2023, so it is early for an update, but it is not unheard of for Apple to refresh a Mac twice in a single year.

Apple is expected to update the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with its next-generation M3 Pro and M3 Max chips, which will come less than a year after Apple debuted the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips.

The base M3 Pro chip will have a 12-core CPU and 18-core GPU, with upgrades available for a 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU. The base M3 Max chip will have a 16-core GPU and a 32-core GPU, with an option to upgrade to a 40-core GPU.

Upgrading from M2 Pro/M2 Max to M3 Pro and M3 Max should bring notable performance improvements, especially when it comes to the GPU and the ability for the MacBook Pro to run high-end games.

There was a recent rumor from DigiTimes suggesting that the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models will get more power-efficient miniLED displays, so there is a chance that we'll also see tweaks to display performance.

If we get the M3 upgrade and a new miniLED display, the MacBook Pro models could have significant improvements to their battery life. Aside from the new chips and the possible new display, we are not expecting any other design changes for the MacBook Pro models.

iMac

Apple hasn't refreshed the 24-inch iMac since 2021, and it's still using the M1 chip. The iMac is expected to get an update at Apple's event, and the new version will use the M3 chip, the same chip that will be in the 13-inch MacBook Pro.

Jumping from M1 to M3 will improve both CPU and GPU performance, but most notably the GPU performance. The M3 chip supports more RAM, so we could see more maximum memory available with an update, as well as a higher-capacity SSD.

There won't be notable design changes to the display of the iMac, but Bloomberg's Mark Gurman believes that Apple will tweak the stand. Some of the internal components in the iMac will be relocated and redesigned, with a new manufacturing process used to attach the stand.

An upgrade to Wi-Fi 6E is likely, as is Bluetooth 5.3. These are technologies that have been introduced in other Macs over the last year. The M3 iMac is reportedly being tested in orange, blue, pink, and silver finishes, so we should see some of the same color options that were available with the M1 iMac.

USB-C Accessories

Apple is expected to eliminate the Lightning port in several of its Mac accessories, including the Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Keyboard. Instead of Lightning, these devices will adopt a USB-C port as part of Apple's transition to USB-C across its entire product lineup.

Other Possibilities

Aside from the iMac and refreshed 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, there are no other rumors that suggest other devices are getting updated.

Initial information indicated that the 13-inch MacBook Pro could see a refresh with an M3 chip, but Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has since confirmed the 13-inch MacBook Pro will be refreshed at a later date.

Other Macs, including the MacBook Air, Mac mini, Mac Pro, and Mac Studio won't be updated until 2024, and the same goes for the iPads and AirPods. We are not expecting new iPads or new versions of the AirPods until next year.

How to Watch

Apple's "Scary Fast" event begins at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday, October 30. Apple is streaming the event on its Events website that can be viewed on any web browser, plus there will be a livestream on YouTube.

For those with access to the Apple TV app on the Apple TV set-top box or a smart TV, Apple will also offer an event livestream option for your TV.

For those unable to watch, MacRumors will be providing full event coverage on MacRumors.com and the MacRumorsLive Twitter account.

Article Link: What to Expect From the 'Scary Fast' October 30 Apple Event

I wouldn't be too surprised if Apple introduced a new larger iMac. The event itself was a surprise to most, so why not

 

[eropko]

I bought an 16 inch M1 Max 4tb ssd, 64gb ram a month ago for $2999 brand new. I know I got a great deal but it's still annoying they're launching a new MBP in the same year.

Every report was saying spring at the earliest.

Even more regret when you buy a new car and it's getting updated in couple years. That's how life is, what's the point in focusing on it.

 

[deconstruct60]

My gues..

We have been reading that the first M3 is using a new process that is not efficient. So I think the first M3 will go into a Mac that sells in lower volume. If the M3 chip is in limited supply it would not go into the #1 selling Mac. So my guess is they go into the iMac. But the tag-line is "scary fast" and a base M3 will be only about 20% faster then an M2.

the iMac would be moving from M1 to M3. There is no M2 iMac for Apple to use at all for comparison. So it is extremely likely that Apple's comparison is going to be between the M1 iMac ( and last Intel iMac to re-enforce the point to the primary targets for this new iMac. They are trying to move 'hold outs" forward, not churn less than 2 years old iMacs. ) .

That is the one upside is going into "Rip van Winkle" mode on products for a long while. Apple's comparisons are mainly against the previous version. The older the previous version the easier it is to 'kick sand in the face' of much older silicon.

Pretty good chance a M3 iMac would be covering a M1 Pro in many aspects on a wide variety of mainstream apps. And that is where 'scary fast' would come form. ( if cherry pick some hadware RT task may be able to push a old Intel 27" AMD GPU into the compare. )

So they us M3-pro or M3-Max or Ultra in the M3 or at least give the option to buy it that way.

An Ultra is highly unlikely. They would need a sizable 'extra' deep inventory of M3 Max chips to make those. Early on it would be a question of an either or. Either make Ultra or make Max (and Pros). The more Pros they make the less Max's they can make.

If they are limited by limited wafer supply , then they likely would be pushed into a either/or context. Apple may have intended a longer while back to make lots of Ultras and changed plans so now not 'bundling' those in pairs and selling separate. That would make it easier to spread a 'thin' volume over twice as many system deployments.
( and if there was a Rube Goldberg 4x version then even more volume sold as single die units. Apple probably really would want to 'dump' those even though 'somewhat recently' updates the MBP 16" )


That said, Apple needs a lower-cost Mac. Technically, I think you could run MacOS on a Chromebook if you have time and access to the source code. I have a 2014 vintage Mac Mini. with an Intal i3 processor and 8GB RAM. It runs MacOS. That is all you need. Stay could sell a stripped-down M1/M2 for $600 and still make money. Apple needs to work on the low end.

That said, Apple needs a lower-cost Mac. Technically, I think you could run MacOS on a Chromebook if you have time and access to the source code. ... Stay could sell a stripped-down M1/M2 for $600 and still make money. Apple needs to work on the low end.

Apple's modus operandi is just sell 'old' models with perhaps a 'not so old as the chassis' Apple Silicon SoC ( same ole chassis , same ole screen , same old .... ) . For example Apple could stuff a M2 into the old intel MBA format and shave another $100 off. ( similar to how iPhone n-2 , n-1 drop in price over time. Or iPhone SE. )

The Chromebook price zone easily goes up to $500-600 range now. Apple doesn't have to cover the bottom end. The stripped down Mini is already in the $599 point which is in that zone. They already kneecap the entry SSD in that system. They are already pulling some Scrooge McDuck moves now.

But yeah, when the M3 Mini eventually comes Apple could leave a M2 Minin in the line up (with perhaps a more decent SSD) in the line up at $449-599 zone.

 

[hoorayforhollywood]

It’s perfectly obvious that we’re getting M3, Pro and Max in one evening which is a huge and welcome thing.

It makes me wonder about the Ultra release (presumably WWDC). Will they announce two new chips? M3 Ultra and M3 Extreme? Extreme for Pro only? To justify the machine?

 

[bumblebritches5]

I don't think there's been any public statement from Apple as to event length?

The event page has a calender reminder that says it’s 2 hours long.

 

[bumblebritches5]

A bit pedantic of me, but 5PM is not "nighttime".

It's commute time, at least out here where Apple HQ is located.

It's also the start of the workday in Japan, Korea... all the way down to Australia.

The sun sets at 6:37PM tonight in Michigan, this event will be at night time

 

[Gotfredsen]

It’s perfectly obvious that we’re getting M3, Pro and Max in one evening which is a huge and welcome thing.

It makes me wonder about the Ultra release (presumably WWDC). Will they announce two new chips? M3 Ultra and M3 Extreme? Extreme for Pro only? To justify the machine?

I think we will see during 2023-2024


MacBook Air - M3 Chip
MacBook Pro - M3 Pro or M3 Max configuration
MacBook Ultra - M3 Ultra configuration + extra stuff

iPhone
iPhone Pro
iPhone Ultra

Mac mini - M3 or M3 Pro
Mac Studio - M3 Max or M3 Ultra
Mac Pro - M3 Ultra or M3 Extreme

However I think there could be a Mac Ultra

if so the Mac Ultra could be the most extreme Mac beyond the Pro

 

[topmounter]

Apple is launching a pumpkin themed Home Pod!

 

[fathergll]

What to expect? People who spent a ton on a MBP in January to be disappointed? I would be no matter the explanation. I’ll still watch even though I’m not in the market for any more Macs this year.

The crab bucket mentality of people is fascinating.

 

[theluggage]

It’s in the right place. Someone else explained this but they wanted the mouse to be used wirelessly to help apple uses transition. So they made it impossible to use it wired.

Yeah, that's not a contrived after-the-fact rationalisation at all. Because, as anybody with a non-Apple mouse with a sensibly placed charging socket knows, continuing to use the mouse with the wire connecyed will bring about armageddon, cause hair loss and the extinction of the platypus - and must be prevented at all costs even if it means removing a useful feature.

This mouse wasn't a "transition" to wireless - the Magic Mouse II replaced the original Magic Mouse, which was also wireless, but used AA batteries - and the obvious reason for the position of the socket is that was where the batteries and power switch were on the old mouse and required the absolute minimum of re-design.

They could replace it with some sort of induction charger.

...which still won't let you work while the mouse is charging. Unless its in the form of a huge, expensive mouse mat...

I've heard it only needs a charge once a month....what's wrong with just charging it over night?

...because a mouse battery will never run out at 10am on a working day, or 10 minutes before a deadline, nor does the battery life decline as the mouse ages.

It's very simple -

Magic Mouse II: Take an enforced 5 minute break in the middle of a sentence to get a few hours' quick charge.
Other mouse: Plug in, continue working, put up with a wire for an hour while it gets a full month's charge.

I suspect you've never used one

I suspect you have never tried anything better.

Does it make the mouse unusable? No.
Is it a missed opportunity on an expensive mouse from a company which prides itself on design? Absolutely.

 

[theluggage]

If a 24" M3 iMac gets announced but still has upper limit of 16GB, will stay with what I have.

Even the regular M2 ups the maximum memory to 24GB so I doubt the M3 will be less than that.

 

[Queen6]

TBH I dont appreciate the leaks, likes of Gurman & Kou I care very less about as they fundamentally only serve themselves. What I want is the reveal on the day by Apple, not to be spoiled by the leakers.

Steve Jobs was a master of presentation skills and one many could learn from...

Q-6

 

[wellander1]

I want to see a CRT based imac.

 

[GMShadow]

TBH I dont appreciate the leaks, likes of Gurman & Kou I care very less about as they fundamentally only serve themselves. What I want is the reveal on the day by Apple, not to be spoiled by the leakers.

Steve Jobs was a master of presentation skills and one many could learn from...

Q-6

It seems odd to be here on a rumor site then, doesn't it?

 

[JimmyG]

How much cash do you think you'll be coughing up FOR that?

$3,500, and I won't even blink. LOL More for a higher end processor.

 

[DanVM]

Device not intended to be laptop replacement is bad as laptop replacement? Wow.

Don't you think users tried to use iPads as laptops when Apple released the Magic Keyboard with trackpad? Also, Apple is trying to improve multitasking with Stage Manager. Still, Windows is better than iPad OS when used as a laptop replacement.

 

[newyorkguy]

waiting for the "Fckn Fast" event. Sorry.

 

[canon-cinema-0r]

Despite the thumbs down and LOL's people give your post, they're still comparing to Windows from a decade ago.
Not counting people who build their own Frankenstein computer and have issues, prebuilts (Dell, HP, etc) are very stable and as a person who supports hundreds of Windows and Mac users and use both myself, that Windows, for the most part, "just works" and rarely has issues. I'm not a huge fan of Windows 11 because of the UX changes MS made, but then I'm not a fan of how macOS works either. People here can downvote all they want with their singular experience years ago and haven't touched Windows since but the corporate world runs on Windows for a reason. And before you say "but Windows gets viruses", I've used Windows since the beginning of time and can't remember ever being infected with one. Be responsible, smart and use protection and you'll be fine.

I've never stopped using Windows (sadly), and while it improved a lot, it's still a terrible experience doing software dev and/or science, not to mention the nagging everyday things like not being able to exit an rdp session and leaving the computer unlocked without console hacks. Like wtf. While I could make a loooong list of wtfs from MacOS too, they are less in the way of everyday usage and less rage inducing.

 

[DEMinSoCAL]

No it's not. It's just different and many Windows folks consider different to be wrong or inferior. Just like they expect folders to come before files when sorted by alphabetic order.

If I have 2500 files in a directory and 10 folders, why should I have to scroll through 2500 files to get to the folder named "Work files"?

 

[canon-cinema-0r]

Apple devices are definitely better than the "cheap awful boxes or Apple knock-offs" you mentioned. The story is different when you compare Apple devices with Lenovo and HP business devices (and maybe Dell devices). I have seen ThinkPad's in my customers and are very well built, sometimes better built than Apple notebooks. And they last a long time without issues. And they have no issues at all with Windows, from stability or productivity POV.

The only thing missing is the efficiency from the M-series processors, but it looks like Qualcomm, Nvidia and AMD will take care of that soon.

The funny thing is that Apple is cheaper where everyone else is more expensive, and vice versa. I was coming from 12" ThinkPads (only reason was the OS), and was pleasantly surprised that a similar MacBook was cheaper. But if I were coming from 14-15" consumer machines, the price gap is huge there and probably wouldn't have made the switch.