Apple is widely believed to be unveiling a new, 7.85-inch "iPad mini" today at a special media event in San Jose. We'll be on hand to cover the announcements in full detail, and here's a quick recap on what we expect Apple to show us today.
The star of the show is likely to be the long-rumored iPad mini. The device is expected to feature a smaller, 7.85-inch screen sporting the same 1024×768 pixel count as the first two generations of iPad hardware. It will likely be powered by a 32nm dual-core A5 processor, the same one used in currently shipping iPad 2s and iPod touches. We expect it to have a 5MP rear-facing camera and a 720p front-facing FaceTime HD camera. Storage will likely be 16GB.
Images of a purported prototype suggest the design will be a cross between the existing iPad and the latest iPod touch. Since it is believed that Apple is targeting the education market, as well as price-conscious consumers enticed by the likes of the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire HD, the iPad mini could sell for $299, or perhaps as low as $249 to volume education buyers. However, product code lists leaked from a retail source suggest the price may be as high as $329. The same lists also suggest the device will come in black and white, with optional 3G/4G connectivity. Wireless broadband seems likely, since a purported parts leak shows a GPS antenna—only 3G or 4G-capable iOS devices have GPS hardware.
An iPad mini announcement today definitely seems like a lock; one optimistic case maker is already selling ruggedized cases for the new device. Preorders for the device are expected to begin on Friday, October 26, with devices shipping on Friday, November 2—just in time for the holidays.
Along with the iPad mini, Apple may introduce revised third-generation iPads. The changes are largely expected to be relatively minor, including a switch to Apple's new Lightning connector and the possible use of newer LTE chips compatible with more 4G networks around the globe. While there is some speculation that Apple may update the processor, battery, or other components, it seems more likely this revision will be pretty tame, with a true redesign coming sometime early next year during the usual March-April iPad launch window.
Beyond iOS devices, updated Macs are also rumored to make an appearance. While Apple updated its portable Macs with new Ivy Bridge processors from Intel when they became available earlier this year, the desktop Macs have languished. In addition to updated processors, we also expect USB 3.0 ports to make an appearance, as well as some possible new RAM and SSD storage options. There are rumors that the iMac will get a noticeably thinner external casing.
Also anticipated is a new 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro. Like its 15-inch bigger brother, the 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro will have a display with double the resolution of the existing 13-inch MacBook Pro, at 2560×1600 pixels. It will also be much thinner than the existing 13-inch MacBook Pro, and have a similar port layout to the 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro. Whether or not it will have a discrete graphics chip is still unknown. Pricing is expected to start around $1,699, $500 more than the entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro.
Senior Apple Editor Jacqui Cheng is in San Jose today, and will be liveblogging all the announcements from Apple beginning at 10am PDT (see it in your timezone). Apple will also be streaming live video of the event to Apple TVs and online.
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