Apple has confirmed its third product showcase of the year, titled “Pro and Tell,” scheduled for October 28 in Los Angeles. Unlike previous large-scale keynotes, this gathering will function as a briefing for press and creators rather than a traditional public event. While the company has not officially listed the agenda, industry reports strongly indicate that the focus will rest on two primary categories: Mac and iPad hardware.
First Touchscreen MacBook Pro
The most anticipated announcement is a new MacBook Pro that will feature a touchscreen display for the first time in the product’s history. According to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, the device will likely arrive in 14-inch and 16-inch configurations. The design is expected to undergo its most substantial revision since the 2021 models, with reports suggesting a thinner and lighter chassis.
The shift to an OLED display is expected to enable significantly thinner bezels and a hole-punch camera cutout. This change would introduce Apple’s Dynamic Island feature to the laptop lineup, replacing the traditional notch found on current models. Macworld reports suggest the pricing will be higher than existing models, positioning this new device as a premium expansion of the lineup rather than a direct successor to the standard non-touchscreen versions.
Despite the hardware overhaul, the internal processors will not see an immediate upgrade to the new M6 family. Gurman’s sources indicate Apple will retain the current M5 Pro and M5 Max chips for this specific model. A refresh with the M7 Pro and M7 Max chips is not expected until 2027, meaning buyers of this new touchscreen MacBook Pro will not get the latest generation of silicon.
M6 Chip Expansion and iPad Mini Update
While the flagship laptop sticks with older silicon, other Mac models are expected to receive the M6 chip. The entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro is a leading candidate for this upgrade, following a similar pattern Apple used last year with the M5 chip. This version will likely retain the current design and LCD display, offering only the performance and efficiency benefits of the M6 processor.
The iMac is also expected to receive an update, particularly since the current model launched in 2024 with the M4 chip. The transition to the M6 would provide a notable jump in CPU and GPU performance, aided by a dual 16-core Neural Engine designed to accelerate AI tasks. The physical design and color options may remain unchanged, but the internal speed improvements could be significant for creative professionals.
Apple is also expected to revamp the iPad mini with its first OLED display. Current models rely on LCD panels, making this a major step up in visual quality. The new device is rumored to feature the A20 Pro chip, which is already utilized in the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo. This upgrade addresses long-standing complaints about thermal management in the current A17 Pro-based model.
Additional rumored changes for the iPad mini include thinner bezels, a repositioned front-facing camera, and initial water resistance ratings. These features have not been confirmed by Apple, but they align with broader trends in the tablet market. The October 28 event will provide the first official look at these products, concluding a busy season for the tech giant.
Source: Engadget
