Sources say Apple’s media gathering next week is chock-full of updates

Oct 16, 2012 08:12 GMT  ·  By

The latest chatter surrounding Apple’s rumored event scheduled for October 23 indicates that Tim Cook will have more than just the iPad mini to unveil this month. According to several sources, almost the entire Macintosh line will be upgraded as well.

Although it does seem unlikely that Apple will hold a second major event in such a short timeframe (a little over a month since the iPhone 5 unveiling), multiple reliable sources in the tech media agree that October 23 is the date when Apple will finally lift the cloth off its iPad mini.

The device is said to be an all-new version of Apple’s tablet PC boasting a 7.85-inch display with a non-Retina pixel density and iPad 2 parts. Selling for around $250/€192, this new iPad (dubbed “mini” in the tech blogosphere) is believed to help Apple grab the lion’s share of the tablet industry.

But that’s not all we should expect from Apple come October 23, sources indicate.

One update we should definitely expect is said to be a redesigned version of the iMac. Bearing a teardrop figure and an overall slimmer form factor, the 2012 iMac is said to finally forego the optical disc drive, as well as add new processors, and I/O ports.

While Apple will undoubtedly introduce a Retina-display iMac at some point in the future, it may be too early for the iMac (yield rates being the main culprit).

But not for the MacBook Pro, according to 9to5mac, who’s heard that a 13-inch MacBook Pro with a Retina screen is also slated for Apple’s October 23 event.

Citing “a consistently reliable source at a high-profile U.S. retailer,” the publication was able to confirm the new model, as well as its internal codename – D1.

Finally, Apple is upping the ante on the Mac mini front as well, sources say. Alongside the new iPad, iMac, and MacBook Pro, the 2012 Mac mini will arrive with different processor and storage options, as well as a configuration for server needs.

The Mac mini will also be getting USB 3.0 ports, these sources say.

What's interesting is that the Mac Pro seems officially dead. Apple has been reluctant to give it a significant upgrade for a few years now.

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