Apple confirmed on Tuesday it will hold an event next week on October 22, likely to launch the next-generation iPad models, including the iPad mini. Also on deck, we're expecting to see other hardware included in the lineup, not least the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro.
The technology giant sent sister site CNET an invitation this morning, reading: "We still have a lot to cover." It's not a huge surprise, seeing as Apple chief executive Tim Cook said on its fiscal second quarter earnings call that it has some "really great stuff" coming in the fall, and in 2014.
While details of the event remain on the most part under wraps, the date of the event was uncovered more than a week ago.
The event will start at 10 a.m. PT (1 pm ET; 6 pm GMT) at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco.
Apple announced the premium iPhone 5s and low-cost iPhone 5c at an event in September. Following an adjusted release cycle last year, new iPad models were not to be expected until at least October, just ahead of the lucrative December holiday season.
As for the MacBook range, Apple only recently updated its MacBook Air with the latest Intel Haswell chips, in which the firm promised "all-day" battery life. Though the Mac Pro got a major redesign, there wasn't a peep out of Apple on the MacBook Pro lineup. We're expecting at least a new MacBook Pro at the October 22 event, and perhaps a new and improved MacBook Air.
With this, the technology giant will also likely announce the launch of its next-generation desktop operating system, OS X Mavericks.
Apple sent out the "gold master" version of the software to developers on October 3, allowing app makers to finalize their desktop software with the new features and application hooks. It lands with multi-monitor support; desktop-versions of Apple Maps and iBooks; improved notifications; and new battery-saving technology, such as "App Nap," which can help conserve power.
CNET will be live on the ground reporting what the Cupertino, Calif.-based technology giant is cooking up. Meanwhile, ZDNet will have the breaking news and the analysis to follow.
