As always, there's a mess of rumors out on the internet preceding the big Apple event in which the Cupertino giant said in the invitations that it still has "a lot to cover." And a lot of rumors - like rumors tend to be - are way overblown. Here's what to actually expect from the Oct. 22 Apple Event.
Haswell-Powered MacBook Pro Retina
After Apple refreshed its MacBook Air with Intel's high-performing, power-sipping Haswell-brand processor, the rumor of the similarly-constructed MacBook Pro Retina getting a Haswell processor is almost certainly in the bag. Whether it's a Core i5 or Core i7 is yet to be determined.
The 2013 Retina MacBook Pro will probably also get the new Thunderbolt 2 port, though not much else is known about the updated workhorse laptop, other than the fact that it will assuredly come with OS X 10.9 Mavericks preloaded.
iPad 5
A new fifth-generation iPad will also be introduced, likely with a version of Apple's new A7 processor, which features the 64-bit architecture that iOS 7 and its apps are meant to eventually take advantage of.
Whether the new iPad will feature the Touch ID fingerprint scanner is a trickier proposition, but it's a possibility, as is an improved main camera. Expect the iPad 5 to be lighter and thinner than its predecessors.
iPad Mini 2
A new iteration of the iPad mini is long overdue, and Apple is pretty much guaranteed to refresh this product on Oct. 22. The new iPad mini will probably also run the 64-bit A7 processor, as well as being lighter and thinner.
A "Retina" display is almost certainly going to be on the new iPad mini, as the current model features a disappointing 1024 x 768p resolution that is getting blown away by competitors like the 7-inch Kindle Fire HDX and the 2013 Google Nexus 7 2.
OS X Mavericks
Apple's newest incarnation of OS X, dubbed "Mavericks," was previewed at the WWDC event during the summer, and has been expected to hit in an upgrade this year.
The new OS X will feature more integrated with its "iDevice" cousins, including a new Maps app, and updated Notes and Calendar apps. Other new features, like better multi-screen display capabilities and a faster-built Safari web browser will please the Mac power-users.
Apple TV
Apple TV is likely to get an upgrade to make it more competitive with up-and-coming devices like the Google Chromecast. In addition to having AirPlay, the new Apple TV update will probably allow users to stream content that they "physically" own on their iDevices to any Apple TV. That means that if you have an iTunes playlist or video that you want to put up on a friend's Apple TV, you'll be able to do it - no streaming, iCloud, or other configuration shenanigans necessary.
Mac Pro With 4K Display
The Mac Pro was shown off during the WWDC in June as well, and it looks like a mean machine (or an evil little space heater, depending on your disposition). Not much else is left to the imagination for the Mac Pro, but there are murmurs of an Apple display that will take advantage of Thunderbolt 2's ridiculous 4K bandwidth capabilities. That may happen, but it won't be the main event in any case.
Keyboard Cover for iPad?
The phrase "We still have a lot to cover" in the Apple event invitations has led to a lot of speculation that the iPad and/or iPad mini will come with a new cover that includes a full-sized Bluetooth keyboard - basically like an Apple version of the Microsoft Surface lineup's Touch Covers.
While the iPad still leads the tablet world (which, itself is continually overtaking the conventional computer market ), Apple still needs to innovate and meet consumer needs, or create them, with its devices. An elegant physical keyboard that's included with the iPad would help make the new iPad a powerful offering, eating up even more of the laptop market - and eating Microsoft's lunch. Will it happen? We'll have to wait until 10 PST on Oct. 22 to know for sure.
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