Apple is organizing a keynote on October 31 at 1 a.m., when no one expected new announcements in 2023. Based on recent rumors, Numerama offers you the list of products that we could see or not see, in percentage chance.
Will Tim Cook be dressed as a pumpkin on October 31, when he speaks, probably for the last time of the year? The day before Halloween in the United States (and the night before it in France), Apple will organize the “Scary Fast” keynote (Monstrously Fast in French). The Apple site highlights a horrific version of the Finder logo, which suggests that the Mac will be in the spotlight at this event which should play on Halloween codes.
In its recent history, Apple has never organized a keynote this late (5 p.m. in California, compared to the usual 10 a.m.). It’s likely the format will be different, although the brand probably won’t reveal anything until October 31.
In the meantime, based on recent rumors and products awaiting renewal, Numerama offers you its predictions of Apple’s announcements.
Apple M3: a “monstrous” chip
“Monstrously fast.” With a name like that, the Apple keynote on October 31 will not be able to ignore new Apple Silicon chips. After the M1 in 2020 and the M2 in 2022, Apple should very logically announce its new M3 chip, which could be a real leap forward. The M2 chip had improved single-core performance without a major revolution, the M3 chip could refine the engraving (from 5 nm to 3 nm, like on the iPhone A17 Pro?). Enough to predict big leaps in performance and autonomy.
Probability: 99%, Apple would be satisfied with a press release if its new Macs used chips already released.
iMac M3: the computer that skips a generation
Renewed in 2021 with a colorful new design and the Apple M1 chip, the iMac is the only Apple computer to never taste the M2 chip. To make up for it, Apple should make its first computer with the M3 chip, which it should announce at the same time. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who is rarely wrong, has been talking about an event dedicated to the iMac M3 for several days. The foot could also change. We are also hoping for new colors.
Probability: 99%. It will take a computer to show the power of the M3 chip.
USB-C accessories, to put an end to Lightning
With its new iMac, who imagines Apple delivering a Magic Trackpad, a Magic Mouse and a Magic Keyboard with a Lightning port? While the iPhone 15 has moved to USB-C (like MacBooks, iPads and Apple TV), Apple has the opportunity to complete the transition with its computer peripherals. The new iMacs will likely come with a refresh of Magic mice and keyboards.
Probability: 98%. Apple cannot update its Macs without completing the transition to USB-C.
MacBook Pro M3: to accompany the iMac?
What other computer for the M3 chip? The MacBook Air is a logical candidate (the 13 and 15 inch versions use the M2 chip today), but rumors agree on a renewal of the ultra-portable in 2024. Same thing for the Mac mini, which should stay a little longer in M2. The iPad Pro M3 should also be available next year.
Will the iMac be the only computer with an M3 chip? In its range, Apple also offers an entry-level MacBook Pro, with another Touch Bar. Some analysts, including Ming-Chi Kuo, believe that this device could also upgrade to the M3 chip as early as October 31. It would nevertheless remain less interesting than a MacBook Air, unless Apple takes the opportunity to make changes.
Probability: 75%. The entry-level MacBook Pro is no longer of much use, but why not update it now.
Apple M3 Pro and M3 Max: even more “monstrous”
For the first time in its history, Apple could present all M3 chips at the same time (with the exception of the M3 Ultra, for the Mac Studio and the Mac Pro). Apple’s “monstrously powerful” conference could lift the veil on the M3 chip (which we just talked about), the M3 Pro chip and the M3 Max chip. Enough to offer Apple a very strong line-up for the end-of-year holidays, with recent products for all users.
Probability: 70%. The idea of launching everything simultaneously may seem surprising, but why not. Analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo believe the “M3 series” is on the cards.
MacBook Pro M3 Pro/Max: a quick renewal
If there are new M3 Pro and M3 Max chips, there will be new 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros. Apple will most likely renew its range all at once, even if the timing may be surprising. Indeed, the MacBook Pro M2 Pro/Max were released in January 2023, which will make a cycle of less than a year. Apple, however, has no reason to wait if the products are ready. It is possible that these are the computers that Apple is talking about with its “Scary Fast” slogan.
Probability: 70%. The fate of the new MacBook Pros is linked to that of the M3 Pro/Max chips.
Apple Vision Pro: a chip change?
Announced in June, the Apple Vision Pro will be Apple’s big new product in 2024. The brand briefly spoke about it during its September keynote, to indicate that the product had not fallen behind schedule. While there will undoubtedly be an event dedicated to the headset early next year, it is also possible that Apple will take advantage of its keynote to talk about it again, at least briefly.
What makes us think that Apple will talk about the Vision Pro is the announcement of the M3 chip. In June, Apple announced that its space computer used two chips (M2 and R1). Can Apple really release a $3,500 product with an old chip? We would not be surprised to see him announce the transition of the Vision Pro from the M2 to the M3, with some demonstrations of its power (to present applications to us?).
Probability: 50%. Apple will have to talk about the Vision Pro again one day and cannot let people think that it is using an old chip after having praised the qualities of the new one. But isn’t the Vision Pro likely to eclipse the Mac?
A new Apple TV app
According to Bloomberg, Apple will launch a new version of the TV application in December, with an interface inspired by that of Netflix. The brand should also kill its iTunes Store applications, at least on the sales/rental part of films and TV series (it would remain integrated into the TV app).
Probability: 50%. December is coming soon, but Apple could also make this announcement via press release later.
A new AirPods Max 2 headset?
Apple knows it, the successor to its AirPods Max headset is eagerly awaited. Victim of unexpected success since TikTok made it a luxury product, the AirPods Max headphones are lagging behind the AirPods Pro (it has an old chip) and still recharge using Lightning. If Apple switches its peripherals to USB-C, only it (and the AirPods 3) will be left with Lightning.
However, it is unlikely to discover an AirPods Max 2 on October 31. The rumors tend to point towards a launch in 2024, it is hard to see them being wrong.
Probability: 5%. There aren’t enough leaks for the AirPods Max 2 to be ready.
New iPads?
Finally, there remains the question of the iPad. Can Apple renew its tablets after announcing an Apple Pencil via press release 10 days before its keynote? This seems highly improbable to us.
Probability: 1%. What’s the point of unveiling a stylus independently if iPad announcements are planned?
What about iPhones?
Apple announced the iPhone 15s in September. The brand has no reason to talk about it again on October 31. However, we can imagine new software developments, linked to Macs or services.
Probability: 1%. There are not going to be new iPhones every month.
The Apple keynote to follow on Numerama
On the night of October 31, Numerama will follow the Apple conference so you can sleep peacefully. When you wake up, we will offer you a summary article of the brand’s announcements. Hoping to be right about the Vision Pro, which we can’t wait to review.
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