Apple is preparing for a busy week ahead, with the much-anticipated Apple October event set to feature M4 Macs and software updates. The company has several major announcements planned, and it will also share its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings on October 31.
A “Mac” to remember
Apple’s marketing head, Greg Joswiak, teased the upcoming week by urging followers to “Mac” their calendars.
Mac (😉) your calendars! We have an exciting week of announcements ahead, starting on Monday morning. Stay tuned… pic.twitter.com/YnoCYkZq6c
— Greg Joswiak (@gregjoz) October 24, 2024
The tech giant is expected to announce updates to its Mac lineup, which will include new M4 versions of the iMac, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini. According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, these new Macs will be showcased at a hands-on event in Los Angeles on Wednesday for media and content creators.
Apple is hosting a hands on experience next Wednesday in Los Angeles for media/creators. So the new Macs of course need to be announced by then. https://t.co/6sshpckmbL
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) October 22, 2024
The updated MacBook Pro is expected to come in two sizes, 14-inch and 16-inch, with options for M4 Pro and M4 Max chips. The entry-level model will feature an additional Thunderbolt port compared to its predecessor. The iMac will also receive an upgrade to the M4 chip, improving performance. The new Mac mini will likely have a smaller design, featuring two front-facing USB-C ports, and it will come with either an M4 or M4 Pro chip.
Apple’s updated Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Keyboard are also rumored to get USB-C compatibility, which will help unify the charging ecosystem across Apple’s devices.
First round of Apple Intelligence features arrives
Apple is also set to release the first wave of its AI features, known as Apple Intelligence, through the iOS 18.1 update. These features will only be available for iPhone 15 Pro models and later. The AI tools, introduced during the Worldwide Developer Conference earlier this year, promise to enhance user experience by offering improved functionality in everyday tasks.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has spoken about Apple Intelligence in the past, describing it as “not first, but best.” During the third-quarter earnings call, Cook emphasized Apple’s focus on developing AI tools that truly improve users’ lives. In recent comments, Cook elaborated that the technology will be “profoundly different,” akin to the transformative nature of innovations like the iPod’s click wheel or the iPhone’s touch interface.
Craig Federighi, Apple’s head of software, explained that Apple prefers to roll out these AI tools in stages to ensure their quality and reliability. Some features, like notification summaries and a new photo-editing tool called Cleanup, have already started to make their way to users. The rollout of Apple Intelligence will continue throughout the next year.
A recap of Apple’s approach
Apple’s cautious strategy with AI sets it apart from competitors like Google and OpenAI, who have rushed to introduce products like Google Gemini and ChatGPT. Federighi highlighted that Apple’s approach prioritizes user privacy, with AI models running directly on devices rather than in the cloud. This local approach means personal data stays secure, which is a core value for Apple.
Apple’s earnings results for the fiscal fourth quarter are expected to shed light on the impact of Apple Intelligence and other product launches. Cook has expressed optimism regarding AI, noting that Apple’s continued investment in this space will provide significant value to users. The upcoming earnings call will likely provide more insight into how AI fits into Apple’s long-term growth strategy.
With new M4 Macs, updates to the iPhone lineup, and the gradual release of Apple Intelligence, this week’s Apple October event will be filled with announcements. As Apple continues to expand its AI capabilities, it remains committed to offering the best user experience—even if that means taking a slower, more deliberate path.
Apple’s Vision Pro headset also remains a focus, with Cook describing it as an “early-adopter product” for those wanting to experience future technology today. Like other iconic products, it may take time for the Vision Pro to become mainstream, but Apple’s long-term commitment suggests it sees substantial potential in augmented reality.
The week promises significant reveals and will be one to watch for tech enthusiasts and Apple fans. Whether it’s new Macs or evolving AI features, Apple’s October event is another step in the company’s journey to innovate responsibly and effectively.
Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram
