Apple has started sending invitations to some journalists for a full day of product presentations on 28 October in Los Angeles. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported it on 15 October, and AppleInsider and 9to5Mac followed. The star of the day is expected to be a MacBook Pro with a touch OLED screen: the first Apple laptop you can control with a finger directly on the display. Alongside it, an OLED iPad mini is expected, plus possibly refreshed computers on the M6 chip.
This article contains affiliate links. If you buy something through them, the site receives a small commission from AliExpress, and the price you pay does not change.
What we know about the event
There will apparently be no classic presentation with a stage and a live stream. Gurman describes the format as a “product day”: invited journalists will see the new devices in briefings, while for the public Apple will probably release videos and press releases. The company already tried this approach on 12 October, when it showed HomeView without a big show. Gurman first gave 27 October as the date, and now it is the 28th.
It is worth understanding the status of this information. Apple has not published an official announcement with a list of devices: everything below comes from Bloomberg and trade publications citing their own sources. AppleInsider rates the rumour as likely, but final specifications and prices will only be known on launch day.
Which devices to expect
MacBook Pro with a touch OLED screen
This is the most notable change to Apple’s laptop range in years. For a long time the company rejected touchscreens on the Mac, and now, according to sources, it is combining them with an OLED panel. According to 9to5Mac, the models come in 14 and 16 inches, and the notch at the top of the screen will be replaced by a Dynamic Island, as on the iPhone. The site also says expectations of a very thin body should be tempered: the latest reports point to more modest design changes.
Reports on processors differ. 9to5Mac previously wrote about M5 Pro and M5 Max chips for the new Pro models, while the current reports also mention “M6 Macs”. It is better to wait for the exact configuration from Apple itself.
OLED iPad mini
The compact tablet is rumoured to get an 8.4-inch OLED screen. Citing leaks, AppleInsider reports a 60 Hz refresh rate, meaning no ProMotion. The front camera is expected to move to the long edge for easier video calls in landscape, and the speakers will be reworked.
iMac and entry-level MacBook Pro on M6
The third group of new products looks more modest: the iMac, which has not been updated for about two years, and the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro may get the M6 chip with no change in looks. For anyone choosing a desktop computer for home or office, that is good news: the M6 model will replace last year’s without changing the familiar format.
When the new devices go on sale
AppleInsider estimates that if the devices are shown on 28 October, pre-orders will probably open in early November, with deliveries starting in mid or late November. You most likely will not be able to buy them on the day of the announcement. The sources have not named prices yet.
What this means for buyers
If you were about to buy a MacBook Pro or iPad mini, it is best to wait at least until 28 October. There is not long to go, and right after the announcement two things will become clear: how much the touch model costs, and how much retailers’ leftover stock of the current generation drops in price. Sellers usually cut prices on previous versions once new ones arrive, and for many tasks the previous MacBook Pro remains an excellent choice.
Not everyone needs a touch OLED screen. For those working with text, spreadsheets and code, it is unlikely to change much, but for photo, video and creative work an OLED with deep blacks could be a strong argument. Also bear in mind that the first generation of a new technology, from any manufacturer, can cost more and sometimes gets fixes in the second version.
The iPad mini is simpler. If your current tablet suits you, moving to OLED only makes sense for the more contrasty picture. If you are choosing a first compact tablet for reading, notes and travel, it makes sense to wait for the new model or for discounts on the old one.
One more practical point: all modern MacBooks and iPads charge and connect peripherals over USB-C. That means a hub, stand or stylus bought now will work with your current kit and with this autumn’s new devices. Those are the accessories below.
Useful accessories for MacBook and iPad
We picked popular, highly rated AliExpress accessories that will suit owners of both current and upcoming models. They are ordered by purpose, not by rating.
UGREEN Uno 6-in-1 hub for MacBook
MacBook Pro and Air users often run short of ports, especially HDMI and a regular USB-A for flash drives. The UGREEN Uno hub adds six connections through a single USB-C port. According to the seller, it outputs 4K at 60 Hz, passes through charging of up to 100 W and supports USB 3.2 at 10 Gbps. This is UGREEN’s official store, and the model has thousands of sales and a high rating. It costs £22.58, down from £38.35.
Price on 17 October: £22.58
Sold: 4300+ pcs, positive reviews: 97.0%
View on AliExpress
Baseus foldable 5 mm stand
The stand raises the laptop closer to eye level and improves airflow underneath. The Baseus model is 5 mm thick when folded, so it is easy to carry in the same compartment of a backpack as the laptop. A good option if you work in cafes or coworking spaces, or move between home and office. It costs £5.66, down from £12.60.
Price on 17 October: £5.66
Sold: 2800+ pcs, positive reviews: 97.4%
View on AliExpress
UGREEN vertical aluminium stand
If your MacBook works at home with an external monitor and keyboard, a vertical stand frees up desk space. It is described as aluminium and suits MacBook Air and Pro, as well as a tablet and phone. An option for those who use the laptop as a system unit. It costs £14.16, down from £30.99.
Price on 17 October: £14.16
Sold: 2100+ pcs, positive reviews: 98.6%
View on AliExpress
iPad stylus with palm rejection
This is the best-selling stylus in our selection, with more than 16 thousand orders. The listing mentions palm rejection, where the tablet ignores your hand while you write, and a charge indicator. The seller claims compatibility with iPad 2018 to 2022, iPad Pro, Air and Mini. Before buying, check your tablet model against the compatibility list on the product page; nothing is known yet about support for the future iPad mini. It costs £2.54, down from £5.07.
Price on 17 October: £2.54
Sold: 16000+ pcs, positive reviews: 98.0%
View on AliExpress
In short
According to Bloomberg, on 28 October Apple will show a MacBook Pro with a touch OLED screen, an OLED iPad mini and probably M6 updates. Sales are estimated to start in November. If you are planning a big Apple purchase, it makes sense to wait for the announcement and prices, while USB-C accessories can be bought now: they will suit both old and new models.

