It seems like it was just five minutes ago when excitement levels were being raised in preparation for the iPhone 5s/5c event at Apple’s Cupertino campus. With that event now under wraps and firmly in the past, the company has moved onto the next chapter by sending out media invites for the October 22nd event that we believe will see the introduction of the next-generation range of iPads.
As usual, the accompanying "We still have a lot to cover" tagline on the invitation will generate more speculation that is probably necessary, but it does a fairly good job of generating a significant amount of interest in Apple’s next big product announcement. The expected iPad event will be held at Yerba Buena Center in San Francisco on October 22nd at 10:00 am PT. Apple has previously used this venue on a number of occasions to introduce new hardware so it should certainly feel like home for the attending media and company executives.
History has already shown us that device specific speculation goes into overdrive when an event has been officially announced. There has already been a great deal of rumor surrounding the potential introduction of the iPad mini 2 that could come with a Retina display and faster processor. A vast amount of mini owners have complained about the performance compromises on the device when iOS 7 is installed, so an improvement under-the-hood would be a very welcome addition for those who prefer the 7.9-inch tablet.
The inclusion of a fingerprint sensor in the iPhone 5s and accompanying introduction of the Touch ID technology has also increased speculation about the future of the iPad. Apple’s Touch ID detection allows users to unlock the device as well as authenticate App Store purchases by scanning a pre-registered fingerprint on the Home button of the iPhone 5s. Rumor has it that the same technology will be adapted and used in the iPad 5. Whether or not the iPad mini will get the same biometric based love is another story entirely.
An October announcement would mean that the new iPad range would be available for purchase just in time for the manic holiday shopping season. Regardless of what Apple bring to the table, it seems unlikely that any other slate would take away the iPad’s crown as being the most popular tablet device on the market.
Apart from the new iPads, we’re expecting Apple to announce new Haswell MacBook Pros, the availability date of the new Mac Pro, and of course, the release of OS X Mavericks to the general public.
We will, of course, cover the announcements made on October 22nd from A to Z, so be sure to tune in to our coverage that day.
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