Apple is reportedly planning an October 28 event for touchscreen MacBooks, M6 Macs, and an OLED iPad mini. Mark Gurman suggests a significantly higher price for the new iPad mini.
Apple is reportedly gearing up for an event in Los Angeles on October 28, with reports suggesting the tech giant could unveil its first touchscreen MacBooks, an OLED iPad mini, and new Macs powered by its M6 chips. This information comes from a fresh report by Free Press Journal, which cites Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
Gurman indicates that Apple has begun inviting select media members to an all-day launch experience. The showcase is expected to feature the new M6 versions of the 14-inch MacBook Pro and the iMac, alongside the much-anticipated touchscreen MacBooks and the OLED iPad mini. It is not yet clear, however, whether Apple will announce pricing, pre-orders, or availability on the day itself. Gurman had previously hinted at an unveiling on or around October 27.
Touchscreen MacBooks: A Major Shift
The prospect of touchscreen MacBooks marks a significant strategic shift for Apple. Historically, the company has kept macOS and iPadOS experiences distinct, with iPads offering touch functionality and Macs relying on trackpads and keyboards. If these reports hold true, it would be a major development, potentially blurring the lines between Apple's tablet and laptop offerings. For Indian users, this could mean more versatile computing options, though the initial pricing for such a premium feature would likely be quite high.
OLED iPad mini: Premium Tech, Premium Price?
The rumoured OLED iPad mini is another highlight. While specific details on its display are scarce, the upgrade to OLED technology would bring deeper blacks and better contrast. Gurman expects this new model to be priced significantly higher than the current iPad mini, which sells for $599 in the US. His personal estimate puts the new model closer to $799, though he acknowledges this figure is a guess.
For Indian consumers, a $799 (around ₹66,500, excluding taxes and duties, at current exchange rates) starting price would position the iPad mini firmly in the premium segment, well above many other popular tablets available today. This higher price point might make it a harder sell in a market that is sensitive to value, even for Apple products. It would be an interesting choice for those prioritising a compact form factor with a top-tier display.
Potential Availability in Early November
On the availability front, Gurman has pointed towards November 6 as a likely sale date. His expectation is based on Apple retail stores reportedly preparing for a significant "floor reset" during the evening of November 5 into the next morning. This retail activity, in his reading, suggests the new MacBook Pro, M6 iMac, and OLED iPad mini could reach stores on that day. It is important to remember that this is Gurman's interpretation of retail preparations, and Apple has not officially confirmed any sale dates.
A Robotic Arm for Future HomeView Hubs
Beyond the new Macs and iPad mini, Gurman's Power On newsletter also mentioned a higher-end version of the HomeView smart home hub, code-named J595. This premium HomeView would retain the existing design but sport a larger 9-inch screen (up from 7 inches) and a motorised arm that allows the display to swivel a full 360 degrees. The current HomeView has already debuted in India, so a premium version would expand its smart home offerings.
This robotic arm feature aims to address a common complaint about the current HomeView, where users have noted the device needs to be manually repositioned when multiple people are interacting with it. The arm is also reportedly designed to turn the screen towards whoever is speaking. This advanced HomeView is not expected to replace the standard model and is tipped for a launch sometime in 2027 or 2028. Gurman has speculated on names like HomeView Max, HomeView Ultra, or HomeView 360, but these are purely guesses. Apple has not announced this device, and its timing and design could still change.
What to Watch For
If these leaks prove accurate, October 28 could mark a pivotal moment for Apple's product line. Indian consumers keen on a compact, premium tablet or those who have long wished for a touchscreen Mac might want to keep an eye on official announcements. However, given the unconfirmed nature of these reports and the speculative pricing, it is advisable to wait for concrete details from Apple before making any purchase decisions or holding out for these specific models.
