Apple is reportedly planning to unveil a new MacBook Pro with a touchscreen OLED display and an updated iPad Mini on or around October 27th, according to Bloomberg. The event will feature both an online video presentation and an in-person component for the press, coming just two weeks after Apple's October 13th smart home-focused event.
Apple is expected to launch a new OLED iPad mini later this month, but a rumor from the yeux1122 account claims it will retain a 60Hz refresh rate without ProMotion support, despite other significant upgrades like the A20 Pro chip and redesigned bezels. The rumor lacks corroboration from reliable sources and has been treated with skepticism by analysts.
Apple announced a product launch for October 13 focused on smart home devices, including a new smart home hub with a 6-inch display, updated Apple TV 4K, and refreshed HomePod mini. The event may also feature an OLED iPad mini and will include a media experience in New York.
Amazon launches its new Alexa Tablet lineup, replacing the Fire brand with three sizes (8, 11, and 12 inches) that feature iPad-inspired designs and native Google Play Store support. The tablets run Android with MediaTek processors, with the premium 12-inch Pro model offering a 2.8K 120Hz display, quad speakers, and optional stylus and keyboard accessories, priced from $230 to $680.
Amazon announced a new lineup of Alexa Tablets running Android with Google Play access, starting at $229.99, designed to compete with Apple's iPad. The flagship 12-inch Pro model costs $499.99 and features a MediaTek Dimensity 8400 chip, 120Hz display, and optional Nanomatte finish, undercutting comparable iPad models while offering larger displays and higher refresh rates.
Amazon is launching a new lineup of Alexa Tablets running full Android with Google Play support, featuring three models priced from $229.99 to $549. The flagship Alexa Tablet 12 Pro emphasizes premium hardware design and a high-quality 12.5-inch display with adaptive features, positioning itself as a direct competitor to iPad models.
Apple's upcoming iPad mini 8 is rumored to feature a 60Hz OLED display using LTPS technology rather than the 120Hz ProMotion display found in iPad Pro models, according to a supply chain tipster. The device is expected to launch in October and will include other upgrades like an A20 Pro chip, landscape FaceTime camera, redesigned speakers, and water resistance.
Apple is planning two major product launch events in October: one on October 13 featuring a new home hub, HomePod mini, and Apple TV 4K, and another in late October with new Macs including a potential MacBook Ultra with OLED displays and M6 chip models, plus an iPad mini with OLED display.