Apple 'One More Thing' Mac Event: What to Expect

Macs.

Alright, let’s proceed.

Apple has strongly indicated that, approximately five months following their initial presentation of silicon-based Macs at WWDC, the first of these models will become available at this week’s primary event. While anticipation is high, specific details regarding which models will launch and the exact nature of the upgrades remain uncertain, following numerous reports and speculation.

It’s also important to recognize that, despite a series of smaller presentations in recent months, this represents Apple’s final event before the peak of the holiday shopping season—as the event’s timing suggests. This implies we may finally witness the release of products that consumers have been eagerly awaiting to purchase as gifts.

Let’s begin with the most anticipated announcement: new Macs. Apple confirmed in June that models equipped with the ARM-based chips would be released this year, making this event a critical milestone. Rumors regarding these new machines have circulated for quite some time, even predating the official unveiling of Apple silicon. Current indications suggest that two new 13-inch laptops—a refreshed MacBook Pro and MacBook Air—will be showcased at this week’s event.

According to a recent Bloomberg report, the chips powering these new Macs will be based on the A14 chip found in the current iPhone 12 lineup and iPad Air. Apple has emphasized that these chips will “provide industry-leading performance and powerful new technologies.” Additional benefits include improved power efficiency and extended battery life, alongside features originally developed for mobile devices, such as enhanced security and machine learning capabilities.

An updated version of the 16-inch MacBook Pro may also be presented, though a comprehensive redesign for both this model and the iMac appears to be delayed. It’s crucial to remember that Apple has outlined a two-year plan to fully transition to its own silicon. Consequently, significant updates to the iMac (which recently received an update), Mac mini, or Mac Pro are unlikely at this time.

Alongside new hardware, software updates are also expected. Apple has refrained from announcing a release date for Big Sur since its unveiling in June. It is highly probable that we will receive a firm date for macOS 11.0. As a substantial update to the desktop operating system, Big Sur introduces significant visual redesigns and new functionalities to the Mac product line.

Considering this is Apple’s last major event before the holidays, it’s reasonable to anticipate the introduction of one or two products beyond the Mac lineup. The most likely candidates remain those frequently discussed leading up to Apple events in recent months: AirTags and AirPods Studio.

The recent iPhone event seemed a logical opportunity to launch the latter, particularly with the introduction of the HomePod mini. However, reports indicate that the over-ear headphones have encountered production challenges. This is somewhat surprising, given Apple’s ownership of Beats—a brand renowned for its popular over-ear headphones. Nevertheless, a delayed release with a fully functional product is preferable to an early launch with potential issues.

AirTags, meanwhile, represent Apple’s long-awaited entry into the product-tracking market, competing with devices like Tile. This product has been the subject of rumors for an extended period, and now would be an opportune moment to announce its availability as a potential gift item.

This essentially covers the current rumor landscape. These lists were once more extensive, but Apple’s schedule of frequent press events throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a more gradual release of announcements. The event is scheduled to begin tomorrow at 10 a.m. PST, 1 p.m. EST. We will provide live coverage of all the news as it unfolds.