Apple invites media to Oct 28 LA event for touchscreen MacBooks, M6 iMacs and OLED iPad mini

Apple is scheduled to announce its first touchscreen MacBook Pro models on October 28 during an all-day product launch event in Los Angeles. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company has sent invitations to media outlets confirming the date and location for this significant hardware reveal.

The new MacBook lineup will reportedly split into two distinct categories. One series will feature OLED touchscreens in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes, powered by M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. These devices are described as significantly lighter, indicating a physical redesign that may include a Dynamic Island instead of the current notch and optional 5G connectivity.

A second 14-inch MacBook model will likely retain the existing chassis design while upgrading to the base M6 chip. This configuration aims to maintain the core laptop product line for general users, focusing on Siri integration and AI-powered features in macOS. This strategy mirrors the September Mac Mini release, which offered both M5 Pro and base M6 options at different price points.

Product Lineup and Pricing Strategy

The OLED touchscreen MacBooks are code-named “MacBook Ultra” and are expected to target enthusiasts and power users seeking cutting-edge display technology. Gurman noted that these premium devices will likely be pricey, reflecting the high cost of OLED panels and advanced silicon. This tiered approach allows Apple to pursue a high-end market segment while keeping a more affordable entry point for standard users.

iPad Mini Refresh

Alongside the MacBooks, Apple is reportedly launching a refreshed iPad Mini. This update marks the first change to the bite-sized tablet since 2024, when it received the A17 Pro chip. The new model will feature an OLED display and an M6 chip, representing a substantial upgrade in processing power and screen quality compared to its predecessor.

Pricing for the new iPad Mini is expected to increase considerably. Reports suggest a starting price of $799, up from the current $599 baseline. This price hike aligns with the premium positioning of the new OLED display technology and the more powerful M-series silicon, distinguishing it from previous iterations of the compact tablet.

What should you do?

Security and technology professionals should monitor the official announcements on October 28 for specific hardware specifications and software requirements. Organizations planning hardware refreshes should evaluate whether the new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips offer necessary performance improvements for their workloads.

What to do and how to stay safe: Apple

• Review current device lifecycle policies to determine if existing MacBooks meet security and performance requirements for the next fiscal year.
• Monitor official Apple channels for detailed specifications regarding the new M5 and M6 chips to assess compatibility with existing enterprise management tools.
• Evaluate budget allocations for potential hardware upgrades, considering the reported price increases for OLED models and the new iPad Mini.
• Ensure that endpoint security solutions are configured to handle new hardware identifiers and potential changes in device authentication methods once new models are deployed.

Step-by-step guide: Mobile Device Security: How to Protect Data Beyond Passwords

General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

When is Apple’s next major hardware event?

Apple’s next major hardware event is scheduled for October 28 in Los Angeles.

What chips will the new touchscreen MacBooks use?

The new OLED touchscreen MacBooks will feature M5 Pro and M5 Max chips.

How much will the new iPad Mini cost?

The new iPad Mini is expected to start at $799, up from the current $599 price point.