Apple has really shocked us this time: there will be a Special Event on Monday 30th October 2023. The rumour mill has been going backwards and forwards on whether there would be an October Special Event, but even reliable leaker Mark Gurman said it wouldn’t be happening. With the recent Apple Pencil announcement, it was almost definite.
It doesn’t look to be the usual Apple event, though. Named ‘Scary Fast’, we reveal why it is so unprecedented, as well as the potential products that will be unveiled.
An intriguing announcement
First, let’s talk about the day. It’s on a Monday, and Apple Special Events are almost always on a Tuesday. Then there’s the time: 5pm their local time (PST). That’s 8pm EST, and due to the end of British Summer Time this weekend, it’ll be midnight in the UK – technically the next day! Obviously, some Apple enthusiasts will stay up for it, but given that Special Events typically start at 10am PST, this seems to be drastically reducing those who will tune in from both Britain and across the pond.
Hosting it so late could simply be in keeping with the Halloween theme, but the time is really intriguing, and Apple hasn’t given any indication as to why. Knowing them, there will be a reason behind it. They never do anything just for the sake of it.
What’s more, it’ll be a virtual event that can be watched by everyone rather than just the press. This makes us curious as it’s the first online-only event they’ve run since COVID-19.
A fresh iMac
While we can’t be certain of the reasoning behind Apple’s event timing, one thing’s for sure: there will be new Macs. Their events website clearly shows the Apple logo transforming into the Mac Finder icon. This is yet another strange and interesting thing to note: Apple seldom reveals what a Special Event will be about.
We’re anticipating a new iMac, which hasn’t seen an update since the 24-inch device was equipped with the M1 chip. It makes a lot of sense to finally upgrade them – they’re the only Mac without the M2.
This device has been expected for a while too. Gurman said at the beginning of 2023 that we could see a release around this time. There are also some bespoke 24-inch iMac configurations with a one-month shipping deferment, suggesting that an update is on the cards.
A new chip
The event’s name – ‘Scary Fast’ – implies a chip upgrade, and both Gurman and esteemed analyst Ming-Chi Kuo think we could see the announcement of the much-anticipated M3 processor. Though, usually fresh M chips are unveiled through new MacBook Airs, and this would be a change in protocol if the M3 comes with the iMac instead. So, we think potentially the M3 processor might not make an appearance until 2024.
Apple’s M2 processor has been out for almost 18 months, and if the M3 does arrive next year, it makes sense for the iMac to utilise it sooner. Trusted Japanese blog Mac Otakara believes this to be the case too, and they accurately predicted the launch of the new Apple Pencil with USB-C functionality.
On the subject of Apple Pencil, the seemingly random USB-C update is starting to make much more sense. Reliable source GregsGadgets has a theory that Apple is removing all their Lightning cable-charged products before the close of 2023. The new iMac is said to have Thunderbolt 4 ports, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and USB-C magic peripherals. With the AirPods Pro 2 having undergone a USB-C update, this rumour could turn into reality.
Other potential products
We personally believe that the Mac will be the only product announced. This is because Apple usually avoids sharing the spotlight by revealing a new iMac alongside other MacBooks and Mac mini devices. Plus, if the M3 processor is coming out in 2024, there could be conflicts with other products if they don’t launch the new iMac now.
Gurman has spoken about prospective M3 Pro and M3 Max 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros, but this is doubtful. We’ve already had fresh 14- and 16-inch devices this year, so new releases would mean that they’d both confusingly be called ‘2023 MacBook Pros’.
There could potentially be some new iPads, but we don’t think this is likely either. It would have made more sense to have these announced with the new Apple Pencil.
Lease Apple’s brand-new devices
This is one of the most intriguing Apple events yet. As always, we’ll be publishing a blog with all the key announcements following the event – so keep your eyes peeled.
We think that the likelihood of a new iMac is high, but as with all Apple devices, the price will be premium too. That’s what we’re here for – we’ll help you find the perfect leasing solution and spread the cost over time. Get in touch with our friendly team to find out more.
