Apple to unveil new iPads, MacBooks on October 30

Apple is expected to unveil a new iPad Pro, MacBook and Mac Mini desktop at a product launch October 30 in New York.

While the invitation to media reads "There’s more in the making" without specifying what would be introduced, the California-based technology giant is said to be planning the biggest revamp to the iPad Pro since it first went on sale in 2015, as well as a lower-cost MacBook laptop and a new Mac mini desktop.

Apple is planning new iPad Pros in two screen sizes – 11 inches and 12.9 inches – that will both use Apple's Face ID facial recognition for unlocking, rather than a Home button with a fingerprint sensor. The new models are also expected to include faster processors and an Apple-designed graphics chip for the first time, but will lack the more vibrant OLED screens used in the iPhone X and iPhone XS.

When Apple launched the iPad in 2010, it quickly became one of the company’s most important products. However, iPad sales have slowed in recent years in favor of laptops and other larger screen devices. Apple has propped up demand with cheaper models and the more-capable iPad Pro, which works with a keyboard.

Beyond tablets, the company is planning an entry-level Mac with a high-resolution screen to succeed the once-popular MacBook Air. The new Mac mini desktop will focus on professional users.

Mark Gurman

Mark Gurman covers consumer technology for Bloomberg