Apple’s big launch: Five things you will see tomorrow, and five you won’t
Block out your calendars: Apple’s big launch event kicks off at 6pm UK time tomorrow. The Cupertino company is expected to out an iPad Mini, but that may not be all. We’ve been swirling the tea leaves and listening to the rumour mill: here are five things we will see revealed on stage by CEO Tim Cook – as well as five we definitely won’t.
What you will see
The iPad Mini - Apple is expected to show off a downsized version of it super successful iPad tablet, with a screen size of 7.85-inches – and a lower price tag to take on the Google Nexus 7.
A new big daddy iPad - According to leaks, the third generation iPad will received a modest refresh tomorrow, switching out the old-30-pin port for the new Lightning port. A minor change, yes, but it does mean it’ll support new accessories.
A super thin MacBook Pro - According to 9to5Mac, a super thin 13-inch version of the MacBook Pro, complete with eye-popping Retina Display, will also be unveiled tomorrow. Expect pin sharp graphics and an eye watering price tag.
New iMac and Mac Mini - They may not be huge overhauls, but expect modest upgrades to Apple’s desktop computers, putting them on Intel’s latest, speediest processor. Fingers crossed the Mac Mini will come down in price once again.
A new iBooks - Apple’s likely to place a big emphasis on the ebook reading power of the iPad Mini, and references on the iTunes store to iBooks 3.0 suggest an update to Apple’s e-reading app will form a part of that.
What you won’t
A £60 iPad - Google is rumoured to be working on a $99 Android tablet, but given Apple makes much of its money on hardware, don’t expect the iPad Mini to cost nearly so little. Even the new iPod touch still starts at £249.
A Google Maps iPhone app - Apple and Google parted way with iOS 6, and while Apple’s actually apologised for its terrible replacement Map app, don’t expect Tim Cook to welcome a Google Maps app back onto iOS with any fanfare whatsoever.
The fabled Apple TV - After many rumours early on in the year, Apple’s reported failure to ink new content deals with studios and cable companies in the US means an actual Apple flatscreen TV or radically different Apple TV set top box is more than unlikely this year.
A Retina Display MacBook Air - Apple will surely bring its super sharp screen to its MacBook Air line, but not just yet: it needs time to sell all the pricier MacBook Pros it can first.
A cheaper Lightning adaptor - Apple’s charging an extortionate £25 for adaptors that let the iPhone 5 and new iPods run with your old accessories. We’d be very surprised if they brought the price down so soon.
What are you hoping to see tomorrow? Let us know in the comments below.
User comments (2)
Leave a comment
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
Join Channel 5
Creating an account is free, will only take a few moments and will allow you to enjoy the full benefits of 5FWD and Channel 5:
Leave a comment