Apple confirmed on Tuesday it will hold an event next week on October 22, likely to launch the next-generation iPad models, including the iPad mini. Also on deck, we're expecting to see other hardware included in the lineup, not least the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro.
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The technology giant sent sister site CNET an invitation this morning, reading: "We still have a lot to cover." It's not a huge surprise, seeing as Apple chief executive Tim Cook said on its fiscal second quarter earnings call that it has some "really great stuff" coming in the fall, and in 2014.
While details of the event remain on the most part under wraps, the date of the event was uncovered more than a week ago.
The event will start at 10 a.m. PT (1 pm ET; 6 pm GMT) at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco.
Apple announced the premium iPhone 5s and low-cost iPhone 5c at an event in September. Following an adjusted release cycle last year, new iPad models were not to be expected until at least October, just ahead of the lucrative December holiday season.
As for the MacBook range, Apple only recently updated its MacBook Air with the latest Intel Haswell chips, in which the firm promised "all-day" battery life. Though the Mac Pro got a major redesign, there wasn't a peep out of Apple on the MacBook Pro lineup. We're expecting at least a new MacBook Pro at the October 22 event, and perhaps a new and improved MacBook Air.
With this, the technology giant will also likely announce the launch of its next-generation desktop operating system, OS X Mavericks.
Apple sent out the "gold master" version of the software to developers on October 3, allowing app makers to finalize their desktop software with the new features and application hooks. It lands with multi-monitor support; desktop-versions of Apple Maps and iBooks; improved notifications; and new battery-saving technology, such as "App Nap," which can help conserve power.
CNET will be live on the ground reporting what the Cupertino, Calif.-based technology giant is cooking up. Meanwhile, ZDNet will have the breaking news and the analysis to follow.
In the meantime, here's everything we (think we) know so far:
For Apple's new iPad, it's (r)evolution, baby
Andrew Nusca, ZDNet: Thinner, lighter, more productive. So what? With the next-generation iPad, there's a bigger storyline underway.
What I'm expecting from the 'iPad 5'
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, ZDNet: What can we expect from the rumored upcoming iPad 5? Faster processor? Fingerprint reader? More storage options? Cheaper tablets? Here's what I expect from the new iPad.
Thinner iPad coming? Inquiring case vendors want to know
James Kendrick, ZDNet: Rumors of a thinner iPad 5 have the tech world ramping up for the speculation that always precedes the Apple launch event. Odds are the companies that make iPad cases are already scrambling just in case.
64-bit iPad 5 to hit PCs where it hurts: corporate, says analyst
Brooke Crothers, CNET: Apple's new iPads will put more pressure on PC shipments in the coming years, Deutsche Bank said Monday.
The world (sadly) continues to wait for the next iPad mini
Rachel King, ZDNet: Basically my sob story about my endless, foolhardy wait for the iPad mini 2.
New 64-bit iPad 5 will pile more pressure on beleaguered PCs, analyst claims
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, ZDNet: Desktop virtualization and iPad deployments in the enterprise sector is expected to put further pressure on PC sales, and Intel's Haswell processors and cheap ultrabooks might not offer OEMs much hope.
Touch ID found to fit snugly in iPad 5, iPad Mini 2 parts
Josh Lowensohn, CNET: Apple's latest touch security technology may be headed to its next round of iPads, a new video suggests.
Walk through iOS 7 on the Apple iPad (gallery)
Matthew Miller, ZDNet: iOS 7 has been released as a free update to the Apple iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. This screenshot gallery shows off the new look, feel, and functionality.
Rumored 12-inch 'MacBook' could be an iPad convertible
Jason D. O'Grady, ZDNet: A financial analyst predicts that Apple will release a 12-inch Retina MacBook in mid-2014, but I think that it could be a larger iPad with a detachable keyboard.
iPad 5 goes slim, space gray in latest batch of leaked photos
Lance Whitney, CNET: Sporting a space gray paint job, the upcoming new iPad is the star of a series of alleged photos from Sonny Dickson.
Amazon's Kindle Fire HDX is serious competition for Apple's iPad mini
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, ZDNet: With a $100 price advantage over the ipad mini, and an app store is well stocked with quality apps, those looking for a tablet for home, BYOD or enterprise might well find that the Kindle Fire HDX ticks most, if not all, the boxes.
Apple releases iOS 7 for existing iPhone, iPad upgrades
Zack Whittaker, ZDNet: The Cupertino, Calif.-based technology giant dishes out its latest mobile operating system, which to even long-time using iPhone and iPad users will be a welcome fresh lick of paint.
Possible iPad 5 Smart Covers shown off in video
Josh Lowensohn, CNET: What look very much like new Smart Covers for Apple's next iPad crop up weeks before the tablet is expected to be announced.
One month with iOS 7: An old soul with style and substance (review)
ZDNet: While the revamped user interface takes some getting used to, iOS 7 packs a powerful punch in the new features department, even if it requires a little relearning at times.