Apple ‘Hello Again’ Mac event: What to expect and where to watch

Apple has scheduled an event for 27 October.

Two months after unveiling the latest iPhone models, the Cupertino, CA-based company has invited the media to a second autumn hardware event, where it will likely introduce new Macs. Here’s everything you need to know about the event, including what to expect and how to watch.

Apple ‘Hello Again’ Mac event: What’s with that tagline?

The tagline on Apple’s invite, “hello again,” is an obvious nod to the Mac, as Apple originally introduced the product with the word “hello” in 1984. Several reports have also previously claimed that Apple plans to introduce a new MacBook Pro soon, as well as a new iMac desktop, new MacBook Air, and new standalone 5K display. Also, the last Apple event held in October was in 2014, when the company revealed the latest iMac.

Apple ‘Hello Again’ Mac event: When time is the keynote?

Apple will kick off its event on 27 October in San Francisco with a keynote at 10 am PST. For other time zones, check the list below:

• New York (Eastern Time) – 1pm
• Berlin/Paris/Barcelona (Central European Time) – 7pm
• Cape Town, South Africa – 7pm
• Dubai, UAE – 9pm
• Mumbai, India – 10:30pm
• Sydney, Australia – 3am on 8 September

Apple ‘Hello Again’ Mac event: Can you watch online?

Apple will stream a broadcast (otherwise known as a livestream) of the event, and there are a number of ways you can access that stream.

• iPhone: Visit this link with Safari on iOS 7.0 or later
• iPad: Visit this link with Safari on iOS 7.0 or later
• Apple TV: Go to the Apple Events channel on your Apple TV (2, 3, or 4)
• Mac: Visit this link with Safari 6.0.5 or later on OS X v10.8.5 or later
• PC: Visit this link with Microsoft Edge on Windows 10

You will not be able to embed the livestream anywhere, but if you miss it, Apple normally publishes the video within a few hours after the event, so you’ll be able to catch up (possibly even on YouTube).

Apple ‘Hello Again’ Mac event: What will Apple unveil?

MacBook Pro

Martin Hajek

Apple’s MacBook Pro laptop line hasn’t received a major upgrade since 2012 (though it’s added a Retina display, Force Touch trackpad, and other improved specs). The new MacBook Pro is expected to be overhauled. It’ll be much thinner and lighter than the current models, with the trackpad getting a bigger footprint. The machine will also add USB-C for connectivity and charging.

The new MacBook Pro will therefore ditch the MagSafe. The biggest change coming, however, is the addition of a new OLED touch strip. It will replace the physical function keys at the top of the keyboard. The strip might be contextual, according to rumours, with virtual buttons that change based on apps currently in use. For example, when using iTunes, the bar could show media and volume controls, where as in a photo-editing program, it could show tool shortcuts or commands. Apple is said to be working with third-party developers to ensure that apps will work with the touch strip at launch.

The new MacBook Pro might also add Touch ID on the power button of the machine, allowing users to unlock their machine without typing in their actual password. You can also expect some speed boosts under-the-hood. Check out Pocket-lint’s round-up for more rumours.

MacBook Air

Apple is rumoured to be discontinuing the 11-inch MacBook Air in order to direct more attention to the 12-inch MacBook and 13-inch MacBook Air. The MacBook Air’s design and display quality will likely remain the same, but it could add USB-C support, according to a new Bloomberg report. Keep in mind this is Apple’s entry-level laptop, so don’t expect top-of-the-line features.

According to ZDNet, the latest rumours suggest the MacBook Air will drop the MagSafe 2 power port, replace all the existing ports with a single USB-C port, and add a Touch ID sensor as well as the Force Touch trackpad. 

iMac

Pocket-lint

Like the MacBook Air, the iMac isn’t expected to receive a major upgrade. Bloomberg claimed it would get under-the-hood changes to keep it up to date, such as a graphics performance boost and maybe even the addition of USB-C.

External 5K Display

Although Apple discontinued the Thunderbolt Display earlier this year, Apple is rumoured to introduce a new 5K external display that includes a built-in GPU. According to 9to5Mac, it should feature a resolution of 5120 x 2880. Other specs – as well as pricing – is unclear at this point. 

AirPods

Pocket-lint

When Apple unveiled its wireless AirPods in September, it said they would be available in late October. We expect Apple to announce an actual release date at the event – or maybe even launch them after the event.

Want to know more?

Check out Pocket-lint’s Apple hub for related news and reviews.