What we know so far: The event Apple just announced for next week could only be the first of two this month. While the company is expected to unveil its HomeKit refresh on October 13, another event just two weeks later could unveil a new iPad and several Mac devices.
Sources have told Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman that Apple is planning an event near the end of October to celebrate its fourth fall hardware launch. The star would be the long-rumored touchscreen MacBook, but other devices are also expected to launch.
Apple has long resisted the laptop touchscreen trend, but rumors of a touchscreen MacBook have been circulating for some time. Earlier this year, observers claimed that the device’s launch was almost guaranteed after testers spotted full touchscreen support in a preview build of macOS 27.
Previous versions of macOS only supported the Apple Pencil and some touch gestures, so an expansion of touch support suggests that touchscreen Mac devices are on the horizon. Additionally, equipping the iPad with a more macOS-like interface likely laid the foundation for a full-fledged touch-enabled macOS interface.
Further hardware details about the new MacBook are not yet known, but it could introduce a new “Ultra” tier to the product line. However, rumors said the same thing about the iPhone Duo before Apple chose its unique name, so nothing is certain. MacBook users shouldn’t hold their breath when it comes to a MacBook 2-in-1 either, as Apple is still expected to keep the lineup separate from iPads.
Speaking of iPads: An improved iPad mini with an OLED panel could also be presented at the event on October 27th. The device would mark the start of a major iPad overhaul, with updates to the standard iPad, OLED iPad Air and iPad Pro expected early next year. According to rumors, there will also be an affordable iPad for children. In addition, the late October presentation could introduce M6 updates for the iMac and 14-inch MacBook Pro.
— Greg Joswiak (@gregjoz) October 8, 2026
Apple has already announced a hardware launch presentation for this month, scheduled for October 13th. The home-themed news in the company’s announcement reinforces previous rumors that a HomeKit relaunch is imminent.
To compete with Amazon Echo Show and Google Nest, Apple is expected to unveil an iPad-like stationary display that includes some HomePod features for managing Bluetooth speakers and other smart home devices. This could include an updated HomePod, a new HomePod mini and eventually smart locks, cameras and thermostats from LG.
