MacBook Pro, iPad mini 8 to launch soon: Leaked sale date, expected price

Apple could unveil the new MacBook Pro and iPad mini 8 at an event on October 28. The devices are expected to feature OLED displays, while the MacBook Pro could see a significant price hike in India.

In Short

• Apple could launch the OLED touchscreen MacBook Pro and iPad mini 8 on October 28
• The new MacBook Pro could cost around Rs 3.59 lakh in India, though pricing is unconfirmed
• The iPad mini 8 is tipped to feature an OLED display and improved water resistance

Apple could unveil its next-generation MacBook Pro and iPad mini later this month, with a new report pointing to an October 27 launch event. The upcoming devices are expected to bring significant display upgrades, including an OLED touchscreen on the MacBook Pro and an OLED panel on the iPad mini 8.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says that Apple is preparing to host an event in Los Angeles on October 27, with some reports claiming that the event will be held on October 28. The company has reportedly started sending invitations to select media representatives. While Apple has yet to officially announce the event, the date suggests that the new devices could arrive within days.

The MacBook Pro is expected to be the bigger announcement, as Apple is reportedly preparing its first laptop with an OLED display and touchscreen support. The iPad mini 8 is also rumoured to get an OLED screen, along with improved water resistance.

MacBook Pro, iPad mini 8: Expected price in India

Apple has not revealed the prices of either device. However, the expected display upgrades could make the upcoming MacBook Pro considerably more expensive than the current model.

For reference, the existing 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 Pro chip starts at Rs 2,99,900 in India for the configuration with 24GB RAM and 1TB SSD. The upcoming OLED model could cost more, particularly if Apple passes on rising component costs to buyers.

If rumours are to be believed, the OLED touchscreen MacBook Pro could see a price increase of around 20 per cent, putting its potential starting price at approximately Rs 3,59,880 in India. This is only an estimate, not an official price, and the final cost could differ depending on the configuration and Apple's pricing decisions.

The iPad mini 8 could also receive a price revision, although a major increase is not confirmed. The current iPad mini (7th generation) starts at Rs 69,900 in India for the 128GB Wi-Fi model. The next version could remain around this price range or become slightly more expensive.

Apple has not confirmed the launch date, specifications or prices of either device. These details should therefore be treated as rumours until the company makes an official announcement.

MacBook Pro, iPad mini 8: What to expect

The next MacBook Pro is tipped to feature an OLED touchscreen, a notable change for Apple's laptop lineup. The display upgrade could be accompanied by a refreshed design, although the exact specifications remain unclear.

There is also some uncertainty around its processor. While Apple is expected to introduce an M6-powered entry-level MacBook Pro, Gurman has suggested that the high-end OLED models could retain the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips rather than receive M6 Pro and M6 Max versions.

Apple is reportedly focusing its resources on the M7 chip family, with M7 Pro and M7 Max versions expected to arrive towards the end of 2027.

Meanwhile, the iPad mini 8 is tipped to feature an OLED display and improved water resistance. A recently spotted Smart Folio accessory on Apple's French regulatory website has also fuelled speculation about an upcoming iPad mini, though it does not confirm the tablet's specifications or launch date.

More details about both devices are expected to emerge if Apple holds its rumoured October event.

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