Apple October 28 Event: Touchscreen MacBook Pro and OLED iPad mini

Apple is preparing another big product reveal for October 28. This time, the company is expected to focus on Macs and the iPad mini, with one major change drawing most of the attention: the first MacBook Pro with a touchscreen.

Apple is calling the event “Pro and Tell.” Selected members of the media have been invited to Los Angeles for a hands-on session. The company has not confirmed the rumored products or their final specifications, but several reports point to a busy launch.

The biggest expected upgrade is a redesigned MacBook Pro with an OLED touchscreen. Reports point to 14-inch and 16-inch models, with a lighter design and a Dynamic Island replacing the current display notch.

Apple is also said to be working on a stronger hinge to keep the screen steady when users tap it. Touch controls should work alongside the keyboard and trackpad, rather than replace them.

The new high-end models are expected to use the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. That may seem surprising, but Apple is reportedly saving its next chip generation for other Mac updates. The OLED screens and touch support could also make these models more expensive than today's MacBook Pro.

Apple may also update its standard 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M6 chip. Unlike the OLED models, this version is not expected to get a major design change.

A refreshed 24-inch iMac could arrive with the same M6 chip, along with new color options. If these reports are accurate, Apple will offer a mix of new designs and simple chip upgrades rather than redesigning its entire Mac lineup.

The iPad mini is also expected to receive an OLED display. This would bring richer contrast and deeper blacks to Apple's smallest tablet, although real-world image quality will depend on the panel itself.

Other rumored changes include an A20 Pro chip, a front camera moved to the landscape edge, and a new speaker system. The speaker design could help improve water resistance, too.

These upgrades may come at a cost. Reports suggest the new iPad mini could start around $799, up from $599 for the current model, though Apple has not confirmed its price.

October 28 is the date of Apple's media event, but the exact timing of its announcements and product sales remains subject to confirmation. The new devices could become available for preorder that day, with sales potentially starting on November 6.

The touchscreen MacBook Pro is the most interesting product here. Adding touch to a Mac is a major change for Apple, but it will only matter if the new controls make everyday work easier.