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Apple's iPad event reportedly set for October 22

Apple is said to be holding a special event in two weeks, where it will unveil new versions of the iPad and formally debut the Mac Pro and OS X Mavericks.

Josh Lowensohn Former Senior Writer
Josh Lowensohn joined CNET in 2006 and now covers Apple. Before that, Josh wrote about everything from new Web start-ups, to remote-controlled robots that watch your house. Prior to joining CNET, Josh covered breaking video game news, as well as reviewing game software. His current console favorite is the Xbox 360.
Josh Lowensohn
2 min read
The California Theater, where Apple's iPad event took place last October.
The California Theater, where Apple's iPad event took place last October. James Martin/CNET

Apple will hold a special event later this month to unveil new iPads, along with the Mac Pro and OS X Mavericks.

That's happening on Tuesday, October 22, says AllThingsD, which has a very good track record on Apple event times.

The date is the same as Nokia's Nokia World event, which takes place in Abu Dhabi and is expected to bring new Lumia phones. It's also the same day Microsoft's Surface 2 tablets go on sale.

It remains unclear where exactly Apple plans to hold its event. Last month's iPhone 5S and 5C unveiling took place at its headquarters in Cupertino, Calif., whereas last October's iPad Mini and Mac unveiling happened at the California Theatre in nearby San Jose (pictured above).

As for what the new iPads will look like, that's unlikely to be a surprise. A series of leaks has strongly suggested the next full-sized iPads will look just like last year's Mini, with more angled edges, a portrait shaped bezel, and a thinner design. The Mini itself is expected to sport upgraded internals and come in new colors to match Apple's recently-launched iPhone 5S models. AllThingsD also suggests the minis will get a Retina Display, a feature that's said to be on the fence.

An earlier leak showing off new colors and form factors of the iPad and iPad mini.
An earlier leak showing off new colors and form factors of the iPad and iPad mini. iCrackUriDevice

What might be a surprise is whether either of the new iPads will include Apple's Touch ID sensors, which allow users to unlock the device and make iTunes purchases with their fingerprints. That sensor replaced the home button on the iPhone 5S, and it's unclear whether Apple intended to limit the technology to its phones for the time being.

Beyond the iPad, Apple still has yet to name a price or release date for its Mac Pro or OS X Mavericks -- the two other products that are expected at the event. The Mac Pro is an all new design that was briefly previewed during Apple's developer conference in June. Mavericks, which is a follow-up to last year's OS X Mountain Lion, also debuted at WWDC and has been in beta testing to developers since then. Apple gave developers a final version of that software last week.

Other possible updates include updates to some Mac desktops like the Mac Mini, and portables like the MacBook Pro.

Apple typically invites media to such events a week or so before, suggesting we'll all have more details early next week.