News
Confirmed: Apple’s October Event Will Take Place Next Week
Apple will likely announce two new MacBook Pro models, a high-end Mac Mini, and third-generation AirPods.
Not much time has passed since the last Apple event, and another one is already right around the corner. Apple has recently confirmed that its next hardware event will take place next week, on October 18th, at 1:00PM ET / 10:00AM PT.
Called “Unleashed,” the upcoming event was teased on Twitter by Apple marketing executive Greg Joswiak. Let’s take a look at the most likely announcements Apple will make:
- New 14- & 16-Inch MacBook Pro Models: According to available information, the stars of the show will be two new MacBook Pro models with an Arm-based processor called the M1X. The new processor is expected to have ten CPU cores and 16 or 32 GPU cores, giving it a substantial performance boost over the already admirably powerful M1 chip that debuted last year. The new MacBooks will likely use mini-LED display technology and offer more connectivity options.
- High-End Mac Mini: The new M1X processor may appear in one additional product: a high-end Mac mini aimed at power users who edit high-definition video, produce music, develop software, and do other demanding tasks on their computers. Additional ports compared to the current M1-powered Mac mini are to be expected, and Apple might even use the same magnetic power plug that doubles as Ethernet cable the new M1 iMac users.
- Third-Generation AirPods: Everyone was expecting Apple to announce the third-generation AirPods during the last event, but that didn’t happen. As such, it’s almost certain that we’ll finally get to see them next week. Their design is anticipated to be similar to the AirPods Pro, but they probably won’t support active noise cancellation nor feature replaceable ear tips.
How To Watch Apple’s Unleashed Event
Just like the previous few events, the October 18 Apple event will be streamed online, and there are several ways how you can watch it as it takes place:
Should you miss it, you’ll be able to watch the archived version of the stream at a later date.
News
UAE Prepares To Launch Two Satellites: Thuraya-2 And MBZ-SAT
HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum chaired the first meeting of the Supreme Space Council yesterday.
HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, chaired the first meeting of the Supreme Space Council in Dubai on December 16, 2024. The session highlighted the UAE’s ambitious space plans and took stock of the sector’s economic progress.
The council emphasized the growing role of private companies in advancing space technologies, noting that their contributions are now equal to that of the public sector. Members also praised initiatives like the Space Economic Zones Programme, which are designed to fuel innovation and investment in the space industry.
خلال ترؤسنا الاجتماع الأول للمجلس الأعلى للفضاء، بحثنا الاستثمارات الوطنية والمشاريع المقبلة في قطاع الفضاء والذي يشهد تطوراً مستمراً… وجددنا التزامنا بدعم ومواصلة تنفيذ برامج طموحة لاستكشاف الفضاء الخارجي حيث وصل حجم الاستثمارات في هذا القطاع إلى 40 مليار درهم خلال السنوات… pic.twitter.com/etJ33OnuSu
— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) December 16, 2024
Discussing the UAE’s space journey, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum remarked, “The national space sector continues to grow and advance, and we take immense pride in the remarkable achievements we have accomplished over the years”.
Sheikh Hamdan also received updates on two upcoming satellite projects: Thuraya-2 and MBZ-SAT. Thuraya-2, developed by Space42, is slated for launch this December. Meanwhile, the MBZ-SAT, created by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), will soon follow. MBRSC, a major driver of the UAE National Space Programme, continues to lead the nation’s space-related developments.
Space42 took the opportunity to showcase its advancements, including ongoing collaborations between public and private entities. The company also outlined strategies to promote innovation, boost revenue streams, and create new opportunities for growth in the sector.
Also Read: IBM Opens New Doha Office To Support Qatar’s Digital Growth
The UAE’s current projects build on a growing legacy of space exploration. Back in 2020, the nation made headlines with its Mars mission, successfully sending a probe into the planet’s orbit in 2021. This mission, which is now in its second phase as of June 2024, has been collecting critical data to develop a comprehensive diurnal image of Mars.
The UAE also ventured into lunar exploration with an unmanned mission aimed at studying untouched regions of the Moon’s surface. While the probe ultimately crashed during its landing attempt after communication was lost seconds before touchdown, the effort represented a significant step in the country’s exploration ambitions.