Next generation iPad to debut Oct. 22: What can we expect

staff reporter, Tech Times 10 October 2013, 08:10 am

Apple plans to update its lineup of iPad at an upcoming event set for October 22. These devices would be Apple's next attempt to remain ahead of its rivals in a more crowded tablet market.

Apple is expected to unveil the next version of its 9.7-inch iPad along with a newer version of the iPad Mini, says AllThingsD. As of yet, the plans have not been made official, so from now up until October 22, many things could change. Furthermore, Apple is expected to highlight its new line of Mac PCs, along with its new operating system called Mavericks, and a Mac Pro PC.

The event, is set a month after Apple debuted both the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 5c. It is likely the company will feature changes to the new iPad models, such as a thinner design and a high definition display for the iPad Mini. Additionally, Apple might surprise us by adding a fingerprint scanner similar to what is found on the iPhone 5s.

Going into the event, Apple remains the largest shareholder in the tablet market. However, in the absence of a new version of the iPad, tablet sales fell by 9.7 percent to 45.1 million, with iPad shipments falling to 14.6 million units from 19.5 million in the first quarter of 2013, according to an IDC research.

In recent times, Apple has come against several competing tablet devices from a multitude of OEMs. The latest is the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 tablets from Microsoft running Windows RT 8.1 and Windows 8.1 Pro respectively. Both devices are up for pre-order and are scheduled to go on sale in late October.

Interestingly enough, October 22 is also the date set for Nokia's own event. The Finnish giant is expected to unveil its first tablet running Windows RT 8.1, the first ever Windows Phone 8 phablet and several other devices running Windows Phone, along with low-end Asha feature phones.

We're not certain which company will make the first announcement in the day. However, if Nokia wants to have any form of social media success, the company should either schedule a new date before October 22, or be the last to unveil its new toys after Apple.