Apple’s Tuesday event: ‘iPad mini,’ new Macs, Macbook could be announced

Apple executives will take the stage Tuesday to peel back the curtain on some new products, including what’s believed to be a smaller iPad.

Here’s what to expect from the company today.

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iPad mini: The expected smaller slate is rumored to have a 7.85 inch screen and run on Apple’s A5 chip, with a very thin and light design. A smaller iPad could boost Apple’s dominance in the tablet market as the company faces increased competition from lower-priced tablets such as the Kindle Fire.

The tablet is expected to come in below the iPad’s $400-price point, though estimates vary between $250 and $329.

Macs: There also are rumors that Apple will refresh its Mac lines with a retina-display 13-inch MacBook Pro to follow on the heels of the 15-inch model released in June. The new computer, according to 9 to 5 Mac, is expected to have two processor and memory configurations.

Apple also might introduce new Mac mini models, the site reported, which unnamed sources told the site could come in three models that differ in configuration, but are all expected to carry new Ivy Bridge processors and USB 3.0 ports.

MacRumors also reported that there are hints that Apple is planning to refresh its iMac line — which is due for new models — but it’s not clear whether the rumored upgrades would be part of Tuesday’s event or simply announced at a later date. AppleInsider also reported on new iMacs, which the site said might be in stores starting Wednesday.

iPad: There also is some chatter about the possibility that Apple will release a new, refreshed iPad with a smaller, Lightning connector as found in the company’s latest iPhone. The iPad, according to 9 to 5 Mac, may also pack global LTE support. It is a refresh of the model released six months ago, but not a full new model.

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