Apple's MacBook Event: What to Expect

"Hello again," reads Apple's invitation to its Thursday event. The phrase is traditionally associated with the Macintosh and Steve Jobs's iconic 1984 Mac introduction keynote.

Will this afternoon's presentation be as memorable? We'll have to wait until 10 a.m. PT, but here's what we're expecting to see onstage in Cupertino.

New MacBooks
First let's address the elephant in the room. It's no secret that the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro lines haven't been updated since 2015. The 12-inch Retina MacBook got a refresh earlier this year, but that still leaves the other five model lines.

While Apple could simply add seventh-generation Intel Core i5 and i7 processors to the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, we don't think that's the case. For one, Apple has indicated that USB-C is the port of the future, so it will likely include at least one USB-C port in any new MacBook Pros.

Second, the Force Touch trackpads and new butterfly switch keyboards will let Apple create thinner laptops like the 12-inch MacBook ( at Amazon) , so it's logical to think it will include these innovations in the Pro and/or Air.

Third, Apple continues along paths until it no longer does, as evidenced by the adoption of a sole USB-C port in the MacBook, the elimination of the internal optical drive across the board, and the end of the Thunderbolt display. Leaving five model lines to lie fallow in the fields for a year was simply the first step toward the inevitable shift to new laptop designs. Whether they have multiple USB-C, an OLED "Magic Toolbar," or any other accoutrements is what we're looking forward to seeing at the keynote and in the demo room afterward.

Apple Watch Nike+
The official release date for this co-branded model is on Friday, Oct. 28, so there is an opportunity to at least mention this, especially if it is couched in praise of the performance of Apple Watch Series 2 ($180.52 at Amazon) .

New Desktop Mac(s)
The iMac, Mac mini, and desktop Mac Pro are all getting on in years. It's been three years since the redesigned Mac Pro was released. Like the laptops, Apple needs to integrate USB-C in its desktops to remain competitive. Likewise, all three systems really should have seventh-generation Intel Core processors to remain in step with PC rivals. Besides, how many fourth-generation Intel Core processors are still available in warehouses for the Mac mini desktops?

A New Thunderbolt/USB-C Display?
The venerable Thunderbolt display was recently discontinued, and while it would be easy for Apple to simply adapt the departed hardware with updates like USB-C, USB 3.1 (Type A), and a 5K panel, we still think it's a long shot. It would have to combine this with an update of the Mac Pro and mini desktops. If Apple integrates Thunderbolt 2 ports for legacy hardware, as well as USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports, it will be set to take care of its professional multimedia users.

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Apple TV?
We've seen rumors of a new Apple TV fifth-generation, but the fourth-generation was such an upgrade from the previous gen with tvOS and an app store of its own. We can see Apple bumping up the local storage and maybe even bringing the Apple TV's processor up to an A10 or A9 from the existing A8 so it has processor parity with the current iPhones, but then again it's just as likely this won't happen.

iPad Updates?
These could theoretically show up, and Apple has introduced iPads alongside Macs before in October 2014 and October 2013, but it's kind of implausible a new iPad Pro will show up, as a new one was just released last March. Sascha Segan, our mobile analyst, still says it's about 10 percent likely an iPad Air 3 and iPad mini 5 will be released, but we're not willing to bet on that happening.

Stay tuned to PCMag.com for all the details; you can watch the event live here.