Ahead of the company's planned "Hello Again" event on Oct. 27, leaked Russian trademark filings show that Apple is readying to release three new portable computers.
Apple sent out the invites for the event late last week, with the invitation bearing the words "Hello again," a nod to the original Mac, which was introduced with a simple "hello" back in 1984.
While the invitation does not come with any other detail, there have been numerous rumors on what Apple has in store for the event. The latest leak confirms several claims that Apple is planning to release a total of three MacBooks, specifically 13-inch and 15-inch models of the new MacBook Pro and a 13-inch model of another new MacBook.
Documents acquired from the Eurasian Economic Commission or the EEC, which is basically the FCC for Russia and nearby countries, reveal that Apple has received permission to sell three new MacBooks that bear model numbers A1706, A1707 and A1708. The registration that the computers had to undergo is required for all electronic devices that include encryption technologies, which can be found in almost all of the products of Apple.
The devices were labeled as "portable personal computer models," confirming that the computers are MacBooks and are said to be running Apple's latest computer operating system, macOS Sierra.
Famed Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo thinks that Apple will not be unveiling a new iMac or the rumored 5K external display at the upcoming event, which will instead focus on the three new MacBooks. The highlight will be on the new MacBook Pro, though, which is expected to pack a Retina display, Touch ID technology, an OLED strip to replace the function keys of the keyboard and upgraded specs.
The other 13-inch MacBook, however, is clouded in uncertainty. While earlier reports claim that it will be a new MacBook Air, with the 11-inch model of the line to be discontinued, there are also some rumors that it will be the successor of the 12-inch Retina MacBook, which Apple released last year and upgraded earlier this year.
All new MacBooks, however, are expected to drop support for traditional USB ports in favor of USB-C ports, a change that might receive the same backlash as Apple's decision to remove the 3.5 mm headphone jack in the iPhone 7.
The Oct. 27 event is only a few days away, and all rumors will be laid to rest once Apple unveils the official details of the new MacBooks.
