Rumor Roundup: Pre/post 2014 iPad event
Well, this is slightly awkward. Due to the vagaries of time zones and schedules and "the real world" and various other bits of whatnot, by the time this Rumor Roundup is published Apple's event will have already taken place.
Oh, well. In the grand tradition of all things media, I'm just going to blame it all on Apple. It's their fault for holding an event on a Thursday, you see.
Speaking of that event, what can we expect to see?
iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3: 100%
These two devices are externally physically identical to their predecessors, with the exception of Touch ID sensors. This isn't just speculation or prediction; it's a certainty for reasons that will become clear later on.
iOS 8.1 with Apple Pay: 100%
OS X Yosemite: 100%
Basically everyone expects both of these bits of software to be featured tomorrow, with a launch date soon after (if not the same day).
iMac with Retina Display: 50/50
Although this thing has been widely rumored for about two years, there hasn't been a single leaked part for it. The only reason I've given this even odds is because John Paczkowski of re/code expects to see it, and he almost always knows what he's talking about. Speaking of which...
MacBook Air with Retina Display: 0%
Paczkowski's sources, which have been batting 1000 so far, have said not to expect this long-rumored device to appear tomorrow.
That's about it. Apple may or may not have something else up its sleeve, as always, but tomorrow's event seems like we've already had a glimpse of all the presents under the wrapping.
Apple Pay setup detailed & retailers begin training as service launches at Apple HQ (9to5 Mac)
Source: "People familiar with the matter"
Chance it's true: 100 percent
"I am convinced" that Apple will change the name and look of Apple Pay because of this leak.
(And no, that joke will never get old.)
No Retina MacBook Air at Thursday Apple Event (re/code)
Source: "People familiar with the matter"
Chance it's true: 100 percent
re/code hasn't been wrong yet, and I don't see it being wrong this time, either.
More Second-Generation iPad Air Part Leaks Point to A8X Chip, 2GB RAM, 16GB Storage Option (MacRumors)
Source: Parts leak
Chance it's true: 100 percent
This matches an earlier leak, and historically the accuracy of these leaks is very high when we're this close to an actual event.
Retina iPad Mini 2 Reportedly Coming Alongside iPad Air 2, New Smart Cover and Case Colors (MacRumors)
Source: Japanese website
Chance it's true: 75 percent
The bit about the next-gen iPad mini is definitely correct (more on that later). It remains to be seen if the Smart Covers and Smart Cases will get tweaked colors, but it wouldn't be surprising.
Apple Likely Planning October 24 Launch Date for New iPads (MacRumors)
Source: "People familiar with the matter"
Chance it's true: 90 percent
Actually releasing/shipping an announced product one week following its public unveiling is entirely in character for Apple, so this is most likely true.
Source: "Accurate" KGI analyst
Chance it's true: 40 percent
Bear in mind that this is the same "accurate" analyst who said an iPad mini upgrade wasn't coming at all in 2014. Oops. Despite what the rumor blogs would have you believe, not every word that dribbles out of this guy's maw should be taken as gospel. Only about 40 percent of them should. The trick is knowing which 40 percent.
TSMC Reportedly in Charge of A8X Chip Production for 12.9-Inch iPad [Updated] (MacRumors)
Source: Digitimes
Chance it's true: None
We've apparently reached the portion of the "news" cycle where rumor blogs don't even bother mentioning Digitimes' notorious lack of credibility. Again.
Here, I'll pick up the slack: Digitimes hasn't had a single correct rumor this year. They are completely full of it. Absolutely nothing they say about Apple is worth paying attention to. There, was that so hard?
Digitimes still thinks the Retina MacBook Air is coming tomorrow, says Apple logos going 3D (9to5 Mac)
Source: Digitimes
Chance it's true: Absolutely, positively none at all
It's bad enough that this is coming from the worst source possible, but this "report" dares to attempt to contradict re/code, which is one of the best sources possible. You almost couldn't ask for a more obviously stupid rumor than this one... so of course, 9to5 Mac reblogged it anyway.
'iPad Air 2' and 'iPad mini 3' with Touch ID & Burst Mode confirmed, show up early in iTunes (9to5 Mac)
Source: Apple
Chance it's true: 100 percent
Oops. This is basically like coming downstairs at 6 am on Christmas morning and seeing your parents putting presents under the tree and eating the cookies you left out the night before. Not that this ever happened to me, or scarred me for life, or anything like that.
