Apple has confirmed the much awaited event for  Oct. 16,which is  expected to announce new hardware and software updates.

Apple, the renowned smartphone giant, was widely rumored to be conducting a media event on Oct. 16 and the tech giant has finally come out to confirm the same. The Cupertino tech giant sent out invites to the media and special guests for a keynote address for Thursday, October 16. As the second event after Apple's major iPhone 6 launch, Apple will use a smaller stage to discuss the updates to its iPad and Mac lines.

According to a report by 9to5Mac, the event will take place at the Town Hall auditorium on Apple's Infinite Loop campus in Cupertino. Like most events, the tech giant will commence the keynote at 10 a.m. PT/ 1 p.m. ET, the report added. The Loop confirmed the Oct. 16 event with a copy of the invite that reads, "It's been way too long."

Much in line with previous invites, Apple does not give many details about the event but there are a few guesses from previous reports. Since the major product launch was concluded in September, Apple will be inclined to concentrate on existing products. The brief strap line on the invite could mean Apple will finally update its almost-dormant Mac lineup with a new Mac mini, which hasn't been touched in more than two years.

But 9to5Mac lists various possible launches at the event, including refreshed iPad Air and iPad mini. The new iPad Air is expected to be thinner and faster with the A8 chip, which was debuted in iPhone 6. Reports indicate the new Air will also boast Touch ID, improved camera and screen design along with a much in demand gold hued version of the tablet. Nothing is official yet.

 Besides new iPads, Apple is also expected to shed more light on the upcoming iOS 8.1 and release the redesigned OS X Yosemite. The company is also readying a new iMac with a 5K display and 12-inch MacBook with Retina, media reports add.