Latest iPads, Mac OS expected at coming event

Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO

Apple is expected to step up its efforts to boost recently slumping iPad sales with the unveiling of its latest tablet computer at an event next Thursday.

The showcase also is expected to feature an update to the operating system for its Mac computers and the possible release of a new digital payment service called Apple Pay. The company’s new iPhones released last month include a wireless chip equipped to make the payments, but the service isn’t available yet.

In keeping with its usual practice, Apple Inc. isn’t saying what’s on the agenda. Instead, a cryptic invitation sent Wednesday to reporters and analysts simply said: “It’s been way too long.”

This is the time of the year that Apple typically releases its latest products to cash in on the holiday shopping season. The company’s last tablet, the iPad Air, came out nearly a year ago.

Although it’s Apple’s sleekest tablet yet, the iPad Air hasn’t proved compelling enough to accelerate the company’s tablet sales. After a solid performance in last year’s holiday shopping season, Apple’s iPads have faltered.