Apple has started sending out invitations to an event on Oct. 16, when the company is said to be planning to reveal its latest iPad tablets. The event will be held at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California, at 10 a.m..

"It’s been way too long," the invitation said.

Apple is set to introduce a new version of its 9.7-inch iPad and the smaller iPad mini. The thinner iPads are also expected support the Touch ID fingerprint recognition that could work with mobile wallet software introduced along with iPhone 6 models that recently hit the market.

Apple is also said to reveal new iMacs at the event, which will launch alongside OS X Yosemite, the company's upcoming operating system. That comes with a number of features that bridge the divide between its desktop and mobile devices and platforms, such as "Handoff," which allows users to transition working in-app from one device to another.

The company hasn’t introduced a new iPad since last October, and consumers have instead been shifting to smartphones with bigger screens.

Apple is also rumored to be adding a gold color option for its full-size iPads, according to earlier reports. The company also is developing a bigger iPad, with a 12.9-inch screen to be introduced next year.

"Surpised" by GT Advanced bankruptcy

In related news, Apple has issued the following statement on the bankruptcy of sapphire supplier GT Advanced.

"We are focused on preserving jobs in Arizona following GT's surprising decision and we will continue to work with state and local officials as we consider our next steps," said Apple, referring to a GT-operated factory in Mesa, Arizona.

Apple was rumored to equip the latest iPhones with sapphire displays, but failing to do so put the GT Advanced into financial trouble. In addition, the Wall Street Journal has reported that Apple withheld the last tranche payment in its $578 million contract with GT, sine the latter reportedly didn't meet agreed terms.

But Apple wil need to find a way to operate the Mesa plant, since it needs the material sapphire for Touch ID sensors, camera lenses, and the upcoming Apple Watch.

Open Letter to Tim Cook

In a new development, Billionaire activist-investor Carl Icahn tweeted on Wednesday, saying he would send an open letter to Apple on Thursday.

"Tmrw we'll be sending an open letter to @tim_cook. Believe it will be interesting," he tweeted through his handle @Carl_C_Icahn.

Icahn had previously urged Apple to return more of its cash to shareholders and pressured the company to raise its stock buyback and dividend.