Will Apple Finally Announce These 7 Products in October?
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After Apple’s iPhone event, it can feel like the company has shown all its cards — but it rarely has.
Apple typically wraps up its fall season with one more event in October. This event tends to be less trendy than the iPhone launch, but it’s still a pretty big deal. For example, Apple capped October 2023 with its Scary Fast Mac event, and in 2024, it rolled out Macs via a week of press-release mini-launches.
These events often focus on Apple’s more niche yet powerful products, including Macs, iPads, and accessories that remain integral to the Apple ecosystem, and this October shouldn’t be any different — possibly even busier. Apple hasn’t announced a formal event yet, but the volume of rumored updates makes a showcase likely.
From new home products to more powerful iPads and even a better tracker, there are plenty of things we’re eagerly anticipating. Here are all the products that Apple might launch in just a few weeks.
A New Apple TV 4K Is Long Overdue
The current Apple TV 4K is still a solid streaming box, but it hasn’t been updated since 2022. That model adopted an A15 chip and a more compact design, but it skipped features it arguably needs.
The most likely upgrade is the move to an A17 Pro chip — the iPhone 15 Pro’s chip — boosting Apple Arcade titles and on-screen multitasking. However, as you can guess, there’s also a strategic reason for the bump.
A growing number of rumors suggest that Apple Intelligence support may be coming to tvOS. While not everyone is excited about that, as Apple Intelligence has been mostly a nothing burger up to this point, if Apple does improve this technology, it could provide the new Apple TV system with support for future enhancements, such as smarter Siri responses, cross-device continuity, or even AI-powered ambient features like predictive content recommendations. For Apple Intelligence to work, a compatible chip is required, and this is where the A17 Pro comes in.
Apple is also expected to add its new N1 chip, its in-house wireless chip responsible for providing this year’s iPhone models with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth connectivity. It also improves how Apple devices “talk” to each other locally with features like AirDrop and Personal Hotspot. It’s already expected in other products this year, and adding it to the Apple TV would help with better and faster syncing, AirPlay handoff, and continuity features across the Apple ecosystem.
Some wilder rumors suggest that there’s even a possibility of a new Center Stage camera being added to the Apple TV, allowing you to make FaceTime calls without your iPhone or other devices. This is far from confirmed, but references found in the FaceTime app in developer tvOS builds have added fuel to that speculation.
The HomePod mini 2 Could Finally Make an Appearance
Apple’s HomePod lineup has been in the background for a long time. The current full-size HomePod was refreshed in 2023, and even that was only a minor refresh to the original 2018 model. Meanwhile, the HomePod mini hasn’t been updated with anything more than a few new colors since its original debut back in 2020. That’s a long time, even by Apple standards.
Fortunately, this might soon change, as a new HomePod mini 2 is expected to be announced this year. This new home device is rumored to feature Apple’s new N1 connectivity chip, providing a more reliable internet connection.
It may also support Apple Intelligence in a limited capacity, offering context-aware suggestions and smarter home controls. The current model also uses Apple’s aging S5 chip, which debuted in the Apple Watch Series 5 in 2019; rumor has it the new model is slated to get a more powerful S9 chip, complete with its Neural Engine.
Internally, there won’t be many changes, but one of the more practical updates might be the inclusion of a new Ultra Wideband chip. This new chip is typically used for Apple’s Precision Finding, but it may also enhance the HomePod mini’s spatial awareness at home, enabling it to establish a stronger connection in a multi-HomePod setup.
On the outside, the new HomePod mini is expected to resemble the current model, but we anticipate Apple will introduce a few new colors to give the new generation a fresh look.
The M5 iPad Pro Will Be a Performance-First Upgrade
The current iPad Pro lineup was redesigned in 2024 to be the thinnest and lightest tablet we’ve ever seen, and most insiders expect Apple to keep that design unchanged this year. However, the most significant changes will occur under the hood.
The biggest change we’re expecting is an upgrade to the M5 chip, which will improve CPU and GPU performance and increase energy efficiency. That matters not just for speed, but also for other things, such as multitasking with heavy and powerful apps. Even Apple Intelligence should be snappier than ever.
Some leaks also suggest that Apple may be ready to bump up the RAM in some models of the 2025 iPad Pros as well. The base model will most likely have 12 GB of RAM, with higher-end models offering at least 16 GB. This will make the new iPad Pros even more powerful than before, and give people another reason to consider them as a possible laptop replacement.
The inclusion of Apple’s new N1 wireless chip is also expected, which, as we mentioned, will be added to more devices over time. This will make the new iPad Pro models even more future-proof than the current models.
AirTags 2 Are Coming With Better Tracking and Privacy
AirTags have been due for a refresh for a long time. And all signs point to AirTags 2 launching during Apple’s October event. Unfortunately, if rumors are true, the design will likely stay the same, so don’t drop your keychains just yet. On the bright side, the internals will get a nice upgrade.
The second-generation AirTags are rumored to include a next-gen Ultra Wideband chip that substantially improves Precision Finding. Not only will the range be extended, but it’ll also be capable of offering better directions, especially when used with iPhones with the same Ultra Wideband chip.
Privacy will also be a main focus for the new generation’s AirTag. Unfortunately, some people misused the AirTag when it was first introduced to track individuals without their knowledge or consent, resulting in significant criticism and backlash for Apple.
As a result, the AirTags 2 will likely ship with enhanced anti-tracking alerts and improved enforcement to prevent people from stalking others.
There’s also speculation that Apple might offer new accessories to make AirTags more versatile for use with pet collars, backpacks, or bikes.
The Apple Vision Pro Is Also Getting a Small Upgrade
It’s hard to believe that the Apple Vision Pro is still in its first generation (mostly because not a lot of people even cared about such a niche and expensive product). Still, it’s almost a year old, and that usually means that Apple might want to upgrade it.
Unfortunately, rumors suggest that Apple may not make a significant upgrade this time around. The biggest change is expected to be a transition to the M5 chip (though some reports suggest it could use the M4 instead). Either way, the newer chip will offer better power efficiency and help developers push the boundaries of spatial computing.
There are also no rumors about a better battery for the upcoming Vision Pro. However, thanks to the new chip, the next-generation headset will likely last longer without adding bulk or weight to the user’s head.
While the exterior design is likely to remain the same, the headband may be updated. Many users have noted that wearing the headset for extended periods can be uncomfortable, and Apple may introduce a new headband to make wearing the Apple Vision Pro a more comfortable experience.
At Least One M5 MacBook Pro Could Also Be Announced
If Apple follows its usual launch history, we can expect an upgrade to the MacBook Pro this fall. However, it’s less clear whether Apple plans to refresh them all at the same time or split the updates and release the M5 and M5 Pro/Max models separately.
Either way, these laptops will visually resemble the current versions, featuring the same design introduced with the first M1 Pro/Max MacBook Pro models in 2021. Of course, that’s not entirely bad, as the slim bezels, high-resolution displays, and MagSafe charging make both MacBook Pros stand out instantly. Still, if you want a new design, you might need to wait until next year.
With that said, internally, the performance jump could be significant. The new M5 chips are likely to focus on enhanced GPU and CPU performance, as well as improved battery efficiency. These new models will be more powerful and efficient than ever, making them a welcome upgrade for those with older computers. Still, piecing together the various reports suggests that Apple might lead with the 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro and save the more powerful M5 Pro/Max versions for early next year, similarly to how it handled things in the early days of Apple silicon.
A New Studio Display Could Finally Add mini-LED
The Studio Display has been a favorite among some Mac users — including some members of our own team here at iDrop News — but it’s still based on older technology. Fortunately, that might finally change this fall.
Rumors suggest that Apple may introduce a new Studio Display with mini-LED backlighting, similar to the one found in the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. This would enable better contrast, deeper blacks, and brighter HDR content.
However, this is essentially all we know about the new monitor. So don’t expect a redesign; it’ll just be a better screen packed into the same aluminum body.
When Is Apple’s October Event?
At the time of this writing, Apple hasn’t announced an event or sent out any invitations, so we don’t have an official date. There’s even a possibility that we won’t have an event this year, or that Apple could skip a full keynote again, opting for another round of short online unveilings like last year’s Mac launches. Still, with everything that’s on deck, it’s highly unlikely Apple doesn’t have something planned to show it all off.
With all of that said, the last two sets of events took place near the end of the month, and Apple announced both events on October 24. If Apple continues this trend, we might see an invitation in as soon as two weeks, with the event taking place the last week of October.
Get Ready for the New Products
Whether you’re hoping for a new HomePod mini, better AirTags, or a new M5-powered Mac, Apple’s October event is shaping up to be much more than just your average keynote.
If even half of these rumored announcements make the cut, it’ll mark a major expansion of the Apple ecosystem, with a bunch of products that will be ready for Apple Intelligence and any new tech Apple might be working on.
As always, these new updates are based on leaks and speculation, so take them with a grain of salt. But at the same time, get yourself and your wallet ready for what Apple still has in store for us.
[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]
