We’re still waiting for the rumored Apple October product launches to happen. But if and when they do, it’s sounding like they’ll be all about new iPads and Macs.
Twitter leaker Dohyun Kim (opens in new tab) claims we’ll see new iPad and iPad Pro models, as well as new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros and a refreshed Mac mini, by the end of October. This matches with other Apple rumors we’ve heard, so the tech tipster consensus seems to still be that Apple will launch new tablets and computers this month.
Update October 14: Apple executives Apple executives Craig Federighi and Greg Joswiak are scheduled to speak at a Wall Street Journal event (opens in new tab)October 25, so we could get some big Apple product news that day or just before.
Apple is to launch- 10.2” iPad (10th gen)- 11” iPad Pro w/ M2- 12.9” iPad Pro w/ M2- 14” MacBook Pro- 16” MacBook Pro- Mac mini w/ M2this month!!October 12, 2022
iPad 2022 (10.2 inch)
Firstly, there should be a standard iPad 2022, which could be the most notable update of all the new products. It has been rumored to receive a major redesign in line with the modern, flat-sided look of the iPad Pro, iPad Air and iPad mini, including a much larger display and USB-C.
But since Apple’s now thought to be only announcing this batch of products by press release instead of at an event, it would be odd to introduce such a major change without full fanfare.
iPad Pro 2022
The other tablet to look out for will be the iPad Pro 2022. This has been rumored to move from the current Apple M1 chip to a new Apple M2 chip like the MacBook Air M2 and 13-inch MacBook Pro M2 from earlier this year. Other than that, rumors of wireless charging and a new smart connector have also circulated.
Of course, the new iPads will be running the new iPadOS 16 out of the box, complete with the new Stage Manger feature for improved multitasking. Apple has reportedly been tweaking this and other features behind the scenes and we’re still awaiting the launch this month.
MacBook Pro 14-inch and 16-inch with M2 Pro
Moving to laptops, it’s been widely predicted that we’ll see new MacBook Pro with M2 Pro models this month. These could only differ from the existing 14-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro with their new chips, expected to be titled M2 Pro and M2 Max, which will build on the M2’s improved architecture with more CPU and GPU cores for pro-level performance.
Overall, the 14-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro are among the best laptops, thanks to their already speedy performance and long battery life. And we appreciate the full suite of ports that include HDMI and an SD Card slot. So Apple doesn’t need to to reinvent the wheel here.
mac mini 2022 with M2
For desktop machines, we may also see a Mac mini 2022 with a standard M2 chip to replace the Mac mini M1 that arrived at the end of 2020. So the biggest change could simply be more power.
Leaker Jon Prosser claimed back in May that the next Mac mini might be smaller and would sport more ports. Specifically, he claimed it will feature the same magnetic charging connector that is included with the new 24-inch iMac 2021, as well as four Thunderbolt ports, two USB-A ports, plus Ethernet and HDMI ports.
However, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo now predicts that the new Mac mini won’t get a design refresh when it eventually arrives.
macOS Ventura and iPad OS 16
Two other things that we might see as part of this announcement bundle are macOS Ventura and iPadOS 16. The latest version of the Mac and iPad operating systems were delayed from their expected September release, presumably to give Apple more time to iron out any kinks. Even if the products rumored above don’t end up appearing, Apple’s already confirmed October releases for both the new macOS and iPadOS versions.
Bottom line
We’re almost halfway through October at the time of writing, which gives Apple another two weeks to bring us the devices we’re expecting. But if you can’t wait that long to upgrade your tablet or laptop, take a look at our best iPads and best MacBooks guides to see what your current top choices are.