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Here’s what’s coming during Apple’s October event.

iPad Pro

To start things off, one device that seems more likely to launch now than ever is the iPad Pro. Apple’s high-end iPad is a powerhouse of a tablet, with a dedicated and passionate user base. While the iPad Pro has matured over the years. and the current M4 model is already impressive – it raises the question: what will Apple do next to make its top-tier tablet even more appealing to consumers?

We don’t know the full picture yet, but Apple may end up beefing up the iPad Pro with a new M5 chip, expected to launch alongside the updated models. That chip will no doubt be powerful, offering improved efficiency and potentially longer battery life, something the iPad Pro could definitely use. After all, iPads have had a 10-hour battery life for ages.

Another area Apple could improve is the Magic Keyboard. While it’s already a solid option with a great keyboard and touchpad, it would be interesting to see Cupertino revive the Smart Folio Keyboard. While that might be wishful thinking, many consumers are hoping to see modularity become a key feature of the iPad Pro, allowing the tablet to be used in different ways with a range of accessories.

The Magic keyboard transforms the iPad Pro almost into a Mac (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)

Vision Pro

Many consider the Vision Pro, Apple’s $3,500 mixed-reality headset, to be a commercial flop. Despite negative word-of-mouth and a lack of public excitement, the Vision Pro remains an engineering marvel. Sure, it may not have hit the numbers Apple had hoped for, but it’s not a bad product. More likely, it arrived at the wrong time – just as market momentum is shifting toward smart glasses. That being said, Apple isn’t abandoning the Vision Pro. In fact, Cupertino may update the existing model with either an M4 or M5 chip, a more comfortable “Dual Knit Band” head strap, and a Space Black colour option. Does that make the Vision Pro an instant buy? Probably not. But by doing this, Apple may be signaling that it’s still committed to the platform. However, the lingering issues remain: a lack of compelling content (including apps) and a bulky form factor, especially at a time when Meta appears to be ahead with its recently launched Ray-Ban Display smart glasses.

The Vision Pro has been crticised for its 3500 USD retail price and its bukly form factor. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)

14-inch MacBook Pro

Apple is also expected to launch a new MacBook Pro soon, though it won’t be a high-end version. Instead, it’s likely to be a baseline 14-inch MacBook Pro powered by the M5 chip (with the rest of the M5 chip family possibly being unveiled at a later date). That’s it. Don’t expect the base MacBook Pro to gain any new features, either externally or in terms of hardware.

Here’s a recap of Apple’s hardware announcements from the month of October over the past few years.

October 2021: 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, AirPods 3, and new HomePod mini colors.

October 2022: iPad Pro with M2 chip, iPad 10, and third-generation Apple TV 4K.

October 2023: 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chips, and iMac with M3 chip.

October 2024: 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips, iMac with M4 chip, and Mac mini with M4 and M4 Pro chips.