Apple wrapped its iPhone launch in September. Now the natural question: is there another show in October? History says “maybe.” In some years Apple holds a Mac-and-iPad-focused event; in others it drops news via press releases. This guide sums up what looks most likely for October 2025 what feels shaky, what feels solid, and whether you should upgrade or wait.
Table of Contents
Will Apple actually host an October 2025 event?
Apple has used October for big Mac and iPad news before. In 2021, “Unleashed” brought the first M1 Pro/Max MacBook Pros, AirPods 3, and new HomePod mini colors. In 2023, the “Scary Fast” night event launched M3 chips, new MacBook Pros, and the updated 24-inch iMac. In 2022 and 2024, Apple skipped a stage show and pushed updates through newsroom posts instead. That mixed pattern means an October event is not guaranteed but it’s definitely plausible.
Signals this year point toward “more likely than not.” Multiple reports line up around an M5 iPad Pro ready to go, with meaningful camera placement changes. Accessory refreshes (Apple TV, HomePod mini, AirTag) also have credible chatter. Macs are trickier: M5 MacBook Pros appear to be entering production, but most sources peg their release for late 2025 to early 2026. In plain English: an October event that leans iPad + accessories is realistic; the biggest Mac stuff may slip.
The headline act: iPad Pro (M5)
What’s new
Expect Apple’s top iPad to jump to M5 silicon, bringing CPU/GPU gains and better on-device AI. The detail that matters day-to-day: two front cameras one aligned for landscape (the way most of us FaceTime on a keyboard case), plus a portrait option. That solves a long-standing annoyance where you looked slightly off-axis on calls.
Early leaks suggest familiar industrial design, a razor-thin frame, and a single rear camera. Think refinement, not reinvention. Apple Pencil and keyboard story should stay consistent; any accessory tweaks are likely minor.
Who should upgrade
- On an M1 or older iPad Pro? You’ll notice the jump in speed, battery management, camera placement, and AI features.
- On an M2/M4 Pro? Consider holding unless you rely on intensive creative apps or want the front-camera fix right away.
Vision Pro 2: spec bump with comfort fixes
Chip debate, same goal
Reports split between M4 and M5 for the next Vision Pro. Either way, the target is clear: stronger neural engine performance to power Apple Intelligence features and more ambitious on-device tasks. A redesigned head strap is widely tipped to improve comfort big news if you found the first-gen heavy for long sessions. A new Space Black finish is possible. Don’t expect a lighter, cheaper model yet; that’s still several years out, if it happens.
Who should consider it
Developers, early adopters, and teams building for spatial workflows. If you mainly want a lighter, lower-cost headset, you might wait.
Apple TV 2025: Preparing for Wi-Fi 7 and Enhanced Apple Intelligence
Apple TV may jump to an A17 Pro-class processor and add an N1 wireless chip with Wi-Fi 7. Why you should care: better wireless throughput for high-bitrate 4K/HDR streaming, more headroom for cloud-heavy features, and smoother multi-device handoffs. It also sets the box up for Apple’s next-gen Siri/Apple Intelligence roll-out in the living room. A built-in camera keeps getting rumored, but don’t bank on it for this round.
HomePod mini (2nd gen): small speaker, smarter brain
A second-gen HomePod mini is rumored to pick up a newer S-series chip and Apple’s in-house Wi-Fi/Bluetooth silicon, plus a second-gen UWB chip for snappier Handoff and Find My interactions. Expect tighter sound tuning and at least one fresh color. The theme: quality-of-life upgrades rather than a wholesale redesign.
AirTag 2: clearer alerts, better range
AirTag 2 is due. The safe bets are a stronger radio for longer tracking range, improved anti-tamper behavior, and clearer battery alerts. Design probably stays familiar. If you rely on item tracking or run a household full of tags, this is the kind of iterative update that quietly matters.
What about Macs?
Here’s where expectations need a reality check.
MacBook Pro (M5) timing
Multiple reports say M5 MacBook Pro (14- and 16-inch) is nearing mass production with launches pegged between late 2025 and early 2026. The upgrades will center on the M5, with modest changes otherwise think ports, a better webcam, maybe Thunderbolt 5. The bigger redesign OLED displays and possible touch input is guided toward late 2026/early 2027, likely alongside M6. If you crave a visual overhaul, waiting could pay off.
Budget $599 MacBook
A genuine curveball: a lower-cost MacBook targeting the $599–$699 range. Rumors point to an A-series iPhone-class chip (A18 Pro or similar), a ~13-inch display, and basic USB-C I/O without Thunderbolt. In short: a light, student-friendly Mac that undercuts the Air. Timing looks late 2025 or early 2026. If you’ve been eyeing a cheap Mac for school or casual use, this could be the one to watch.
Studio Display successor
Two new external Apple displays are in the pipeline, with windows late 2025 to early 2026. One likely replaces or evolves the Studio Display, potentially with mini-LED for higher brightness and contrast. If you’re considering a monitor today, keep this in mind.
Should you buy now or wait for a better opportunity?
iPad buyers
- Need the front camera fix for landscape calls or want the best on-device AI? Waiting for the M5 iPad Pro makes sense.
- Casual users can save money with current iPad Air/Pro deals.
Mac buyers
- Creators/Developers who want OLED/touch: hold for late ’26/early ’27.
- Most users: an M4 Air is still the value king this year; if you need Pro-level power soon, consider current models rather than counting on M5 stock in 2025.
Vision Pro shoppers
- If you need the platform for work, watch for the strap/CPU bump. If you’re price-sensitive or want lighter hardware, waiting makes sense.
Quick Buyer Comparison Table
| Product | Likelihood for Oct ’25 | Headline change | Who should care |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Pro (M5) | High | M5, dual front cameras | iPad power users, frequent callers |
| Vision Pro 2 | Medium-High | M4/M5, new strap | Devs, early adopters |
| Apple TV 2025 | Medium-High | Wi-Fi 7, A17 Pro-class, N1 | Home theater, smart home |
| HomePod mini (2nd gen) | Medium | New S-chip, UWB2, better sound | HomeKit users |
| AirTag 2 | Medium | Range, anti-tamper, alerts | Trackers, families |
| MacBook Pro (M5) | Low for Oct | M5, minor tweaks | Pros more likely late ’25/early ’26 |
| $599 MacBook | Low for Oct | A-series, ultra-budget | Students, first-time Mac buyers |
| Studio Display successor | Low for Oct | mini-LED (likely) | Creators, office setups |
Frequently Asked Question
Did Apple do October events every year?
No. Apple ran October events in 2021 and 2023, but 2022 and 2024 relied on newsroom drops.
What iPad changes matter most?
The front camera placement (landscape-friendly) plus the M5 jump for AI-heavy tasks.
Will Vision Pro 2 be lighter?
Unlikely. Expect comfort improvements via a new strap rather than a big weight cut.
Is Apple TV finally getting Wi-Fi 7?
That’s the rumor, paired with an N1 chip and a faster A-series processor.
When is the $599 MacBook coming?
The budget MacBook is tipped for late 2025 or early 2026, aiming at students and casual buyers.
When are OLED/touch MacBook Pros coming?
Most credible timelines point to late 2026/early 2027.
Featured Answer Boxes
Will Apple host an October 2025 event?
Probably. Apple held October shows in 2021 and 2023 but used press releases in 2022 and 2024. With an M5 iPad Pro and several accessories rumored, an October showcase is plausible though Macs may slip to late 2025/early 2026.
What’s the most likely headliner?
An iPad Pro with M5 and a dual-camera front setup that finally fixes landscape FaceTime framing for keyboard users.
Is Vision Pro 2 coming?
Yes, a spec bump is expected: M4 or M5, a more comfortable strap, and possible Space Black finish. Don’t expect a lighter, cheaper model this year.
Apple TV 2025: what’s new?
Leakers point to A17 Pro-class performance, an N1 wireless chip, and Wi-Fi 7—all prepping Apple TV for Apple Intelligence and better high-bitrate streaming.
Should I wait for M5 MacBook Pro?
If you want OLED/touch, wait for late ’26/early ’27. The M5 refresh itself looks incremental and may land late ’25 to early ’26.
