Today Apple announced a new iPad mini with Apple Intelligence support. The new model doesn’t just have ramifications for iPad fans, though. Here’s what today’s news could mean for Apple’s October event plans.
New iPad mini makes event prospects slim
Historically, Apple has launched new iPhones and Apple Watch models in September, then regularly holds another event in October focused on the Mac and often iPad.
That was the expectation for this year too, based on the new products we’re expecting.
Here are the rumored products expected in the coming weeks:
- M4 MacBook Pro
- M4 Mac mini
- M4 iMac
Previously, the iPad mini was on that list too.
A new base model iPad was originally expected this month too, but the more recent rumors point to an early 2025 launch instead.
With the iPad mini and the trio of M4 Macs, an October event seemed likely. Something relatively short, probably with a focus on Apple Intelligence and what it enables on these platforms.
But now that the iPad mini has been announced already, the prospects of an event are looking slim.
Expectations for M4 Macs
Based on what we know about the upcoming M4 Macs, there’s not much that would merit Apple hosting a whole event.
The MacBook Pros aren’t expected to be redesigned, just get a new chip and likely some smaller upgrades.
The M4 iMac’s biggest selling point might be new USB-C accessories.
Leaving the Mac mini as the one device where big changes are expected.
The new M4 Mac mini should get drastically smaller than previous models. But is that enough to justify anything more than a press release announcement? I’m doubtful.
Apple October event wrap-up
Top comment by Sean P
I also disagree with the article, there will be an event. The iPad mini and frankly the Macs are not and were never the subject of an October event. The focus of the event has to be Apple Intelligence. The company has talked this up too much and delayed it too long to not make a spectacle out of the release of AI. I expect an Apple Intelligence event sometime around the 22nd of October; which means they will have to announce it soon. (So, we will know if I am wrong quick). I admit that the spec and chip upgrades and USB-C accessories don't make much addition to an event. The Mac mini size change is notable. So expect something else, a one more thing. My bet is a new AI capable something or other piece of hardware - read a home accessory. For example, An Apple TV, a gaming console, an Apple TV/soundbar combination, or possibly all three together. AI will be the focus of the event. It has to be...
I’d say that Apple could talk up the M4 chip itself, but these aren’t even the first products with the chip. The iPad Pro had that honor. So an extended segment on the chip is also unlikely.
All of this means that an October event is probably not in the cards for this year.
Unless Apple has some surprises up its sleeve, of course.
Do you think Apple will hold an October event? Let us know in the comments.
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