While Apple’s recent iPhone 16 event was all about the latest smartphones, whispers are growing louder about a major October event dedicated to refreshing its Mac lineup and introducing new iPads. Renowned Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, known for his accurate Apple predictions, has painted a picture of what we can expect.
The highlight seems to be a complete makeover for the MacBook Pro line, including a new entry-level 14-inch model powered by the anticipated M4 chip. High-end 14-inch and 16-inch models are expected to boast even more powerful options – likely the M4 Pro and M4 Max. This major refresh extends to the desktop realm, with the iMac and Mac mini also set to receive M4 chip upgrades. The Mac mini, in particular, may offer a higher-performance M4 Pro variant as an option.
However, not every Mac will be getting the M4 treatment just yet. The MacBook Air is reportedly scheduled for a refresh in the first quarter of 2025, while the Mac Studio is expected to follow around mid-year. The Mac Pro, Apple’s top-tier workstation, is anticipated to make its appearance before the end of 2025.
This rumored event suggests that Apple is shifting its Mac release strategy toward an annual cycle, similar to how it operates with the iPhone. The MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini were all updated in 2023, followed by the MacBook Air’s refresh in 2024. With Gurman’s predictions, it seems likely that these models will receive yearly upgrades. While the Mac Studio and Mac Pro received updates in 2023, their 2025 upgrade falls outside the annual timeframe, likely due to their high-end nature and slower upgrade cycles.
Beyond Macs, Gurman believes that lower-end iPads will also be unveiled at the October event. Considering that the iPad Air and iPad Pro were updated in 2024, the focus is likely on the standard iPad and the iPad mini, which haven’t seen significant changes since 2022 and 2021, respectively.
While an exact date for the October event hasn’t been announced, past trends suggest a Monday or Tuesday in mid-to-late October. As October approaches, we’ll likely get more concrete information about the event’s timing. Apple fans and tech enthusiasts alike are eagerly awaiting this exciting fall event that promises a bounty of new Apple products.
