October is starting to become one of the most prominent months in the yearly Apple calendar. In the last decade, Apple has had major media events in six Octobers, and we expect this year will be the seventh as Apple gears up to announce new Macs.
But it’s not just about new hardware. For years, Apple’s big operating system releases have come in September but with a few missing features that roll out in later updates, and October is when we expect the first one. This year that is especially relevant, as iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 will deliver the first Apple Intelligence features. Here’s everything we expect in a busy month from Apple.
New hardware releases
Though Apple hasn’t announced it yet, we expect an event in October to announce new M4-based Macs. It’s always possible that these Macs will be released directly to the web without a special event, though rumors suggest there are more than enough new products for a keynote:
A new Mac mini: The Mac mini is due for its first real design change since the introduction of the unibody aluminum Mac mini in 2010. It is expected to be a lot smaller, though perhaps a little taller. Think of it more like a big Apple TV than its current frame that measures nearly 8 by 8 inches. The new Mac mini should be available with M4 and M4 Pro processors, front-facing USB-C ports, and possibly no more USB-A ports.
M4 MacBook Pros: We’re expecting updates to the MacBook Pro to feature the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max. It’s basically a processor upgrade from the M3 MacBook Pro line of today, but the entry-level model could get a RAM boost.
Mac Studio with M4 Max and M4 Ultra: The Mac Studio is still languishing back on the M2 generation, so it’s in desperate need of an update. We haven’t heard to expect one, tough…the latest rumor for says it won’t be coming until 2025.
Mac Pro: This is another Mac that never even got an M3 version, but like the Mac Studio we don’t think Apple will update the Mac Pro until 2025 when an M4 Ultra is available.
Updated iPads: Apple updates some of its iPads on an almost yearly basis, and we think they’ll introduce the 11th-gen iPad and 7th-gen iPad mini, both with the A17 Pro processor or possibly an A18. It would be a misstep for Apple to use an earlier processor that does not support Apple Intelligence, so we expect 8GB of RAM on board too.
Find out what else might be coming from Apple in 2024 and 2025.
Apps and software updates
Apple is promoting the latest iPhones with Apple Intelligence as a major selling point, but Apple Intelligence is not yet available. The first update to add some AI features will come in October, and Apple is likely to begin testing the iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS 15.2 updates that add even more features before they are released later this year.
iOS and iPadOS 18.1: Along with a few other tweaks, this update brings the first Apple Intelligence features, including Writing Tools, notification and email summaries, and Siri improvements that include more resilient prompts and a new edge-glow interface. We may see the introduction of the new AirPods Pro hearing features with iOS 18.1, too.
macOS Sequoia 15.1: That first tranche of Apple Intelligence features comes to macOS Sequoia at the same time, but so does another nice upgrade—drag-and-drop support when using iPhone Mirroring.
Services
Apple TV+
Here are the shows, series, and movies we expect to release on Apple TV+ in TK. If you want to know what’s coming later, check our full guide to upcoming Apple TV+ content.
Where’s Wanda?: Apple’s first German-language series “Where’s Wanda?” is a dark comedy that tells the story of Dedo and Carlotta Klatt, who are desperate to locate their missing 17-year-old daughter Wanda, who disappeared months ago without a trace. When the police fail to find her, the family takes matters into their own hands, obtaining surveillance devices with the help of their tech-savvy son Ole. October 10
Disclaimer: Based on the novel of the same name by Renee Knight. Catherine Ravenscroft is a television documentary journalist whose work has been built on revealing the concealed transgressions of long-respected institutions. A novel written by a widower has her as a key character in a story that she had hoped was long buried in the past. A story that reveals her darkest secret. A secret she thought was hers alone. October 11
The Last of the Sea Woman: A documentary film about the haenyeo divers of South Korea’s Jeju Island, who are renowned for centuries of diving to the ocean floor — without oxygen — to harvest seafood for their livelihood. October 11
Shrinking (season 2): One of the best shows on Apple TV+, Shrinking follows a grieving therapist who starts to break the rules and tell his clients exactly what he thinks. Ignoring his training and ethics, he finds himself making huge, tumultuous changes to people’s lives … including his own. October 16
Before: A 10-episode, character-driven psychological thriller. Stars Billy Crystal as Eli, a child psychiatrist who, after recently losing his wife, encounters a troubled young boy, Noah. Noah seems to have a haunting connection to Eli’s past. As Eli attempts to help Noah, their mysterious bond deepens. October 25
Apple Arcade
Apple releases most Apple Arcade games on the first Friday of each month. Check our Apple Arcade FAQ for a full list of Apple Arcade games and more details on the service. Occasionally, games are released with no forewarning, but you’ll usually see next month’s releases listed in the Coming Soon section. Current there are four games scheduled for release on October 3.
NBA 2K25 Arcade Edition: The latest in this yearly NBA basketball series adds outdoor streetball courts, NBA Legends, and more.
Food Truck Pup+: Manage a cute, doggy-owned crepe food truck.
Smash Hit+: Use steel balls to smash your way through a futuristic dimension of glass and barriers in sync with the music.
Furistas Cat Cafe+: Run a cat cafe and adopt new cute cats, match them with customers, and expand your business.
Author: Jason Cross, Senior Editor, Macworld
Jason has written about technology for more than 25 years - first in the gaming press, then focusing on enthusiast PCs and general technology. He enjoys learning how complicated technology works and explaining it in a way anyone can understand.