Obviously, September is one of the biggest months on the Apple calendar. At its September 7 “Far Out” event, Apple introduced the iPhone 14 line, Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra, and second-generation AirPods Pro. Plus, we got the release of iOS 16 and watchOS 9.
You might expect that October would pale in comparison, but Apple still has a lot going on. There’s still one iPhone 14 to come, and potentially a handful of iPads, Macs, and possibly more. We expect some really important operating system updates as well–especially as the iPad and Mac are a little behind the iPhone in getting their big yearly update.
New hardware
Apple’s still got some hardware to release this year. There could be an event in October, or perhaps none at all, just a steady stream of press-releases and website updates. Here’s what we think will be announced and released in October.
iPhone 14 Plus: The one product we are sure is releasing in October is the iPhone 14 Plus, the 6.7-inch version of the standard (non-Pro) iPhone. Already available for preorder, it hits shelves and mailboxes on Friday, October 7.
M2 Mac mini: The Mac mini hasn’t been updated since the M1 chip was launched in 2020, and for some reason Apple still sells the Intel version as well. It’s expected that new models are on the way with the M2 and M2 Pro, and possibly a slight redesign.
M2 MacBook Pros: The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros are only a year old, but those M1 Pro and M1 Max chips are expected to get the M2 treatment. Otherwise, the laptops should be similar.
M2 iPad Pros: The 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro still come with the M1 processor. Now that the M2 has been out for months, it’s time they were upgraded, which is expected to happen soon. Not much else about the iPad Pro models is expected to change, though, other than the possible addition of wireless charging.
Apps and software updates
Everyone’s iPhone got a huge upgrade with iOS 16, which was accompanied by watchOS 9 and tvOS 16. But the iPadOS release, which typically comes at the same time, was skipped–iPadOS 16.1 will be the first release for that hardware. It’s not uncommon for macOS to be a little behind the mobile devices, and we expect macOS Ventura to land this month, too.
The iPhone’s first big update, iOS 16.1, will have a number of important features when it comes this month, too.
iOS 16.1: The first big iOS update after iOS 16 will add some significant features, like Live Activities, improvements to the battery percentage indicator, a “Clean Energy Charging” feature, support for the Matter smart home standard (maybe), and more. It’s in beta now, and will probably release in October.
tvOS 16.1: There’s not a lot of big new stuff in tvOS 16.1, other than maybe support for the Matter smart home standard, but it will update to keep on pace with iOS.
iPadOS 16.1: This will be the first public release in the iPadOS 16 cycle–Apple is skipping iPadOS 16.0. The biggest feature is the new Stage Manager feature, which Apple keeps making major changes to in the hopes of getting it into good shape for launch.
macOS Ventura: Also known as macOS 13, “Ventura” brings a bunch of welcome features like using your iPhone as a wireless webcam, Passkey, shared iCloud Photo Library, lifting subjects from photos like on iOS 16, a new Settings app (which needs work), and more. We think it will launch together with iPadOS 16.1.
Services
Apple TV+
Here are the shows, series, and movies we expect to release on Apple TV+ in October. If you want to know what’s coming later, check our full guide to upcoming Apple TV+ content.
Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show: Season 2 of this live-action kids show is back with Jack McBrayer. October 7
Shantaram: A fugitive pursuing redemption in 1980s Bombay will do whatever it takes to get it, even if it means letting his past seep back into his present. October 14
Ghostwriter (season 3): When a ghost haunts a bookstore and releases fictional characters into the real world, a group of friends works to solve a mystery surrounding the ghost’s unfinished business. Season 3 features an all-new cast. October 21
Acapulco (season 2): Season two picks up right on the heels of season one, telling the story of 20-something Máximo Gallardo, whose dream comes true when he scores the job of a lifetime as a cabana boy at the hottest resort in Acapulco, Las Colinas. October 21
Raymond & Ray: A film about two half-brothers living in the shadow of a terrible father. Starring Ewan McGregor and Ethan Hawke. October 21
Apple Arcade
Apple releases new games to Apple Arcade on Fridays, but not every Friday is marked by a new game or significant update. Check our Apple Arcade FAQ for a full list of Apple Arcade games and more details on the service. Some games are released with no forewarning, but you’ll often see several projects listed in the Coming Soon section.
NBA 2K23 Arcade Edition: As it did last year, developer 2K is bringing a mobile version of its popular basketball franchise to Apple Arcade. October 18
Author: Jason Cross, Senior Editor
I have written about technology for my entire professional life - over 25 years. I enjoy learning about how complicated technology works and explaining it in a way anyone can understand.