September is clearly one of the biggest months on Apple’s calendar. Then on September 7 the “elusive” event, Apple introduced the iPhone 14 line, Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra, and second generation AirPods Pro. In addition, we got the release of iOS 16 and watchOS 9.
You might expect October to be pale in comparison, but Apple still has a lot to offer. There’s still an iPhone 14 coming, maybe a handful of iPads and Macs, and maybe more. We’re also expecting some really important OS updates – especially since iPads and Macs are a bit behind the iPhone in getting the big annual update.
New devices
Apple still has some devices that will be released this year. There may be an event in October, or perhaps none at all, just a constant stream of press releases and website updates. Here’s what we think will be announced and released in October.
iPhone 14 Plus: The only product we have surely The iPhone 14 Plus, the 6.7-inch version of the standard (non-Professional) iPhone, is released in October. Already available for pre-order, hitting shelves and mailboxes Friday, October 7.
M2 Mac Mini: The Mac mini hasn’t been updated since the launch of the M1 chip in 2020, and for some reason Apple is still selling the Intel version as well. It is 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 Pro are only a year old, but the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips are expected to get M2 processing. Otherwise, laptops should be similar.
M2 iPad Pros: The iPad Pro 11-inch and 12.9-inch still comes with the M1 processor. Now that the M2 has been out for months, it’s time for its upgrade, which is expected to happen soon. Not much is expected to change from the iPad Pro models, other than the possible addition of wireless charging.
Apps and Software Updates
The iPhone got a huge upgrade with iOS 16, which was accompanied by watchOS 9 and tvOS 16. But the iPadOS version, which usually comes at the same time, has been skipped — iPadOS 16.1 will be the first version for this device. It’s not uncommon for macOS to lag a bit behind mobile devices, and we expect macOS Ventura to arrive this month as well.
The iPhone’s first big update, iOS 16.1, will have a number of important features when it comes this month as well.
iOS 16.1: The first major iOS update after iOS 16 will add some important features, such as live activities, improvements to the battery percentage indicator, a “Clean Power Charging” feature, support for the (possibly) smart home standard, and more. It’s in beta now, and will likely release in October.
tvOS 16.1: There isn’t a lot of big new stuff in tvOS 16.1, other than maybe support for the Matter smart home standard, but it will be updated to keep up with iOS.
iPadOS 16.1: This will be the first public release in the iPadOS 16 cycle – Apple skips iPadOS 16.0. The biggest feature is the new Phase Manager feature, which Apple continues to make major changes to in hopes of getting it in good shape for its launch.
macOS Coming: Also known as macOS 13, Ventura brings a host of welcome features like using your iPhone as a wireless webcam, Passkey, shared iCloud Photo Library, uploading themes from Photos like iOS 16, a new Settings app (needs work), and more. We believe it will be launched with iPadOS 16.1.
Services
+ Apple TV
Here are the shows, series, and movies we can expect to hit Apple TV+ in October. If you want to know what’s coming next, check out our complete guide to upcoming Apple TV+ content.
Hi Jack! Kindness Show: Season 2 of this live-action kids’ show is back with Jack McBrayer. October 7
Shantaram: A redemption-seeking fugitive in ’80s Bombay will do whatever it takes to get it, even if it means letting his past seep 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 work to solve a mystery surrounding the ghost’s unfinished business. Season 3 features an all-new cast. October 21
Acapulco (season 2): The second season begins right on the heels of the first, telling the story of 20-year-old Maximo Gallardo, whose dream comes true when he scores his life job as a cabana boy at Acapulco’s hottest resort, Las Colinas. October 21
Raymond Wray: A movie 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 on Apple Arcade on Fridays, but no new game or important update is flagged every Friday. Check out our Apple Arcade FAQ files for a complete list of Apple Arcade games and more details about the service. Some games are released without warning, but you’ll often see many projects listed in the Coming Soon section.
NBA 2K23 Arcade Edition: As it did last year, 2K is bringing a mobile version of the popular basketball franchise to Apple Arcade. October 18