Today, Apple announced a new iPad mini with Apple Intelligence support. But the new model has implications for more than just iPad fans. Here's what today's news could mean for Apple's October roadmap.
New iPad mini makes event prospects slim
Traditionally, Apple launches new iPhone and Apple Watch models in September, and then regularly holds another event in October focused on the Mac and often the iPad.
That was expected to be the case this year, based on the new products we're expecting.
Here are the rumored products rumored to be coming in the coming weeks:
- M4 MacBook Pro
- M4 Mac mini
- M4 iMac
This list also used to include the iPad mini.
A new base model iPad was also originally expected this month, but more recent rumors point to an early 2025 launch.
With the iPad mini and three M4 Macs, an October event seemed likely. Something relatively short, perhaps focusing on Apple Intelligence and what it enables on those platforms.
But now that the iPad mini has been announced, the event's prospects are looking dim.
Expectations for the M4 Mac
Based on what we know about the upcoming M4 Macs, there's little that would justify Apple holding an entire event.
The MacBook Pros aren't expected to be redesigned, just get a new chip and likely some smaller updates.
The biggest selling point of the M4 iMac could be the new USB-C accessories.
That leaves the Mac mini as the only device expected to see big changes.
The new M4 Mac mini is expected to be significantly smaller than previous models. But is that enough to justify more than a press release announcement? I doubt it.
Apple's October event recap
Best comment from K
They could just do a half-hour video about the Mac and maybe talk about some Apple Intelligence features. Maybe even something related to Home. It doesn't have to be a big deal.
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I'd say Apple could talk about the M4 chip itself, but these aren't even the first products with that chip. The iPad Pro had that honor. So an expanded on-chip segment is also unlikely.
All of this means that an October event is probably not planned 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.
