The new products Apple could announce this month

For those patiently awaiting the arrival of a new iPad Pro or next-generation Mac, the first nine months of 2018 have been disappointing. Except for the lightly updated MacBook Pro announced in July, Apple hasn’t released any new products in either lineup this year. That could soon change, however.

Apple has held an October press event every year since 2011 except in 2015 and 2017. Given the large number of hardware products Apple still hasn’t updated this year, another event is nearly guaranteed to be held this month.

Here are the products that will likely get a mention at whatever event Apple may hold.

iPad Pro

For months, rumors have said Apple will introduce two new iPad Pro tablets this year, including a first-generation 11-inch model and third-generation 12.9-inch variant. Both should feature a near bezel-free design and include Face ID, not Touch ID. The new tablets could also ditch Lightning for USB-C for the first time.

Chance of seeing: If Apple elects not to introduce new iPad Pros this year, there won’t be an October event. In other words, 10 out of 10 chance we will be seeing both tablets soon.

New Macs

Rumors say Apple’s planning to release a next-gen Mac mini and MacBook Air this year. A new MacBook could also be in the offering. The iMac could also get a modest update. Interestingly, this year’s Mac mini could target the professional market for the first time.

Chance of seeing: 10 out of 10.

New Apple TV

There’s no reason for Cupertino to reveal new Apple TV hardware until it’s ready to also announce its growing slate of original TV programs and how it plans to offer them. That probably won’t happen until early next year, which means no Apple TV for now.

Change of seeing: 1 out of 10.

New audio products

Apple’s almost certainly going to release next-generation HomePod-like speakers and Apple-branded headphones. Whether this happens this month or sometime in 2019 remains to be seen. My best guess: Apple will hold off until next year.

Chance of seeing: 1 out of 10.

AirPower wireless charger, AirPods case

After last month’s “Gather round” event, the consensus grew that Apple had put the AirPower wireless charger out of its misery after a year in development. Then, Apple released the first iOS 12.1 beta that included language suggesting the accessory was still somewhere in Apple’s product pipeline. The device was also mentioned inside the packaging for the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max.

I wouldn’t be surprised one way or another for Apple to announce the AirPower this month alongside the long-promised wireless AirPods charging case that it would support.

Chance of seeing: 2 out of 10.

When?

Apple’s special events held in October since 2013 were held on the following dates:

These dates suggest Apple’s 2018 event would likely be held late in the month. We should know soon enough.

Which products would you like Apple to reveal this month? Let us know below.

Image: Courtesy of Duncan Sinfield