Apple should release the first M3 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models and some new iPads in October—possibly without a dedicated event.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the M3-powered MacBook Air and MacBook Pro should arrive in October. An update to the Mac mini may come a bit later, considering the computer received its last refresh in January 2023,
M3 MacBook Air and Pro rumored to launch in October
Other Macs are awaiting updates, too. The iMac, for example, is currently powered by the M1 chip and never received an M2 refresh. The Mac Pro will at some point also receive a refresh. Macs with more powerful M3 chips, like the M3 Pro, M3 Max and M3 Ultra, are expected to arrive further down the road.
These should include the Mac Studio and the 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro. Gurman previously reported that Apple is developing six new M3 MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac and Mac mini models.
Apple is expected to hold at least one major pre-taped event this year on September 12 to launch the iPhone 15 lineup, the Apple Watch Series 9 and the second-generation Apple Watch Ultra. This schedule has been the company’s modus operandi for years now.
The structure of the event, I’m told, will match the iPhone 14 launch: A prerecorded video will be shown online, as well as at an event at the company’s headquarters. In-person attendees will be able to try out the iPhone 15 and new Apple Watch after the presentation.
So far, so good. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that Apple traditionally holds at least one major event in the fall, primarily focused on the next iPhone, and this year should be no different. But what about Apple’s other fall event in October?
Some new iPads in October
Apple also holds iPad and Mac-focused events in October, which has been true in the past few years. However, Gurman isn’t sure whether Apple will hold a formal event in October or launch M3 Macs and iPad updates via press releases.
“There’s also another launch occurring in October—likely for the first M3 Macs—but it’s unclear if that will be positioned as a formal event.”
The author expects macOS Sonoma, the next major update to the Mac operating system, to be released publicly in October, in time for new Macs.
Gurman doesn’t expect significant tablet updates until an overhauled iPad Pro with a revamped Magic Keyboard drops in 2024. “I’m not anticipating anything other than minor updates to the company’s other tablets before then.”