October 2021 will bring new Apple products

Another action-packed month for Apple, from the new 14" and 16" MacBook Pros to the long-awaited AirPods 3. Here's what to expect in October 2021.

Apple blasted out two new iPads, a new Apple Watch, and the iPhone 13 in September after a relatively quiet summer (which we complained about at the time). That's two out of three good upgrades.

It is expected that Apple will continue its launch celebration this month and not rest on its milled aluminum laurels. Here are the products we anticipate to be released in October 2021.

Is Apple going to hold its next event soon?

Let's start with the basics: when will the launches take place? This fall, sure, but when exactly?

Although there hasn't been any official announcement just yet (which probably rules out anything during the first week of October), we do have a theory. We think Tuesday 12 October is the most likely date to release AirPods, based on the current AirPods promotion Apple is currently running.

The third generation of AirPods - AirPods 3

The company's announcements are coming, so we know when to expect them, but what will they announce? First up, AirPods, which have been in wait since 2015.

Our September prediction piece got it wrong, although the reasons we anticipated it then are still valid today. AirPods, one of Apple's most successful products, are due for a refresh. They haven't been updated since March 2019, one of the company's most successful products ever. It's quite odd.

In addition to production issues caused by COVID, there are seasonal considerations that influence the launch of a product that makes good Christmas presents. Apple may have considered headphones less appealing during lockdown since we all had fewer reasons to listen to music on the go.) But now, surely, it's time for Apple to get its act together.

It is widely expected that the standard AirPods will be updated to match the Pro model's design and features. The earphones' 'stems' will be shorter, for example, and there may also be new silicone ear tips for passive noise isolation (though not active noise cancellation, which remains reserved for Pro-level devices). It will also look similar to the charging case for the AirPods Pro.

It has a 7/10 chance of happening

14-inch MacBook Pro

In a world where the Apple Silicon revolution has been hailed for excellence, the M1-equipped Macs maintain impressive performance, but their range is only partially upgraded for the new chips. It is still possible to buy models based on Intel chipsets if you go to Apple's 13in MacBook Pro section on their website; the company updated two of the 13in MacBook Pros with M1 processors in November 2020 but left the other two the same.

The good things come to those who wait, and reports say Apple will redesign the Intel MacBook Pros with a bigger screen (likely 14 inches). Additionally, there's the possibility that Apple will use one of its own processors, possibly the rumored M1X.

It has an 8/10 chance of happening

MacBook Pro 16"

What about Apple's larger MacBook Pro? In terms of Apple's premium laptop, the 16-inch model needs even more attention, with no M1 options at all: you're stuck with an older Intel chipset from 2018 as far as Apple's premium laptop is concerned.

We are hopeful that news will arrive soon also in this case. When the next 16in Pro is announced, the M1 (or M1X, or M2) chip will be the top priority, but the design is also expected to be reworked, with the Touch Bar on its way out and MagSafe returning. A smart titanium case could also be added to the laptop.

It has an 8/10 chance of happening

Mini-Mac

It's possible that Apple will discuss the Mac mini at their October event, since it's currently available both in M1 and Intel versions, just like its 13in MacBook Pro counterpart.

The new model will sit alongside the M1 mini that was released last year, rather than replacing it. Similarly, the old Intel mini will be quietly withdrawn from service. This roundup also suggests the Mac mini will get a refresh, with leaker Jon Prosser anticipating a "glassy" top for the 2021 model.

It has a 6/10 chance of being correct

What Apple isn't releasing

In addition to the next iteration of AirPods Pro that won't be released until 2022, we've already mentioned the next version. Apple is also expected to unveil other highly anticipated products this side of Halloween.

After updates to Apple's four other iPads in 2021, the new iPad Air would have been an unexpected arrival this month, since it would have more closely matched the other iPads. In September, Apple announced three other tablets. According to supply-chain reports, it's more likely that the next iPad will be released in 2022.

Updates to the MacBook Air and Mac Pro should be coming soon, but we doubt they will be ready for October's launch. A launch of the Air was expected in 2022, and a Mac Pro launch is also possible.

The anticipation of new iPhones needs to be quelled, as well. It is obviously not the right time to be introducing the iPhone SE 3, but since readers always ask, here you are. Although I won't promise to shave my eyebrows, it takes a long shot.