It’s October, which means that the internet is convincing itself that Apple is gearing up for the latest installment in its annual release cycle. But if you’re waiting patiently for the next MacBook chip upgrade then consider your patience tested, because it’s unlikely that these have even made it to mass production yet. Expect these, along with the M5 iMac, in the first quarter of 2026.
However, the rumour mill is turning for a sooner-than-expected release of the new Mac Mini at this year’s autumn release, along with a smattering of other new gadgets and performance-driven enhancements across the Apple product suite. Let’s take a look…
M5 and M5 Pro Mac Mini
Apple Insider has narrowed down two identifier codes being tested internally at Apple, which it believes are the M5 and M5 Mac Mini variants. In addition, Apple recently removed the M4 Mac Mini announcement video from its YouTube Channel.
Does this all point to an unexpected October release? Quite possibly, but either way, don’t expect anything other than the chip upgrade as the Mac Mini only just received a revamped design.
M5 iPad Pro
Arguably the most hotly anticipated release for October, the M5 iPad Pro is waiting in the wings and rumoured to have the highest single core performance in any chip ever. This massive performance upgrade is expected to be supplemented with ultra-thin bezels making up a complete frontal redesign. This includes a second selfie camera for both portrait and landscape – solving the awkward selfie angle issue.
Studio Display 2
Rumour has it that a new Studio Display is about to drop with the same 27-inch screen size but enhanced with mini LED backlighting for a cleaner, smoother display.
M5 Vision Pro
Apple’s spatial computer is expected to leap from an M2 to M5 chip in October, equipping it with much more power and efficiency, and AI workflow readiness.
Apple TV 4K
It looks like the new Apple TV 4K is getting the A17 Pro chip with 8GB RAM, Apple Intelligence support, and AAA gaming. It will also pack the recently announced N1 chip – Apple’s first internal WiFi and bluetooth chip, which aims to reduce its reliance on third party Broadcom. Whispers of a built-in FaceTime camera are also circulating.
Homepod Mini 2
Rumours suggest the second-gen Homepod Mini will also pack the new N1 chip and potentially bring improved sound quality, upgraded mic, and new colours.
AirTag 2
The latest iteration of Apple’s Bluetooth-enabled tracking device is rumoured to drop in October’s product release, with up to 3x longer item tracking range, privacy upgrades, and a low battery alert feature.
Don’t wait to upgrade
With no upgraded MacBook Pros expected until next year and no mention of the rumoured lower-priced MacBooks for October, you might want to consider the benefits of levelling up your kit now. The M4 chip is no joke – making the current spectrum of Mac devices highly capable of driving your business performance forward in transformative ways without lagging behind for an undisclosed amount of months for the M5 models.
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