Apple’s iPhone 16 launch event in September was full of new devices, but Apple still has more up its sleeve. Multiple rumors point to a second show in October where the company is expected announce a bunch of new and updated products.
What could we see at this October event? And when exactly will it be? Is there anything that we don’t expect to make an appearance? We’ve put this guide together to give you the lowdown on the show so you’re in the know and ready to go. Give it a read to see what’s coming.
When will the event take place?
Apple
In recent years, Apple has made a habit of hosting an event in October. It tends to host a show on either a Monday or a Tuesday, but it has been a bit inconsistent with the week on which the event falls. Here’s a look at the dates of Apple’s October events from previous years:
2023: Monday, October 30
2021: Monday, October 18
2020: Tuesday, October 13
2018: Tuesday, October 30
There were no October shows in 2019 or 2022. Based on the previous schedules, we’d say that the most likely dates for this year’s event are either October 14 or 15, or October 28 or 29. There’s also a chance it could take place on October 21 or 22. That’s a pretty broad range of dates, but it’s all we’ve got to go on for now.
M4 MacBook Pro
Apple
The MacBook Pro was last updated in October 2023 to give it M3-series chips. Speculation has been rife that Apple wants to switch to an annual refresh cycle for its devices, and that suggests the MacBook Pro’s time could come this October. As well as that, Apple has already rolled out the M4 chip in the iPad Pro, so it makes sense for the MacBook Pro to follow suit shortly after.
Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman believes the MacBook Pro is a shoo-in for October. Gurman says there will be updates across the line: the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro will get an M4 chip, while the other 14-inch models and the 16-inch MacBook Pro will receive the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips.
Don’t expect design changes, though — the MacBook Pro’s chassis was revamped in 2021, so it’s a little early for a new design. While an OLED MacBook Pro is thought to be in the works, it’s not expected until 2026 at the earliest.
Redesigned M4 Mac mini
Luke Larsen / Digital Trends
The design of the Mac mini has remained largely the same for years — its last major visual overhaul was in June 2010, over 14 years ago. Fortunately, we shouldn’t have too long to wait for the next redesign, as Mark Gurman has reported it’s set to receive a new look at Apple’s October event.
This should result in the Mac mini having a footprint about the size of an Apple TV box, which is noticeably smaller than the current Mac mini’s dimensions. In return, the Mac mini is expected to get a little taller.
That’s not the only change coming to Apple’s smallest desktop Mac. Leaked macOS code suggests it could get five USB ports (up from the maximum four on the current Mac mini), and Gurman says those ports will all be USB-C, replacing the existing USB-A slots. Two of them will be on the front of the device, making them much easier to access, while three will be on the rear. We can also expect M4 and M4 Pro chips on the inside.
M4 iMac
Apple
A new iMac is a strong bet for October, but as with the iMac’s M3 update in 2023, it’s only expected to see minor tweaks this time around. The main change will be the introduction of an M4 chip, but we shouldn’t expect anything more powerful (such as the M4 Pro).
There’s also a pretty good chance that Apple’s iMac accessories — like the Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad — could get USB-C charging ports to replace the existing Lightning connectors. Apple has been switching out its devices’ Lightning ports to comply with European Union regulations, so it seems inevitable that the iMac’s peripherals will follow suit.
The iPad and iPad mini
Joe Maring / Digital Trends
A previous report from Mark Gurman claimed that there are “new iPads in the works, including an upgraded mini version,” and that these would be coming to the October event. The use of the plural for “iPads” suggests that we can expect more than just the iPad mini, and it’s likely that the entry-level iPad is the missing piece of the puzzle.
That’s because the iPad Air and iPad Pro were both updated in May 2024, making an October refresh doubtful. The iPad mini and entry-level iPad, meanwhile, were last changed in 2021 and 2022, respectively, making them much more probable candidates for the October event.
The iPad mini is expected to get a faster chip, better cameras (on both the front and back), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, new colors, plus a fix for the “jelly scrolling” issue the iPad mini has suffered in the past.
As for the entry-level iPad, rumors are a little thin on the ground, but a new chip seems like a certainty. Other than that, we’ll just have to wait and see what arrives in October.
Everything we don’t expect to see
Mark Coppock / Digital Trends
There are plenty of rumored products for Apple’s October event, but also a few others that are unlikely to be unveiled on stage. For instance, while the show will be Mac-focused, some Apple computers almost certainly won’t make an appearance.
That includes the Mac Studio and the Mac Pro — although they were both last updated in 2023, they’re not expected to join Apple’s annual upgrade cycle (perhaps due to the longer development times needed for their high-end chips). Instead, the new Mac Studio will probably debut around the middle of 2025, while the Mac Pro should be updated before the end of the year.
Likewise, rumors suggest that the MacBook Air will be upgraded in spring 2025 rather than at the October show. The M3 MacBook Air launched in March 2024, so a second upgrade within the same calendar year is probably not in the cards.
Finally, there are a few other products that, in all probability, won’t be ready in time for October, despite apparently being in the works. That includes a new iPhone SE, upgrades to the AirTags tracker, and a new Apple TV box. Chances are these are all coming in 2025.
https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/apple-october-mac-event-everything-we-expect-to-see/
News
Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
News
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum