What we did not get at Apple’s September event

Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event wrapped up Monday with several upcoming products not even having been mentioned, much less launched. Some of these were not expected to debut, like new Macs and iPads, but others were supposed to be on the agenda, like a new Apple Watch SE.

Here’s what to look forward to at an October Apple event, plus the products that’ll likely come even later.

What happened to Apple Watch SE 3 and Ultra 3?

In general, rumors did an excellent job of revealing the details of almost everything at the September 9 event weeks or even months ago. That true for iPhone 16 and 16 Pro, AirPods 4 and Apple Watch Series 10. But the rumor mill wasn’t perfect.

It was thought Apple Watch SE 3 would be part of the event, but nope. The best guess now is that it might launch along with iPhone SE 4 … but more on that a bit.

And while some believed the Apple Watch Ultra series would get a new version every year, turns out that’s not the case. Rumor pointed to the wearable getting a new black casing option, and that did happen… but to Ultra 2. There was no mention of Ultra 3 on Monday. There’s always next autumn, though.

And speaking of Apple Watch, during the launch of Series 10, Apple made no mention of returning access to the blood oxygen app and the pulse oximeter to U.S. customers. Apparently, it’ll continue to be disabled in units of the new wearable sold in the United States.

An Apple October event is a real possibility

As for new Macs and iPads, those are surely still coming. And it was never likely they’d launch this soon. By tradition, Apple unveils the new flagship iPhone models each September. But Tim Cook and Co. don’t believe in packing too much into this one launch event. Overcrowding the event agenda with unrelated products raises the possibility that some would get overlooked by the press and consumers.

So Apple typically announces new and upgraded Macs and iPads in October. On October 30, 2023, 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models updated with M3, M3 Pro and M3 Max processors launched at the “Scary Fast” event, for example.

Expect history to repeat itself next month, though there’s no word yet on an exact date. Apparently, there’ll be multiple macOS models and iPadOS tablets on the agenda.

M4 MacBook Pro … it’s about time!

Apple seems to be settling into upgrading its Mac processor annually, just as it does with iPhone chips. Apple’s M3 chips debuted last autumn (as noted), so it’s time for MacBook Pro models with the Apple M4. That has yet to be confirmed by Apple, of course, but there’s not much room for doubt, considering the M4 launched in the spring, going first into the latest iPad Pro.

The M4 includes two more efficiency cores than its predecessor, and is made with a second-generation three-nanometer technology that’s even more power efficient.

The improved processor will be the only major change in the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models coming in October, according to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman. So don’t look forward to redesigned versions of the 2023 models, just a specification increase. Gurman proved in the past to have generally reliable sources inside Apple.

M4 Mac mini, too

An M4 Mac mini is also reportedly coming at an Apple October event. This would be the first significant revamp of the macOS desktop since 2010. It’ll get much smaller, according to information leaked to Bloomberg.

Expect two versions: one with the basic M4 and another with a more-powerful M4 Pro. Which version consumers choose will supposedly determine how many ports they get, though USB-A is reportedly out.

Pricing for the M4 Mac mini remains a mystery, but it’s likely to remain in the neighborhood of $599.

iPad mini 7, at last!

Apple’s October 2024 event won’t be solely about Mac. The last new iPad mini arrived three years ago, so there’s plenty of excitement about a possible new model. That said, the new version is expected to be primarily a processor upgrade, as the one introduced in 2021 included a significant redesign, dumping the Home button to make room for an 8.3-inch screen, up from the old 7.8-inch one.

Read the Cult of Mac rumor roundup on the 2024 iPad models for more details.

iPad 11 also coming at an Apple October event

The iPad 10 launched in 2022 — the last update to Apple’s budget tablet line. After two years, iPad 11 is supposedly on the way. According to rumors, its only new feature will be a faster processor, as the 10th-gen model received a redesign.

The iPad 10 price dropped $100 in the spring. The 2024 model supposedly will debut at that new price: $349.

For more iPad 11 details, check our rumor roundup on the 2024 iPad models.

iPhone SE 4: In 2025

While iPhone SE 4 appeared in multiple leaks recently, that doesn’t mean a launch is imminent. Quite the opposite. The rumors agree that Apple’s next lower-cost iOS handset won’t land until 2025.

A serious revamp is anticipated, however. This fourth-generation model reportedly will be the first with an OLED screen. The redesign could eject the Home button, too.

Spring is the typical season for new SE models. That’s why experts expect iPhone SE 4 to launch in about six months. Perhaps at the same time as Apple Watch SE 3.

Apple TV? Someday.

With the last Apple TV update in 2022, it’s not unreasonable to look for a new model in October. However, an informed source says it won’t happen.

“While the company has been working on an update to the Apple TV set-top box for as early as this year, no new model has come to fruition,” said Bloomberg‘s Gurman on Friday.

Stay tuned…

Whenever the Apple October 2024 event ends up taking place, Cult of Mac will cover everything revealed, and then review the new products ASAP.