Apple might not hold an event in October - but the new M5 lineup is on the way
Here's a quick rundown of what to expect.
When Apple launched its first line of M4-powered products last year, including the refreshed MacBook Pro in October 2024, we didn't get any particularly loud event. There was no spectacle, no "One More Thing" moment. Instead, we got what many dubbed “Mac Week”, a series of quiet press releases and YouTube videos that introduced the new lineup without all the fanfare.
This year, though, things might play out a little differently… or maybe not. While there’s still no word on whether Apple plans to host another event, new reports suggest the company is gearing up to drop a fresh batch of M5-powered devices sometime this month, possibly even this week.
What’s Coming: iPad Pro, Vision Pro, and MacBook Pro
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who’s built a solid reputation for getting Apple leaks right, Apple’s next lineup will likely feature three key devices: an updated iPad Pro, a refreshed Vision Pro, and a new 14-inch base MacBook Pro, all running on Apple’s next-gen M5 chip.
Starting with the iPad Pro, leaked unboxing videos from Russia have already shown what looks to be the new model. The design isn’t changing much, but the inside certainly is. It’s expected to come with the M5 chip, at least 12GB of RAM, and a subtle tweak where the “iPad Pro” branding is no longer inscribed on the back. Geekbench results from the leaks suggest 12% faster CPU performance and up to 36% faster GPU speeds compared to last year’s M4 version, a solid upgrade for anyone relying on the iPad Pro for creative or intensive tasks.
Next up, the Vision Pro is also expected to get the M5 treatment. While it might not be a full-blown second-generation model, Apple is reportedly adding a more comfortable Dual Knit Band and a Space Black colour option. Some early rumours hinted at a new R2 chip built on TSMC’s 2nm process, but that’s now looking unlikely until next year. Either way, it's interesting to see that Apple is still putting in development for the Vision Pro despite the low demand reports since its release. But then again, the updates aren't really leaps forward, more like comfort and performance tweaks.
Then there’s the MacBook Pro (14-inch). Gurman says the entry-level model is “ready for launch,” but the more powerful M5 Pro and M5 Max versions aren’t expected until early 2026. Don’t expect a major redesign yet; this release seems aimed at giving Apple’s Mac lineup an incremental boost while keeping momentum until the bigger M6 overhaul down the line, one that’s rumoured to bring OLED screens, touch support, and even built-in cellular connectivity.
Emmanuel Oyedeji
Beyond the main M5 lineup, Apple is also rumoured to be preparing minor refreshes for a few other products, including a new HomePod mini, Apple TV, and AirTag 2.
The HomePod mini might get better wireless connectivity and a more efficient chip for smoother handoff with iPhones, while the Apple TV could see a new processor and slightly faster performance for media streaming and gaming. As for the AirTag 2, Apple is reportedly testing enhanced location tracking and improved pairing speed, likely building on the same ultra-wideband tech used in newer iPhones.
These updates aren’t guaranteed to arrive alongside the M5 devices – Apple could easily roll them out later in the year – but they fit right into the company’s pattern of quietly refreshing smaller accessories in between its big Mac and iPad launches.
There are also whispers about new iPad Air, entry-level iPad, and MacBook Air models, along with refreshes to Apple’s Studio Display. And yes, there’s even talk of an iPhone 17e coming sometime next year. But for now, it’s the M5-powered lineup that’s stealing the spotlight.
When’s It Happening?
That’s still a bit of a mystery. Gurman believes we could see the announcements this week. But, if Apple follows its 2024 pattern, we might not see the official drops until late October, possibly through another series of press releases instead of a live event.
Either way, all signs point to another round of Apple Silicon upgrades. And given how Apple’s competitors like Qualcomm and Intel are gearing up to show off their next-gen chips later this year, this could be Apple’s way of reminding everyone who’s still leading the pack in the laptop and tablet performance race.
So, whether it’s this week or a bit later in October, one thing seems certain: the M5 era of Apple devices is about to begin, and as usual, Apple might not need a stage to make some noise.
Oyinebiladou Omemu
