M5 iPad Pro, iOS 26.1, and everything else coming in a surprisingly big October

Macworld

September may get all the glory with new iPhones, Apple Watch, and the big yearly OS release but Apple usually has a lot going on in October as well.

This year is no exception. We expect the debut of the M5 in iPad Pro and possibly MacBook Pro, and maybe a few other products and accessories as well. The first iOS point release is on the way with some interface touch-ups and quality-of-life improvements. Is all that enough for an Apple event? Maybe!

New hardware

We’ll almost certainly get at least one major new hardware release in October, but there could be several new products unveiled that may be enough to qualify for a second fall event. Here’s what might be on the way.

M5 iPad Pro: The most solid rumor is of an upcoming iPad Pro update with an M5 processor. It even got an alleged unboxing by Russian YouTuber Wylsacom, and it looks legit. This is mostly just a chip update from M4 to M5.

M5 MacBook Pro: The MacBook Pro update with M5 is also expected to be just a chip update, and it could come before the end of this year, but more recent rumors said it could be delayed until early next year.

AirTag 2: Persistent rumors point to a 2025 release date and we’re running out of year. The new AirTag should have a longer range and make it harder to tamper with the speaker.

Apple TV 4K (4th gen): The third-gen Apple TV 4K was introduced three years ago, and we’re overdue for an update. It’s supposed to come this year and have Apple’s N1 wireless chip and an A17 Pro or A18 inside, for future compatibility with advanced Apple Intelligence features.

HomePod mini: A new updated version of the HomePod mini has been rumored for release this fall as well. It’s expected to have Apple’s N1 networking chip and a much newer S-series processor. Lots of smart home stuff has been delayed until the new Siri is out (spring 2026, according to rumor) so this one might not make it.

Vision Pro 2: An update to the Vision Pro has been rumored to land before the end of the year, with an M4 or M5 chip, a more comfortable head strap, special Neural Engine improvements, and maybe a few more internal upgrades. It’s not going to be the major next-gen version we want with a much lower price—that’s still a year or two away.

Apps and software updates

Early October is when we get the x.1 update for the new OS every year, and this year is no exception. We’re already beta-testing iOS 26.1, macOS 26.1, tvOS 26.1, etc. and it’s mostly focused around polish and a few quality of life improvements.

Liquid Glass interface elements are applied more consistently throughout the operating systems; there are some new languages for Apple Intelligence and Live Translate; Apple Music gets nice swipe gestures (finally); and some testers report a big improvement in battery life on MacBooks compared to the initial macOS 26 release.

Services

Apple TV+

Here are the shows, series, and movies we expect to release on Apple TV+ in October. If you want to know what’s coming later, check our full guide to upcoming Apple TV+ content.

The Sisters Grimm: Animated series about two orphaned sisters in a town full of people torn straight from fantasy and fairy tales, investigating the mystery of their missing parents. October 3

The Lost Bus: Inspired by real events, tells the story of a school bus driver and a dedicated school teacher who battle to save 22 children from the terrifying inferno. October 3

Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars: Anonymous Michelin inspectors talk for the first time about how they go about evaluating restaurants. October 10

The Last Frontier: Frank Remnick is the lone U.S. marshal in charge of the quiet, rugged barrens of Alaska. Remnick’s jurisdiction is turned upside down when a prison transport plane crashes in the remote wilderness, setting free dozens of violent inmates. October 10

Loot (season 3): The upcoming season continues follow the antics of the beloved group of misfits at the Wells Foundation as they work together so Molly can live up to her promise of giving away all of her vast fortune. October 15

Mr. Scorsese: A documentary portrait of the famous and director. October 17

Stiller & Meara: Nothing is Lost: Ben Stiller tells the story of his parents, comedy icons Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, exploring their impact both on popular culture and at home, where the lines between creativity, family, life and art often blurred. October 24

Down Cemetery Road: Based on Mick Herron’s novel of the same name. When a house explodes in a quiet Oxford suburb and a girl disappears in the aftermath, neighbor Sarah Tucker becomes obsessed with finding her and enlists the help of private investigator Zoë Boehm. October 29

Apple Arcade

Apple releases most Apple Arcade games on the first Friday of each month. Check our Apple Arcade FAQ for a full list of Apple Arcade games and more details on the service. Occasionally, games are released with no forewarning, but you’ll usually see next month’s releases listed in the Coming Soon section.

Dominoes: Classic Tile Game+: It’s Dominoes. On your iPhone! October 2

Thomas & Friends Let’s Roll+: Kids game where they can drive their favorite engines and build tracks in the Thomas the Tank Engine Cinematic Universe. October 2

Piffle+: A simple and cute block-breaking puzzle game. October 2

NBA 2K6 Arcade Edition: The yearly update of the top NBA licensed basketball game. October 16