When is the next Apple Event? If you're waiting for the launch of Apple's next Big Thing, that's always the question – and although right there's no confirmed future Apple Event right now (because Apple just had its big 'Far Out' September Event), we are able predict when the next one is likely to be, based on Apple's history and its rumored plans.
We were expecting the next Apple Event to be in October 2022, where we might have seen the launch of new iPads and Macs, and perhaps the long-awaited HomePod 2. However, a recent rumor from trusted Apple leaker Mark Gurman suggests Apple won't have an October 2022 event, and instead will announce any new products via a series of press releases.
This is disappointing for anyone who loves an Apple Event, and some people see this as a hint that what Apple does have left to show in 2022 isn't exciting enough to justify a big event. According to Gurman, it's more to do with the fact that Apple doesn't have many new products to launch, so any event would feel a bit barren.
Meanwhile, the most recent event was Apple's September 7 2022 event, where Apple launched the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max to replace its current flagship phone line-ups, as well as the AirPods Pro 2 as its new high-end earbuds.
It also unveiled three new Apple Watch options: the Apple Watch Series 8, the Apple Watch SE 2, and the all-new and very impressive Apple Watch Ultra. It was an absolutely crammed event, and yet still only covered a tiny fraction of Apple's overall line-up, so there's lots more to come.
When is the next Apple Event?
- The next Apple Event could be in October 2022
- Apple has held an October event in 7 of the last 10 years
Based on Apple's history, we'd expect the next Apple Event to be in October 2022. The company has a long history of holding October events, even when it's held one in September too – in the last 10 years (from 2012 to 2021), it's held an October Event in seven of them.
However, we have also heard rumors that there won't be an October event, and instead Apple will release a number of press releases.
Apple's September events are usually when it announced a new iPhone, and then tends to totally dominate the time, meaning that it just can't squeeze in too many more products. So the October event tends to give other key products some time in the spotlight, with plenty of time still before Christmas buying frenzy begins.
But, the new rumor suggests Apple doesn't have enough new products to justify a full event, which is why we might get a more subdued launch instead. It could mean 2022 is one of those years that doesn't have an October Apple Event.
What about other future events? Here are other predictions for future Apple Events:
- Apple November 2022 event: this is possible, but unlikely – Apple has held three events late in the year before, but only during the height of the pandemic.
- Apple Spring 2023 event: this is likely – Apple loves a March/April event, often with new Macs and some other small/medium products. AirTags appeared at a Spring event, for example.
- Apple WWDC June 2023 event: Apple always holds its big software event in June, where it announced the next versions of iOS, macOS, watchOS and more. It sometimes announces new hardware at these too – especially new platforms, such as the rumored Apple VR headset.
- Apple September 2023 event: Apple has held a September every year for the last decade, and we doubt that will change next year. Expect the iPhone 15, naturally.
What will be announced at the next Apple Event?
- A new entry-level iPad is likely
- HomePod 2 is tipped to appear
- More Macs with the M2 chip
Obviously, we're deep into prognostication territory here, but everything is based on either strong leaks or very educated guesses.
It's extremely like that the a new iPad 2022 will appear to replace the current cheaper entry-level iPad, and it's said to have an updated design with flat edges to match all the other iPads in the line-up. And speaking of other iPads, the iPad Pro (2022) is also a strong candidate to appear, powered by the new Apple M2 chip – although it's not a slam dunk, because the M2 chip has had some reported heat issues that may mean it's not ideal in the iPad Pro, and it's not like the M1 iPad Pro is any kind of slouch.
And while we're on the M2, a Mac Mini (2022) with M2 seems extremely likely, hopefully with a sleek new redesign. There are also reports of new MacBook Pros coming, but there are conflicting reports whether super-powerful new chips are really ready for them, so again that feels like less of a certainty.
There are also rumors that the HomePod 2 is ready to launch at the end of this year too, bringing bigger sound than the HomePod mini, but for a less steep price than the original HomePod, we hope. There may also be an Apple TV 4K (2022), but it's very unclear what Apple would want to add to the existing model (rumors say a faster chip, but again it's not clear as to why), so that's another one in the "perhaps" column.
What happened at the last Apple Event?
- iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus: a new size for the regular iPhone
- iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max: no more notch!
- AirPods Pro 2: same look, totally different inside
- Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE 2: gentle upgrades
- Apple Watch Ultra: monster smartwatch for hardcore outdoors adventure
The last Apple event was a big one! Well, if you like iPhones, AirPods and Apple Watches. But who doesn't!? You've read this far into an article about future Apple events, so we're just gonna assume you're pretty into all this.
iPhone
The iPhone 14 was announced in the same 6.1-inch size as before, but now with the option of a larger 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Plus too. It looks very similar to the iPhone 13, including using the same Apple A15 processor, but you've got upgraded cameras front and rear, longer battery life, and satellite-based communication so that you're always able to make a call in an emergency. Read our full hands-on iPhone 14 review and hands-on iPhone 14 Plus review.
The iPhone 14 Pro has a little more going on in the upgrades department. Once again, you've got two sizes, though: the 6.1-inch iPhone 14 Pro and the 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Pro Max. They both get a new Apple A16 processor that's the fastest ever, satellite communication, brightest ever screen with cool new Dynamic Island camera cut-out, and a cutting-edge 48MP rear camera. Here's our hands-on iPhone 14 Pro review, and our hands-on iPhone 14 Pro Max review.
AirPods Pro 2
The new AirPods Pro 2nd Gen look almost exactly the same as the original AirPods Pro, but inside they're all change. A new custom speaker and amplifier are connected to an upgraded H2 processing and wireless chip, with cutting-edge Bluetooth 5.3 support. Apple says that this means it can now block twice as much noise in its noise-cancelling mode, while a new Adaptive Transparency mode makes it much smarter when you want to let conversation in, but not loud traffic noise or other annoyances. And there's longer battery life (6 hours in the buds, 30 in the case), and you can change the volume on them at last! Here's our hands-on Apple AirPods Pro 2 review and where to place an AirPods Pro 2 preorder.
Apple Watch
The Apple Watch Series 8 is a gentle upgrade to the previous model, adding more accurate motion sensing (including car crash detection), a temperature sensor, and some jazzy new colors. Size, shape and battery life remain unchanged. Here's our hands-on Apple Watch Series 8 review.
The Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen is also a modest upgrade, adding a 20% faster processor and the same advanced motion sensing as the Watch Series 8, but it still lacks an always-on screen or ECG/pulse oxygen sensors. However, it's had a price drop, so it's a more tempting entry into the world of Apple Watch than ever. Here's our hands-on Apple Watch SE 2 review.
Finally, we got something new. The Apple Watch Ultra is an all-new model of Apple Watch designed for truly hardcore outdoorsing. It offers double the battery life of the Series 8 (36 hours in normal mode, up to 60 hours in a new low-power mode), it's so tough and waterproof that it can be used a diving computer, the screen is much brighter than any other Apple Watch, it has custom super-secure band options for different sport focuses, a light-but-tough titanium body, and a new Action Button that you can customize to immediately launch whatever EXTREME activity you like to use it for. It even has some unique digital watch faces, just for you tough types. Here's our hands-on Apple Watch Ultra review.
