Retailers are reducing Apple product inventories in preparation for new releases, causing shortages of MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, Apple TV and HomePod. And Apple exec Grog Joswiak has hinted at new M5 processors as well.
Apple last updated the MacBook Pro in October 2024. This was almost exactly a year after the previous refresh and suggests an update is imminent. The company will release a new iPad Pro at the same time according to recent leaks. The new M5 Apple Silicon chip will be the feature upgrade for both products.
Greg Joswiak posted a teaser on X that showed a ‘V’, the Roman numeral for five, strongly hinting that the M5 is coming soon.
Apple updated the Apple TV almost three years ago. In that time, processors and storage have become faster and cheaper. An refresh is well overdue.
The HomePod was last updated about two and half years ago and is due for a refresh. Apple is expected to finally deliver its Home Hub – a touchscreen device that includes a smart speaker. It will act as a central point for home automation as well offering smart actions, much like the Google Home and Amazon Alexa devices.
There’s also an expectation that the Vision Pro will receive a processor bump. The current model is running the now almost ancient M2 processor. A heart transplant to the new M5 would give it a significant performance boost and perhaps help lift sales. Although a price drop is more likely to help on that front.
Tracking Apple product shortages has become one of the best ways to predict new releases. Superseded products create a balance sheet liability. Apple will report its next quarterly financial results on 30 October 2025 and will want to ensure it doesn’t taint its results with devalued stock in its inventory.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.