Weeks after the launch of the iPhone 14, speculation has begun on what to expect from Apple Inc. next — and a lack of an expected event next month is one of the more surprising predictions.

Noted Apple analyst Mark Gurman at Bloomberg predicts that Apple might not have enough things left to announce this year to justify a big event. Apple has long been speculated to be planning product launches in either October or closer to the end of the year, with new MacBook Pros, iPad Pros, Mac minis and an updated Apple TV all believed to be in the works. But Gurman thinks that may not be enough to justify a release event.

Gurman argues that none of the new products is a major departure from Apple because they will only receive improved specifications and Apple’s M2 chip, which was announced in June. With the lack of new products, Gurman argues, it’s unlikely that Apple would have enough to make it worth holding a launch event and is more likely to release its remaining 2022 products via a press release, updates to its website and briefings to the press. He does note, though, that Apple could feel differently and do an event anyway.

Gurman also highlights that the Apple Pay Later feature is yet to appear. Apple’s entry into the buy now, pay later market was expected to be released alongside iOS16 in September but was a no-show.

Gurman points out that a message from Apple at the bottom of the iOS16 website describes Apple Pay Later as “coming in a future update for qualifying applicants,” whereas other expected features state they are coming “later this year,” indicating that the product may be delayed until 2023. He also claims that he has been hearing that there have been technical and engineering challenges in rolling out the service.

Finally, Gurman has also started speculating about the iPhone 15 but bases his analysis on previous Apple form in that there is a major refresh to the iPhone lineup every three years. As such, the iPhone 15 is expected to get a significant overhaul, including a shift to a USB-C connector and a new Ultra model replacing the Pro Max. The Ultra name would not be that surprising, since Apple has already used the name for top-of-the-range products, including the Apple Watch Ultra and the M1 Ultra Apple chip.

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