Apple's iPad 5 Event To Crash Surface Release Party On October 22

Apple AAPL is expected to unveil the fifth-generation iPad on Tuesday, October 22. If that date sounds familiar, it's because Microsoft MSFT will release the next-generation Surface tablets (Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2) on that same day. According to AllThingsD, Nokia NOK will hold an event on October 22 as well. In other words, this might turn out to be the most crowded day in technology. And if Nokia unveils a new slate at its event, it could turn out to be the most crowded day in tablet history. Related: iPad Mini 2 Rumor Roundup How Do You Like Them Apples? On September 9 (just one day before Apple was scheduled to host its long-awaited iPhone event), Microsoft announced that it would unveil new Surface tablets on September 23. This pre-announcement could have been coincidental, but it might have been designed to steal some of Apple's thunder. Now Apple appears to be returning the favor. To be clear, the October 22 event date is merely a rumor. It is wholly possible that Apple will hold its iPad event on another day, especially if it plans to release the fifth-generation iPad before November. Bear in mind, however, that the iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S event was rumored for September 10 long before Apple confirmed the date. These "leaks" (intentional or not) seem to be getting more and more accurate every year. Same Old Rumors As it stands, the iPad 5 is still expected to be thinner and lighter, and include the usual batch of processor-related upgrades. The M7 processor (the one that was built for the iPhone 5S) seems like a no-brainer, but consumers may have to wait until October 22 to know for sure. Disclosure: At the time of this writing, Louis Bedigian had no position in the equities mentioned in this report. Louis Bedigian is the Senior Tech Analyst and Features Writer of Benzinga. You can reach him at louis(at)benzingapro(dot)com. Follow him @LouisBedigianBZ