Apple will host an invitation-only event on October 22, when it is believed the tech giant will announce new products including the iPad 5 and Mac Pro.

Coming a day before Microsoft begins shipping the new Surface 2 model, AllThingsD claims Cupertino will use the media gathering to unveil a few more new products before the year is finished.

"People familiar with Apple’s plans tell AllThingsD that the company will hold its next invitation-only event on Tuesday, October 22," AllThingsD writer John Paczkowski reports.

"The focal point of the gathering will be the latest updates to the company’s iPad line, but the new Mac Pro and OS X Mavericks will likely get some stage time as well, I’m told."

The event, which clashes with Nokia's Innovation Reinvented showcase, and comes a day after Microsoft's new Surface 2 starts shipping, follows a similar launch date last year - on October 23.

The new iPads set to be released are rumoured to include a full-size iPad and new iPad mini, despite previous reports claiming the products would be unveiled as early as October 15.

What is guaranteed however is that Cupertino has a few more tricks up its sleeve before the busy xmas holiday period.

What will Apple unveil on October 22?