Apple Said to Be Holding Oct. 22 Launch Event - Digits - WSJ

I have a hunch the Surface and Nokia event schedules were not key Apple timing considerations

"Some analysts, meanwhile, expect Apple to update its Apple TV device soon. One is Rick Doherty of Envisioneering, who said last week he expects a new version from Apple in 14 to 20 days.
The expected iPad event is slated for the same day new models of Microsoft’s Surface tablet-style computers go on sale in the U.S. and some other countries, and the day Nokia plans to introduce its first tablet and other new devices at an event in Abu Dhabi."

Apple Said to Be Holding Oct. 22 Launch Event - Digits - WSJ