October tech stocks: A treat for investors?

Will tech earnings in October be a trick or treat?

This month, several tech giants, including Apple (AAPL), Google (GOOG) and Microsoft (MSFT), are expected to reveal quarterly earnings, part of an October earnings bonanza.

Nasdaq tech analyst Mike Stiller predicts numbers for tech heavyweights will be solid, but investors will be focusing more closely on future outlooks instead of the present.

"It's more looking at the commentary and forward-looking numbers than the current quarters," says Stiller.

The headliner will likely be Apple, expected to announce fourth-quarter earnings later in the month. Apple should provide more clarity on sales of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus smartphones, which launched Sept. 19.

Apple says iPhone sales topped 10 million during opening weekend. Based on pre-order estimates, the iPhone 6 Plus has been particularly popular, with wait times on online orders stretching as far as November.

But Apple might not be done with the product announcements in 2014. Several reports suggest Apple will unveil a new iPad Air and iPad Mini tablet during an event in October. The time frame falls in line with iPad announcements last year and in 2012, both of which took place this month.

The arrival of new iPads comes as signs of weaker demand for tablets are starting to show. In August, research firm IDC lowered its tablet forecast for 2014, anticipating year-over-year growth of 6.5%, down from the 12% that was previously predicted.

Apple is also looking to reverse a slump in iPad sales. During the third quarter, Apple sold 13.2 million iPads, down 9% compared with last year.

S&P Capital IQ analyst Scott Kessler says several factors contribute to the dip in iPad sales, including a slower upgrade cycle. "Most people upgrade their phone every one to two years," he says. "Most people look to upgrade their iPads more consistently with when they upgrade their computers."

Other big tech names expected to report this month:

• Google. The tech giant recently jumped into the smartwatch market, as the first wave of Android Wear devices hit the market. Companies including Motorola and LG built smartwatches that will support Android Wear, and it's likely Google provides details on how well they're selling during its third-quarter report.

•Microsoft. The company's first-quarter earnings call will be the first since it announced its acquisition of Minecraft maker Mojang for $2.5 billion. The deal shores up Microsoft's stance in support of the Xbox brand, and could give a jolt to its Windows Phone devices. Meanwhile, investors could learn more details on Windows 9, the latest edition of its longstanding PC operating system.