If Apple sticks to current roadmaps and reliable supply chain chatter, 2026 could be one of its busiest hardware years in over a decade. We are looking at major changes across iPhone, Mac, iPad, home devices, and wearables, plus the debut of entirely new product categories.
Here’s a breakdown of what Apple is likely preparing for 2026.
iPhone Lineup in 2026: Fewer Models, Bigger Changes
Apple is reportedly reshaping how it launches iPhones, and 2026 will be the first year where that shift becomes obvious.
iPhone 17e (early 2026)
Apple is expected to start the year with a more affordable iPhone positioned below the main lineup.
What to expect from the iPhone 17e:
- Modern design refresh compared to previous entry models
- Slimmer bezels
- Possible Dynamic Island, though some reports still point to a notch
- MagSafe support is likely after its absence on the prior budget model
- Designed to keep costs down without feeling outdated
This model is expected to replace the role once held by older base iPhones.
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max (September 2026)
The Pro models remain Apple’s main event.
iPhone 18 Pro Expected highlights:
- Under-display Face ID, which would remove the Dynamic Island entirely
- A single small front camera cutout
- Seamless single-shade back, dropping the two-tone design
- Same display sizes as current Pro models
- New A20 chip built on a 2-nanometer process
- Noticeable gains in battery efficiency
- Possible variable aperture main camera for better low-light control
- New in-house Apple modem expansion
If Apple removes the Dynamic Island, this will be the biggest front-design change since Face ID launched.
Foldable iPhone (September 2026)
Apple’s first foldable iPhone, which could be called the iPhone Fold, is expected to arrive alongside the Pro models.
What makes it different:
- Book-style wide fold rather than a flip design
- Around 7.7~ inches unfolded, tablet-like experience
- Roughly phone sized when closed
- OLED display with a nearly invisible crease
- Touch ID in the side button instead of Face ID
- Ultra-thin body compared to existing foldables
Pricing is expected to be premium, placing this firmly in early adopter territory.
Related: iPhone Fold Leaked Renders Reveal Apple’s Wide Inner Display Strategy
iPads in 2026: Quiet Year, One Standout Upgrade
Apple’s tablet lineup is expected to evolve slowly in 2026, with one notable exception.
Standard iPad (spring 2026)
The entry-level iPad 12 should receive:
- A19 chip or A18 chip with Apple Intelligence support
- RAM increase to meet AI requirements
- No visible design changes
This update is less about looks and more about future-proofing.
iPad Air (spring 2026)
The iPad Air is expected to move to an M-series chip refresh.
- Same sizes as current models
- Performance gains for creative workloads
- Possible networking upgrades
iPad mini (late 2026)
This is where things get interesting.
Rumored changes:
- OLED display
- Improved water resistance
- New vibration-based speaker system
- Higher-end A-series chip
- Potential price increase
If accurate, this would be the most meaningful iPad mini update ever.
Macs in 2026: Price Disruption and OLED Ambitions
Apple’s Mac lineup could see both ends of the spectrum shift.
Low-cost MacBook (early 2026)
Apple is reportedly preparing a MacBook priced below the MacBook Air.
Key details:
- Around 13 inches
- LCD display, no ProMotion
- Powered by an A-series chip instead of M-series
- Focused on everyday tasks and education
- Expected to land well under $1,000; between $699 and $899
This could be Apple’s strongest push into budget laptops yet.
MacBook Air and MacBook Pro updates
- MacBook Air will receive an M5 refresh with minimal changes
- MacBook Pro will update internally with M5 Pro and Max chips
- No major redesign expected early in the year
OLED MacBook Pro (late 2026 or early 2027)
A bigger redesign may arrive toward the end of the year.
Potential features:
- OLED display
- Thinner and lighter chassis
- Touch input support
- Hole-punch camera or Dynamic Island instead of a notch
- Next-generation M6 chip
- Possible 5G connectivity
This would be the largest MacBook Pro redesign since Apple silicon launched.
Related: Apple’s Mac Roadmap Leaked: 15 New Macs Coming Through 2026, Including M5 and M6 Models
New Displays and Desktop Macs
Apple has not refreshed its external displays in years, and that may finally change.
Expected developments:
- New Studio Display with mini-LED technology
- Possible Pro Display successor
- Updated Mac mini and Mac Studio with M5-series chips
- Mac Pro remains uncertain and may be delayed further
Home Products: Apple’s Biggest Smart Home Push Yet
Home Hub Device (spring 2026)
Apple is expected to launch a new smart home control screen. Call it the HomePod touch?
What it likely offers:
- 7-inch display
- Wall-mounted or speaker-based versions
- Widgets instead of full apps
- Deep Siri integration
- Smart home automation focus
This could become the center of Apple’s home ecosystem.
HomePod mini and Apple TV
Both are expected to receive:
- New chips: HomePod mini to be powered by an S10 chip
- Better wireless support
- Apple Intelligence features
Design changes are unlikely.
AirTag 2
Improvements are expected in:
- Tracking accuracy
- Anti-tampering measures
- Battery reporting
Wearables and Audio
Apple Watch Series 12
- Internal chip upgrade
- No major design changes
- Continued work on future health sensors
AI Smart Glasses (Preview Phase)
Apple may reveal smart glasses late in 2026.
- No display
- Camera and audio focused
- AI features processed through iPhone
- Full launch expected later
AirPods Pro Update
Another AirPods Pro refresh is strongly rumored with:
- Enhanced spatial audio
- Gesture controls
- Vision Pro integration improvements
Why 2026 Matters for Apple
What makes 2026 different is not just new products, but direction.
- Apple is testing new form factors
- Pricing strategy is expanding downward
- AI features are becoming hardware requirements
- Design risks are returning after years of refinement
If even half of these launches land on schedule, 2026 will reshape how Apple’s ecosystem looks and feels for years.
