As the rest of the tech world seemingly falls apart thanks to the ongoing RAM crisis, Apple is slated to have a busy start to 2026 with a slew new devices expected to launch in the next six months.
From the refreshed iPhone 17e to new iPads, we expect to see a variety of devices, including a new budget-friendly MacBook to take on Chromebooks and cheaper Windows notebooks. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman confirmed a number of new devices in his PowerOn newsletter, many of which we’ve covered. Here’s what Apple should release soon — and what’s on the horizon.
iPhones: iPhone 17e
Apple’s e-series is going to be an annual spring release with the second version launching this year in the iPhone 17e. Most of the changes with this model will reportedly be internal with new chips and the addition of MagSafe charging.
It should get the A19 chip from the iPhone 17 plus the Apple-developed C1 modem and N1 wireless chip. This means the iPhone 17e should support Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread – the smart home low-power mesh.
Unfortunately, the iPhone 17e may retain the $599 of the 16e, which makes it not quite as budget-friendly as you’d like a downgraded iPhone to be.
As my colleague Tom Pritchard noted, “It may be a cheap iPhone, but we’ve seen cheaper, and I’m wondering whether buying a used flagship iPhone is a better use of your money.”
Later this fall, we expect to see the iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max and the iPhone Fold launch in September.
iPads: Entry-level, Air, Mini
Gurman claims that at least three refreshed iPad models are coming this year, including a new base model, iPad Air and an updated iPad mini.
Like the 17e, the biggest upgrades will all be internal. All three are expected to get the new in-house Apple wireless and modem chips. Additionally, they should get faster processors. Gurman claimed they would get the A18 chip, but an earlier report based on leaked internal documents indicated that the iPads would get the newer A19 chipset or the M4 chip.
The base model will get the A19, while the iPad Air will get the M4 set.
Finally, at the end of 2025, it was rumored that the iPad mini 8 will get an OLED upgrade, and it might feature the A20 Pro CPU that will feature in the iPhone 18 Pro later this year. The upgraded iPad mini isn’t expected to launch until later this year after the iPhone 18 Pro launch.
MacBooks: Budget, M5 Air, and new Pro models
Apple launched its MacBook Pro M5 in October last year but was missing the M5 Pro and M5 Max/Ultra models. The most current rumors have set the high-end Pro models to launch as early as the week of March 2. We expect the MacBook Air M5 to launch around this time as well.
The more interesting potential release is the rumored cheap MacBook meant to take on low-cost Windows laptops and Google Chromebooks. Rumors have slated this budget MacBook to cost around $599, likely as a way for Apple to kneecap the refurbished market for deals like the M1 MacBook Air from Walmart.
The laptop should have a 12-inch to 13-inch display and run on the A18 Pro chipset, though that is speculation. I haven’t seen a release date in the rumor mill, but I would put a couple bucks on it launching alongside the iPhone 17e, creating a “budget ecosystem” for Apple. Possibly, it could debut as part of a week of MacBooks with the Pro models.
Finally, on the computing front, Apple could finally release an updated Studio Display and Mac Studio desktops. Allegedly, new Mac minis, likely with the M5 chip, are on the docket as well. It’s not clear when these devices will launch. Plus, an OLED MacBook Pro M6 is rumored to launch at some point this year, likely in October, its usual window.
iOS 26.4: Siri 2.0, iOS 27
One of our complaints about the 16e was the high price point and the lack of actual Apple Intelligence, thanks to Apple’s struggles with AI and creating a true Siri 2.0.
That version should finally launch with iOS 26.4, likely in March, which will include upgrades to Siri. The real upgrade probably won’t launch until WWDC 2026 in June when we’ll learn more about iOS 27 and the Google Gemini partnership to bolster Apple Intelligence.
All in all, it’s a busy season for the tech giant, and Tom’s Guide will be there to cover all the new devices and help you decide if it’s time to upgrade.
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