Product preview: This hardware Apple is likely planning for 2026
The new year is underway – and Apple's pipeline is well-filled. There are likely to be some changes in the product range. An overview.
Apple CEO Tim Cook at a presentation.
(Image: Apple / Screenshot YouTube)
New Macs, iPads, iPhones, and more: Apple has set ambitious goals for 2026. This time, there were various leaks early on, for which the company itself was responsible. They point the way to which products are likely to appear and when.
Macs until Autumn
This year could start with new Macs – more precisely: MacBook Pro machines with M5 Pro and M5 Max. Apple only presented the mid-range MacBook Pro M5 with 14 inches in the fall, but not the more expensive variants (also) with 16 inches. There are already delivery delays for the M4 models, so it could happen as early as January. In line with this, Apple could launch its new Creator Studio subscription package on January 28th. Another Mac that is still missing is a supposedly planned 12 to 13-inch entry-level MacBook with an iPhone chip. There has been little news on this recently; it is unclear whether it will arrive in January.
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MacBook Air models with M5 (13 and 15 inches) are still pending. These could appear in the spring, but probably not in January – March or April are more likely. For iMacs, Mac minis, Mac Studios, or the Mac Pro – all with M5 chips – the timeline is also uncertain. However, it is unlikely to happen before the middle of the year. Finally, Apple could deliver new MacBook Pro machines with M6 chips in the fall. These are expected to come with OLED displays for the first time and possibly (again) with a thinner casing. There have also been repeated rumors about touchscreen MacBooks. However, Apple is likely to take its time with this.
iPhones from Spring
This year, there are likely to be four different iPhone models. As early as spring – around March – a successor to the 16e, Apple's entry-level model, is expected. It is likely to combine chips from the current iPhone 17 generation with an older form factor, possibly with Dynamic Island for the first time. In September, the standard iPhones will follow, but they could be somewhat different this time. iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max are expected to be based on their predecessors but may offer Under-Screen Face ID for the first time. Other observers believe that the Dynamic Island will only become slightly shorter.
Apple's first foldable is also planned for autumn, at least according to most rumors. Standard iPhone 18 models, on the other hand, are expected to move to spring this year – along with an iPhone Air 2.
Apple Watch, iPads, more
New Apple Watch models are planned for autumn. The Series 12 is unlikely to differ visually from the Series 11, according to recent rumors. Whether there will be new SE and Ultra models remains to be seen. For iPads, Apple has already introduced the M5 variant of the Pro, but new standard iPads (spring, faster chip), iPad Air (11 and 13 inches, with M4), and iPad mini (OLED planned, but possibly not until 2027) are still missing.
Accessories such as new Studio Display variants, new Apple TV devices, and HomePods are still pending, as well as the long-awaited Home device, also known as Home Hub, a kind of mini-iPad for HomeKit control. However, Apple is waiting for its improved Siri, which is expected to become smarter from spring onwards, partly thanks to Google Gemini.
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