12+ BIG Apple announcements to expect in 2026
The next year in Apple – maybe… Â Image c/o: Jacinta Iluch Valero/Flickr
As the snow begins to fall in the Rocky Mountains, speculation for Apple’s year ahead is about to increase, because Cupertino has hatched a host of exciting and interesting product launch plans for 2026. What follows is a short summary of some of the highlights of what the company plans.
The iPhone Fold
Apple is expected to introduce its first folding iPhone next year, using displays from Samsung and advanced camera modules from Jahwa.
iPhone upgrades
Apple is also expected to introduce the iPhone 17e in early 2026. This affordable option will be popular and help the company maintain its grip on a growing section of the smartphone market.
The return of the MacBook
Apple plans a low-cost, 12.9-inch Mac notebook which will make use of an A-series, rather than an M-series processor and will be suitable for everyday tasks. It should also be sold at a very low price, for Apple, making this the perfect upgrade for any casual Windows user wanting a better computer.
The iPad goes fast
Apple is currently expected to shove an A18 processor inside iPads, potentially around March. An OLED iPad mini should also appear.
M5 goes Pro and Max
Based on previous introductions, Apple may introduce M5 Pro and M5 Max chips inside MacBook Pro models early next year. These things will be spectacularly fast.
Apple Intelligence Plus
Apple is expected to introduce a far smarter, contextually-aware version of Siri, powerful enough to handle App Intents and predict what you need. We’ve been waiting a long time for the new Apple AI, so the company will want to impress us.
Apple plans new smart home products. This image was made by Google Gemini AI
The HomePad
Is it an iPad? Is it a HomePod? No – it’s the Apple HomePad, a home media system with a speaker, touch display, and that super-new and super-smart Siri.
HomePods?
It has been a long time since Apple updated the HomePod. It seems to be time to do so.
A smart camera
Imagine a door entry system that could notify you who was at your door before you heard the bell. That’s kind of possible if you combine the data you already have in Photos with the Apple smart video and doorbell cameras the company is planning. These will work with its existing highly secure, highly private security camera tech.
New Mac displays
We think the company intends putting even more powerful processors inside its Studio Display, along with ProMotion technology and HDR support. You may also get a 120Hz refresh rate, which will make for dramatic improvements for graphics intensive workflows, such as video.
Health+
File this in the maybe section, but it seems increasingly possible we’ll see Apple’s take on digital healthcare make its first appearance in 2026 following years and years of internal development.
Coming next Fall
All the above will be supported by additional product launches in fall 2026. These may include the iPhone 18 series, a new Apple Watch Serries 12, and an M5-powered Mac mini.
Is there more?
Of course.
An M5 iMac and Mac Studio seem inevitable, and it is also quite feasible that Apple will introduce its own Vision OS spatial reality glasses in the coming 12-months.
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