Apple’s forthcoming iPhone reveal is almost a year away, yet there are plenty of developments to look forward to in the interim. Cupertino is reportedly preparing a variety of new products for launch in the first half of 2026. From fresh MacBooks and iPads to a new budget iPhone, it may be prudent to start saving now. Here’s what we can anticipate from Apple in the upcoming months.
iPhone 17e
Last year, Apple transformed its budget iPhone SE line into the iPhone e-series with the launch of the iPhone 16e. It delivered flagship-like specifications at a more accessible price, although not as low as the previous SE models. Speculation indicates that Apple intends to unveil e-series phones on an annual basis, akin to Google’s Pixel A-series. We can likely foresee the iPhone 17e arriving in early 2026. According to Digital Chat Station on Weibo, it will sport a 6.1-inch 60Hz OLED display, the latest A19 chip, and Dynamic Island support, accompanied by camera enhancements. Pricing is yet to be determined, but it could serve as a fantastic option for those seeking the newest iPhone features without the hefty price tag.
A new budget MacBook
A new cost-effective MacBook is expected to debut early next year, as reported by 9to5Mac. It will reportedly utilize an older A18 chip instead of the pricier M-series chip, with pricing around $599 or $699, positioning it as the most affordable MacBook available. This could mark Apple’s entry into the Chromebook market, targeting those in need of a replacement for outdated devices.
New high-end MacBooks
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has indicated that Apple is also developing two new premium MacBooks. These include a new M5 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models equipped with more powerful M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. These devices are likely to be highly capable but will also come at a higher price point than $599.
An A18 iPad
iPad fans can anticipate exciting developments in early 2026. Analyst Jeff Pu, in a memo noted by 9to5Mac, mentioned that a new entry-level iPad featuring an A18 chip is on the way. While specifics are limited, it appears to focus on internal specification enhancements rather than a complete hardware redesign. The new chip should facilitate Apple Intelligence support.