Apple’s 2025–2026 Hardware Roadmap: M5 Macs, New Displays, and the iPhone 17e

Apple’s product pipeline for late 2025 and early 2026 is starting to take shape, and according to Mark Gurman’s latest newsletter, there’s a lot on the horizon. From M5-powered Macs to fresh iPads and even a budget-friendly iPhone, Apple fans are in for a packed year.

M5 Macs on the Way

Apple is preparing its next-generation MacBook Pro (codenamed J714 and J716) and MacBook Air (J813 and J815). These models are reportedly nearing a critical stage of development and are expected between late 2025 and early 2026.

• The MacBook Pro will feature the M5 chip and is said to be the last model before Apple introduces a major design overhaul with OLED displays in future iterations.

• The MacBook Air will also get the M5 treatment, keeping the lightweight favorite up to speed with Apple’s latest silicon.

New Apple Displays

Alongside the Macs, Apple is lining up two new monitors—codenamed J427 and J527. One of these is widely believed to be a refreshed Studio Display, while the other remains under wraps. Both are reportedly close to mass production, hinting at an announcement in the same late 2025 / early 2026 window.

A Budget iPhone: iPhone 17e

Moving into the first half of 2026, Apple plans to debut the iPhone 17e—a new budget model that could replace the current iPhone SE. Rumors suggest it’ll ship with the A19 chip and even adopt the Dynamic Island design, narrowing the gap with premium models.

The move comes after criticism of the iPhone 16 lineup, where the differences between the standard iPhone 16 and the lower-cost 16e have been minimal—making the $200 price gap hard to justify. With the iPhone 17 lineup, Apple reportedly plans to make the standard model “significantly better” than the 17e, helping customers see a clearer distinction between tiers.

Refreshed iPads

Also in early 2026, Apple is preparing updates to the iPad family:

• A new low-end iPad

• An updated iPad Air, upgraded from the M3 chip to M4

Both are expected to land in spring 2026, giving Apple’s tablet lineup a solid refresh.

The Big Picture

Apple’s strategy seems clear:

• Keep Macs fresh with the M5 chip while setting the stage for a bigger design leap in the OLED era.

• Broaden the iPhone lineup with the budget-friendly 17e while strengthening the appeal of the flagship iPhone 17.

• Refresh the iPad family to keep pace with Apple Silicon advances.

• And, of course, expand the display lineup for pros and creatives.

It’s shaping up to be an exciting cycle for Apple fans—and a busy year for Tim Cook’s team.

Takeaway: Expect M5 Macs and new displays by early 2026, followed by a spring wave of iPads and the iPhone 17e. Apple is carefully positioning its lineup to offer both premium innovation and affordable options without blurring the lines too much.