
Apple’s 2026 Hardware Lineup Is Stacked — Here’s What’s Coming
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Get ready, Apple fans — 2026 is shaping up to be a massive year for new devices. According to a fresh Bloomberg report, Apple has a loaded calendar ahead, with big updates planned across the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and even long-awaited smart home hardware. Let’s break down what might be on deck.
A New Budget iPhone, Every Year?
First up: Apple’s affordable iPhone line is getting serious. The successor to the iPhone 16e — rumored to be the iPhone 17e — is reportedly set for an early 2026 debut. And here's the twist: it's getting the A19 chip, the same powerhouse expected in next-gen flagship iPhones.
That’s a major shift. For years, Apple’s entry-level iPhones (like the SE) followed a slower release cycle and reused older parts. But this move suggests a new annual cadence, giving budget-conscious users something fresh every spring. If Apple pulls this off, the ‘e’ series could become the new sweet spot for people who want modern performance at a friendlier price.
iPads Are Getting a Refresh Too
Apple isn’t stopping at the iPhone. The entry-level iPad and iPad Air are both due for upgrades by spring 2026, though don’t expect radical redesigns. Faster chips are the big headline here, with the iPad Air jumping from M3 to M4.
These updates follow a broader iPad revamp, with the M5-powered iPad Pro likely arriving as soon as this October. Between that and the incoming M4 upgrades, Apple’s tablet lineup is finally starting to feel modern again after a few slower years.
M5 Macs and a Final Design Before OLED
On the Mac front, Apple is pushing the M5 MacBook Pro and Air into early 2026. That’s a slight delay from earlier reports, but it sets up something even bigger: the final MacBook Pro in the current design.
Why does that matter? Because after this, Apple is rumored to introduce a major redesign with OLED displays — a huge visual and performance leap. So if you’ve been eyeing a MacBook Pro and want the current style (with all its ports and sharp screen), 2026 might be your last chance.
Also in the mix: a new external display, the first since the Studio Display landed in 2022. No specs yet, but this could be a sign Apple is finally giving creative pros more display options.
Smart Home Hub Finally Launching?
Yes, Apple’s smart home hub might actually happen. After years of rumors, the device — possibly running homeOS — could launch in the first half of 2026.
This smart display was delayed in part because of work on the new AI-powered Siri, which isn’t expected to fully launch until 2026. But now, with more pieces in place, the home hub could be Apple’s answer to the Amazon Echo Show or Google Nest Hub — with tighter integration across your Apple ecosystem.
Final Thoughts: A Busy Start to 2026
Between a new budget iPhone, upgraded iPads, refreshed Macs, and a possible smart home debut, Apple’s early 2026 roadmap is jam-packed. And that’s before we even get to the next fall iPhone launch, which will likely include the much-hyped iPhone 18 Pro with under-display Face ID.
If you’ve been waiting to upgrade or are just excited to see what Apple’s cooking, the next 12 months could deliver some of the most diverse hardware updates we’ve seen from them in years.
Stay tuned — 2026 is going to be wild.