Apple’s Big 2026 Kickoff: Budget iPhone, iPad Refreshes, New Macs, and More

If you’re an Apple fan, 2026 might be starting off with a bang.

According to the always-reliable Mark Gurman, Apple is lining up a busy first half of 2026—with fresh hardware updates across the iPhone, iPad, and Mac lineups, plus a long-awaited smart home device. Here’s a friendly breakdown of what might be on the way:

iPhone 17e: The Budget Line Gets a Boost

Apple’s follow-up to the iPhone 16e could arrive early in 2026. While the design will likely stay familiar, it’s rumored to pack an A19 chip, giving it a serious performance jump. This marks a new annual cadence for Apple’s entry-level phones—very different from the old iPhone SE schedule.

Early rumors even suggest the iPhone 17e is already in trial production, signaling Apple’s new strategy to keep budget buyers within the ecosystem.

New iPads: Entry-Level and Air Updates

Spring 2026 might also bring a refresh to the base iPad and iPad Air models. Not much is known yet, but the iPad Air is expected to jump from M3 to M4 silicon. The more powerful iPad Pro, meanwhile, could see an M5 chip upgrade as soon as this October.

While major design changes aren’t expected, faster chips and better multitasking could still make these appealing upgrades—especially for students and casual users.

M5 Macs Incoming (And a Design Shake-Up Coming Later)

Apple’s M5-powered MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models are now targeting an early 2026 launch, slightly delayed from the originally rumored late-2025 release.

Here’s the big catch: this may be the final MacBook Pro generation with the current design. Starting after that, Apple is expected to shift to thinner chassis and OLED displays, setting the stage for a whole new look.

Gurman also says a new external monitor is in the works—the first since the Studio Display debuted in 2022.

Smart Home Hub Finally Coming?

Apple’s rumored smart home hub—possibly a blend of HomePod, Apple TV, and display—has been delayed thanks to Siri-related engineering challenges. But Gurman says it could finally launch in the first half of 2026, giving Apple a stronger foothold in the smart home space to compete with Google Nest and Amazon Echo.

Final Thoughts

While Apple hasn’t confirmed anything yet (surprise!), the pieces are coming together for a huge spring season in 2026. Whether you're eyeing a budget iPhone, waiting for new iPads, or planning a Mac upgrade, there may be plenty to look forward to.