The year is coming to a close, and while Apple still has software launches ahead, no new hardware is expected until 2026. But here are four new products that are rumored to be coming early in 2026, possibly as soon as January.
MacBook Pro 14-inch and 16-inch with M5 Pro and Max
This fall, Apple launched its new M5 chip in three products: MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro.
But the new chip didn’t yet offer Pro or Max versions, and the only MacBook Pro that received it was the 14-inch model.
Reporting indicates Apple will launch 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros with M5 Pro and M5 Max early in 2026.
Back in January 2023, Apple debuted M2 Pro and M2 Max versions of the MacBook Pro. We could see similar timing with the M5 launches.
New 12.9-inch MacBook
For years, analysts have called on Apple to release a low-cost MacBook that might better compete against Chromebooks and more affordable PCs. In early 2026, it seems that may finally happen.
Apple is reportedly preparing a 12.9-inch MacBook that will run an iPhone-class A18 Pro chip and come in a variety of fun colors. Perhaps the best feature will be a rumored price of $599 or $699.
Analyst Jeff Pu is expecting the MacBook to ship in “mid-Q1 2026,” making a late January unveiling very possible.
iPad with A18 chip
Earlier this year, Apple’s base model iPad got a spec bump update with an A16 Bionic chip.
But early in 2026, the next iPad is expected to launch with an A18 chip that will enable Apple Intelligence support.
Not much else is known about the new iPad. But it’s generally expected to retain the same design, with updates being primarily internal.
iPhone 17e
Apple has one more iPhone 17 model in the works, and it’s expected to launch very early in 2026.
This February, Apple unveiled a new member of the iPhone family. The expected iPhone SE revision was actually branded iPhone 16e. Rumors later indicated Apple intends to update the ‘e’ model annually.
iPhone 17e will pack the same A19 chip as the iPhone 17, and the new Center Stage front camera too. It’s also rumored to have a pair of design changes: the Dynamic Island instead of a notch, and thinner bezels.
Like iPhone 16e, Apple’s new budget model will likely cost $599 and still offer only one rear camera.
Wildcards: M5 MacBook Air, M4 iPad Air, new Mac displays
The four products above have all been rumored to launch very early in 2026. But several others could debut at or near the same time frame.
Other new products include:
- M5 MacBook Air
- M4 iPad Air
- New Mac displays
All of these are expected some time in the winter-spring time frame, and would make a lot of sense paired with the products above. For example, the iPad Air and base iPad both launched at the same time earlier this year. And new Mac displays might arrive alongside the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models.
Which early 2026 Apple products are you most interested in? Let us know in the comments.
Best iPhone accessories
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
