Apple's product lineup for 2026 and beyond is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious in recent years. Based on current rumors, the company plans to refresh nearly every major product category, from iPhones and iPads to Macs and smart home devices. This guide provides an overview of the key launches expected, with dates that may shift as more information emerges.
September 2026: iPhone 18 Pro, Foldable iPhone, and More
The fall of 2026 will be dominated by the iPhone 18 Pro, which is rumored to feature a smaller Dynamic Island and a variable aperture main lens that mimics a DSLR camera. It will be powered by a 2-nanometer A20 Pro chip and include Apple's C2 modem. A new dark cherry color is rumored, along with a blue option.
Alongside the Pro models, Apple is expected to introduce its first foldable iPhone, possibly named iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra. The device will feature a 5.3-inch external display that unfolds into a 7.6-inch internal screen, with a book-style design similar to an iPad mini when open. It will be incredibly thin at 4.5mm when unfolded, thanks to advanced display techniques and a durable hinge that nearly eliminates the crease. The foldable iPhone will use an A20 chip, dual rear cameras, and a Touch ID fingerprint sensor built into the power button, replacing Face ID. Price estimates suggest it could cost as much as $2,500.
Other September launches include the Apple Watch Series 12, which is expected to receive only a chip refresh with no major design changes. The iPad mini 8 will see a significant upgrade with an OLED display, a more water-resistant design, and a vibration-based speaker system that eliminates speaker holes. It will likely use the same A20 chip as the iPhone 18 Pro. The HomePod mini 2 will feature an updated S-series chip based on the Apple Watch Series 10, new color options, and possibly an Apple N1 networking chip, though leaked code suggests otherwise. Its launch is tied to the readiness of a new Siri version.
Apple is also planning a home hub with a 7-inch all-display design, available in two models: one wall-mountable and one with a speaker base resembling a HomePod mini. It will support smart home controls, music, video calls, and Siri. The Apple TV 4K will get a new Apple-designed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip and a faster A17 Pro processor for console-quality games and Apple Intelligence, but no design changes. Finally, an Apple smart home camera is rumored for late 2026, designed to integrate with HomeKit and the home hub.
Late 2026: MacBook Pro and iMac Updates
The entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro is expected to receive an M6 chip based on 2-nanometer technology. The 24-inch iMac will also get an M6 chip update, but no design or display changes are anticipated, so it will retain the look of the 2024 model.
Late 2026 to Early 2027: OLED MacBook Pro, Mac Studio, and Mac Mini
A MacBook Pro with an OLED touchscreen display, possibly called MacBook Ultra, could launch in late 2026 or early 2027. The higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch models will use M5 Pro and M5 Max chips rather than M6 variants, and they will feature an updated design. The Mac Studio is being refreshed with M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips, but launch timing is uncertain due to RAM shortages and costs. The Mac mini is also in development with M5 Pro and M6 chips, with potential release windows ranging from 2026 to later in 2027.
2027: iPhone 18, AirPods Max, iPad Pro, and More
Apple is adopting a split launch strategy for iPhones. The iPhone 18 (non-Pro) will not debut in September 2026 but instead in spring 2027, alongside the iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2. The fall 2026 will focus on the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone. The 20th anniversary iPhone, expected in September 2027, will feature a curved enclosure with no bezels, an under-display selfie camera, and a narrow metal band around the edge.
Other 2027 launches include a lighter AirPods Max with an H2 or newer chip, improved sound quality, Adaptive Audio, and better ANC. The iPad Pro will get an M6 chip and vapor chamber cooling in 2027. AirPods Pro 3 (or Pro 4) may include a tiny infrared camera for in-air gestures and a next-generation H3 chip. The iPad 12 will feature the A19 chip from the iPhone 17. A tabletop robot with a robotic arm and swivel base, a more powerful version of the home hub, is slated for 2027. The MacBook Air will be refreshed with M6 chips in early 2027, and an entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M7 chip and a design overhaul (but no OLED) could arrive as soon as early 2027. A new low-cost MacBook Neo with an A19 Pro chip is also in development.
Products with Unknown Release Dates
Several products are in development but lack confirmed timelines. The AirPods 5 will feature an updated H3 chip and likely continue offering ANC and non-ANC models. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is in the works, but features and launch dates are unclear. AI smart glasses, similar to Meta's Ray-Bans, are expected to include cameras, speakers, sensors, and AI capabilities, with a possible introduction in 2026 for a 2027 launch.
Late 2027 to Early 2028: Second OLED MacBook Pro
A second-generation OLED MacBook Pro will arrive approximately one year after the first, featuring M7 Pro and M7 Max chips built for AI workloads.
2028: OLED MacBook Air and iMac
Apple plans to bring OLED displays to the MacBook Air and iMac, with the MacBook Air potentially arriving in 2028, though timing could slip. The OLED iMac may follow a similar schedule.
2026 Product Refresh Timeline
So far in 2026, Apple has released several products: AirTag 2 in January; iPhone 17e, MacBook Neo, M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro, M5 MacBook Air, M4 iPad Air, Studio Display and Studio Display XDR, and AirPods Max 2 in March; and announced new operating systems (iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate, visionOS 27, tvOS 27, watchOS 27) in June. These set the stage for the more significant launches later in the year.
The upcoming products represent a broad array of innovations, from foldable designs and OLED displays to advanced chips and smart home integration. While some dates remain fluid, Apple's commitment to pushing technology forward is evident across every category.
Source:MacRumors News