Apple's product roadmap for 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious in recent memory. From the first foldable iPhone to under-display Face ID and a long-awaited Home Hub, the company is preparing a wave of new devices that could redefine its lineup. This guide compiles the most credible rumors and industry reports to give you a clear picture of what's coming, when, and how it fits into Apple's broader strategy.
March 4 Apple Experience
Apple kicked off 2026 with an 'Apple Experience' event on March 4, held simultaneously in New York, London, and Shanghai. Ahead of the event, the company announced several new products: the iPhone 17e, a MacBook Air with the M5 chip, an iPad Air powered by the M4 chip, M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models, new Studio Display and Studio Display XDR, a low-cost $599 MacBook Neo, and the $599 iPhone 17e. Later in March, Apple also debuted the AirPods Max 2. These launches set a strong foundation for the rest of the year, refreshing key product lines with both performance and portfolio expansion.
Mid-2026 – WWDC
Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference in June will serve as the stage for the next major software updates. iOS 27, macOS 27, and new versions of Apple's other platforms will be previewed before their public releases in September. Expect significant enhancements to Apple Intelligence, driven by a redesigned Siri that Apple has been refining for months. On the hardware side, the Mac Studio is due for an update around mid-2026, featuring M5 Max and M5 Ultra chip options. The M5 Max promises substantial CPU and GPU performance gains over the base M5, while the M5 Ultra effectively doubles the M5 Max's capabilities, making it a powerhouse for creative professionals and developers.
September 2026
September is traditionally Apple's busiest month, and 2026 is no exception. The iPhone 18 Pro lineup is expected to introduce under-display Face ID, allowing Apple to eliminate the Dynamic Island entirely. However, some analysts suggest a hole-punch camera cutout might remain in the top-left corner of the display. The A20 Pro chip, built on a 2nm process, will bring significant efficiency and performance improvements. Additionally, a variable aperture main lens could offer greater control over depth of field and low-light photography.
Perhaps the most anticipated product of the year is the iPhone Fold, Apple's first foldable device. Rumored to feature a 5.3-inch external display and a 7.6-inch internal display, it adopts a book-style design similar to an iPad mini when open. Apple is said to have developed a durable hinge and advanced display technology to nearly eliminate the crease. The device will be remarkably thin at just 4.5mm when unfolded, and it is expected to cost up to $2,500. Instead of Face ID, it will use a Touch ID fingerprint sensor embedded in the power button. Dual rear cameras and an A20 chip complete the core specifications.
Other September launches include the Apple Watch Series 12, which may focus on a chip refresh rather than major design changes. The iPad mini 8 is rumored to adopt an OLED display for the first time, along with a more water-resistant design using a vibration-based speaker system that eliminates speaker holes. It could share the same A20 chip as the iPhone 18 Pro. The HomePod mini 2 is reportedly ready but held back by the new Siri; it will feature an updated S-series chip and new colors, though leaked code suggests it won't use Apple's latest networking chip. Apple's long-rumored Home Hub will also debut, an all-display device with a 7-inch screen designed for mounting on walls or pairing with a speaker base resembling a HomePod mini. The Apple TV 4K will receive a new Wi-Fi/Bluetooth chip and an A17 Pro processor, supporting console-quality games and Apple Intelligence.
Late 2026
Toward the end of 2026, Apple is expected to launch an OLED MacBook Pro with a 2-nanometer M6 chip, a hole-punch camera (eliminating the notch), and a reinforced hinge to support touch gestures without vibration. This could mark the first major redesign of the MacBook Pro display since the notch was introduced. Additionally, Apple is developing its own indoor security cameras that will integrate with HomeKit and the new Home Hub, potentially launching in late 2026.
Products With Unknown Release Dates
Several products remain in development without confirmed launch windows. A refreshed Mac mini with M5 and M5 Pro chips has been spotted in leaked software, but no design changes are expected. The low-cost iPad 12 is rumored to feature the A19 chip from the iPhone 17, with no major redesign. The AirPods 5 could bring an H3 chip with improved sound and lower latency, while the next AirPods Pro may include tiny infrared cameras for in-air gestures and enhanced Vision Pro compatibility. An Apple Watch Ultra 4 is also in development, though details are scarce. An M5 Max iMac could revive the iMac Pro with mini-LED display, and Apple is reportedly working on AI-powered smart glasses to rival Meta's Ray-Bans, featuring cameras, speakers, and AI but no display.
2027 Launches
Looking further ahead, Apple is adopting a split launch strategy for its iPhone lineup. The standard iPhone 18 will launch in spring 2027 instead of fall 2026, alongside the iPhone 18e. The iPad Pro is expected in 2027 with an M6 chip and vapor chamber cooling, while a 24-inch OLED iMac is also in development. The 20th anniversary iPhone in 2027 promises a bezel-less design with a curved enclosure and under-display camera. Other 2027 products include a lighter AirPods Max with an H2 chip, a second-generation iPhone Air with dual cameras, and Apple's tabletop robot – a more powerful version of the Home Hub with a robotic arm and swivel base.
Timeline Recap
Already released in 2026: AirTag 2 (January), iPhone 17e, MacBook Neo, M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro, M5 MacBook Air, M4 iPad Air, Studio Display, Studio Display XDR, and AirPods Max 2 (all March). This rapid pace shows Apple's commitment to refreshing its entire ecosystem. The 2026 product refresh timeline also builds on 2025's releases, which included the iPhone 16e, MacBook Air, Mac Studio, iPad, iPad Air, and all major software updates. Historical patterns from 2024, 2023, and earlier provide context for how Apple spaces its announcements across spring, summer, and fall events.
Source: MacRumors News