From the ‘iPhone Fold’ to the Budget MacBook: The Big Things We’re Expecting from Apple in 2026
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As we kick off 2026, it’s clear it’s shaping up to be more than just another year of the same new iPhone, iPad, and other regular product updates.
Between different analyses, supply-chain leaks, and some unusually detailed reports about foldables, smart glasses, and cheaper Macs, it looks like Apple is lining up one of its most aggressive product launch schedules in a long time — and we couldn’t be more excited.
Of course, everything we’ve heard — and what you’re about to read — comes solely from rumors and early reporting, so take it with a huge grain of salt. Apple rarely even hints at what it’s up to, much less gives us long-term pre-announcements, and even if the leaks and rumors are entirely accurate, the company can delay or cancel anything up until the last minute.
Still, when putting it all together, these leaks paint a pretty clear picture of where Apple is heading in 2026…
iPhone 18 Pro: The Next Best iPhone
It wouldn’t be an Apple year without a new flagship iPhone line, and 2026 looks like a big one. Most reports agree that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are on track for a typical September launch window, where they’re likely to be joined by Apple’s first foldable iPhone (yes, you read that right, but more on that in a moment).
The leaks suggest a couple of major changes for these premium phones. First, Apple is expected to introduce a new A20 Pro chip, which should deliver a noticeable performance and efficiency boost over the A19 in this year’s lineup. That means more powerful on-device AI, better multitasking, and improved battery life, even as Apple leans harder into Apple Intelligence features on the iPhone.
There’s also a lot of noise around more RAM and a redesigned Dynamic Island. The now familiar cutout is expected to get slimmer, giving you slightly more usable screen real estate without going fully punch-hole just yet.
You may have noticed, we haven’t mentioned the base iPhone 18, and there’s a good reason for that. In what’s expected to be a major twist this year, Apple is reportedly planning a split launch strategy.
The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, the first-ever iPhone Fold are expected to arrive on schedule in the fall of 2026, while the more affordable iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e may not come until early in 2027.
The “iPhone Air 2” is more of a wildcard, with mixed reports on whether Apple will launch it next fall or delay it to add a second camera — or even if 2027 was the plan for the sequel from the start.
Whatever the reason, a 2027 release would make sense if Apple wants to give its new foldable all the spotlight, and the fact that Apple chose to keep the iPhone Air numberless could be a big clue to a longer update cycle.
If all this is accurate, it means that if you want the newest iPhones next fall, you’ll be limited to the higher-end models, as the “standard” versions won’t show up until later.
iPhone 17e: A Cheaper iPhone in Early 2026
Before Apple gets to the iPhone 18 lineup in the fall, you’ll likely see a new iPhone 17e arrive in the first half of 2026, just like we saw with this year’s new iPhone 16e. This more affordable iPhone 17 model is expected to borrow a lot from the 2025 iPhone 17, cutting back just enough to hit a lower price.
Rumors say the 17e is basically the budget sibling of the 2025 iPhone 17 line. Expect an A19 chip (the same chip as the standard iPhone 17), a single-camera setup, and a design very similar to the current models. Some sources say it might finally adopt the Dynamic Island, while others claim Apple may stick with a notch to reuse older displays. We’ll have to wait and see which way Apple goes.
Either way, you get powerful performance, Apple Intelligence support, and a current-generation chip without paying flagship prices. For many people who skipped the 16e, this might be the good-value iPhone that fits a tighter budget.
Apple’s First Foldable iPhone
The most dramatic rumor for 2026 is that Apple will finally join the foldable phone market. Different sources call it different things, like “iPhone Fold,” “iPhone 18 Fold,” or just a foldable iPhone. But they largely agree on a fall 2026 debut, right alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models.
While we don’t have all the details yet, all the most reliable sources agree that this will be a book-style foldable, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold. This means it might be pretty large — possibly enough to dethrone the iPad mini, with an outer display around 5.5 inches and an inner screen between 6.8 and 7.8 inches.
Rumor also has it that Apple is pulling out all the stops to create a crease-free inner display, while ensuring top-notch durability and hinge quality. That would address nearly all the complaints most folks have had with foldable devices.
Apple is reportedly treating this as an ultra-premium product that will be above the Pro line rather than replace it. It’s estimated to start at around $2,000, similar to the Galaxy Z Fold.
The appeal is obvious if you live in Apple’s ecosystem. In theory, you get an iPhone that unfolds into something very close to an iPad mini: more screen space for games, media, and multitasking, without carrying two separate devices. Plus, because Apple controls the hardware and iOS, there’s a good chance the company will push developers to support fold-specific apps that actually make proper use of that inner screen.
New Macs: A Cheaper MacBook and a Big MacBook Pro Overhaul
On the Mac side, 2026 looks like a big year. For starters, there are rumors of a new low-cost, entry-level MacBook and a major redesign of the MacBook Pro.
The low-cost MacBook is one of the most interesting products in Apple’s pipeline. Multiple reports say Apple is working on a MacBook powered not by an M-series chip, but by an A18 Pro chip, basically turning it into an iPhone inside a laptop body.
If the rumors are correct, the price will make it an incredibly affordable product, as it should cost around $599 to $699. This would make it the cheapest Mac notebook Apple has ever sold, and a great Mac for newcomers and students.
At the other end of the spectrum, 2026 is shaping up as the year Apple finally gives the MacBook Pro its first redesign since 2021. The leaks here are surprisingly consistent. We’re expecting an OLED display to replace the mini-LED technology we currently use. This will bring better colors and contrasts to the screen. The overall design might also finally change. Apple is rumored to feature a thinner, lighter body and might even get rid of the notch for good.
Some crazier rumors suggest that Apple might even implement touch support, which would be a first. This seems a bit too good to be true, especially since Apple is trying to turn the iPad into a laptop replacement, and not the other way around. Still, we’ll have to wait and see if this rumor does come true.
On the inside, we’re all expecting to see these pack in the M6 generation of chips, including the M6 Pro and M6 Max. However, before that happens, Apple is first expected to launch new M5 Pro and M5 Max versions to follow the M5 MacBook Pro that launched in October.
The M6 MacBook Pro models are expected to come in late 2026, although it’s certainly possible they could be delayed into 2027 if Apple runs into trouble with the new displays or other design elements.
A New Apple ‘Vision Air’ Might Be in the Works
Apple’s push into “spatial computing” started with the Apple Vision Pro, but that headset wasn’t as popular as the company might have liked. After all, not everyone can afford a $3,500 product.
However, that was apparently just the beginning. Multiple reports have suggested that Apple is working on a new version that will be cheaper and lighter — a “Vision Air” to the Vision Pro. Rumor has it that Apple will make the new headset with a titanium body that’s lighter and more comfortable to use for longer periods of time.
Unfortunately, we don’t have many details on this new headset beyond that. Some rumors suggest we might see it in the first half of 2026, but others are skeptical that it’s coming at all, as Apple has reportedly shelved it to prioritize getting a pair of smart glasses out first. Either way, with the original Apple Vision Pro failing to gain traction, Apple is likely working hard to launch something that actually sticks.
iPads, and Smart Home Hardware
Not everything in 2026 is bleeding-edge or experimental. A lot of the year will be about refreshing the rest of Apple’s lineup. More specifically, we might see new iPads and even new smart-home accessories:
- On the iPad side, early 2026 is expected to bring an updated iPad Air with an M4 chip, Apple’s in-house N1 modem, and Wi-Fi 7 support, essentially offering the current iPad Pro models at a more affordable price.
- There’s also talk of a 12th-generation entry-level iPad getting an A18 or A19 chip and finally joining the Apple Intelligence party without breaking the bank.
- There’s a strong possibility we’ll see a bigger push from Apple in the smart home department. Several reports mention a smart display-style home hub — basically an Apple TV crossed with a HomePod designed to live on your countertop and act as a central controller for lights, cameras, and other smart home devices.
- Along the same lines, a new Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini 2 are expected, and while these may be little more than processor bumps, an A17 Pro or later chip could turn Apple’s set-top box into a gaming powerhouse.
- Lastly, there are hints of a dedicated home security camera system, possibly even as part of a smart doorbell with Face ID.
Individually, these products might not be as exciting as a foldable iPhone or OLED MacBook Pro. Taken together, though, they show that Apple is planning to refresh almost every corner of the ecosystem in 2026, not just the headline devices.
Apple May Bring a Lot to the Table in 2026
Perhaps the most interesting part of all these leaks isn’t just what Apple might release, but when. For years, the pattern has been predictable: big iPhone event in September, maybe an iPad or Mac event shortly after, and then basically nothing. 2026 looks a lot different.
This also signals a shift for Apple. Instead of betting nearly everything on one massive September iPhone launch, the company seems to be spreading its big events throughout the year.
One thing is for sure: even if it’s just a handful of new products, there’s a lot to be excited about. Between a more affordable MacBook, a new budget iPhone, and a long-awaited foldable iPhone, Apple seems ready to take the world by storm this year.
If you’re ready for an upgrade or you’ve been waiting for Apple to do something really new again, this year might be the right time to upgrade your iPhone, Mac, and even your Apple TV. The good news is that we’ve still got time to get our wallets ready. Whether you’re looking for a $599 entry point into the Mac ecosystem or a $2,000 glimpse into the future, 2026 is shaping up to be the year Apple finally stops playing it safe.
[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]
