Apple 2026: All new devices, leaks and dates at a glance Apfelpatient

2026 could be a year for Apple in which several major projects hit the market simultaneously: a first foldable iPhone, a significantly more modern Siri based on large-scale voice models, a new smart home hub, and a MacBook expected to be priced below previous entry-level models. Added to this are chip transitions to 2-nanometer technology, potential leaps in OLED display technology, and a clear attempt to gain more control over core technologies, from the modem to the network chip.

The following points are based on current rumors and leaks as they are currently circulating. They do not concern confirmed Apple announcements, but rather what is expected for 2026, including timeframes and technical details.

iPhones 2026

Overview and launch strategy

Apple is reportedly planning to stagger its iPhone launches. A more affordable model is expected in early 2026, followed by the Pro models and the first foldable iPhone in September 2026. The regular iPhone 18, which typically launches alongside the Pro models, is said to be held back until 2027. This means there won't be a standard iPhone 18 in 2026. Anyone wanting a completely new iPhone from the fall lineup in 2026 will most likely end up with a Pro or Fold model and will have to pay a premium accordingly.

iPhone 17e (early 2026)

An iPhone 17e is expected in early 2026. Rumors suggest a redesigned look with slimmer bezels. However, conflicting information exists: one rumor mentions a Dynamic Island instead of a notch, while another suggests slimmer bezels but no Dynamic Island. It remains unclear whether the final design will feature a notch or a Dynamic Island.

Regarding MagSafe: The iPhone 16e did not have a magnetic ring for attaching to MagSafe chargers. The iPhone 17e might be MagSafe-compatible again.

iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max (September 2026)

The iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to look very similar to the iPhone 17 Pro models, but the display could see some changes due to new Face ID technology. They are expected to retain 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch screen sizes, the same bezels, similar display quality, and the rear camera configuration with the camera platform introduced in 2025.

A major topic is Face ID under the display. Apple could eliminate the Dynamic Island in 2026, thus freeing up more actual screen space. Current rumors suggest that Face ID components would be located under the display, but a punch-hole camera cutout would remain in the top left corner. This would represent a significant change in design compared to the iPhone 17 Pro. At the same time, the removal of the Dynamic Island would also mean a loss of functionality, as Apple uses it to display live activity and important notifications.

The Pro Max is rumored to be slightly thicker than the 17-inch Pro Max. Apple might also use frosted glass in the MagSafe area to reduce the two-tone effect between the glass back and aluminum frame. The colors mentioned are burgundy, brown, and purple. However, it's expected that Apple will ultimately choose only one of these and combine it with classic options like silver.

A20 chip, 2 nanometers and new packaging technology

With the iPhone 18 Pro models, Apple is expected to introduce the first chip built on a new 2-nanometer node: the A20. The A20 is said to be up to 15 percent faster than the A19 thanks to the new process and up to 30 percent more energy-efficient, which could noticeably improve battery life. Additionally, the introduction of a new packaging technology called Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module, or WL-MCM for short, is anticipated.

The current architecture: Apple integrates the CPU, GPU, Neural Engine, Secure Enclave, and other components like the ISP onto a single SoC. The RAM is separate and stacked on top during packaging. With WL-MCM, the RAM is added at the wafer level before the wafer is sliced into individual chips, instead of afterward during the packaging process. This is intended to reduce connection latency. The RAM sits closer to the other components, which improves memory bandwidth, reduces latency, and increases efficiency.

Camera updates and camera button

The rear camera setup will remain a triple-lens system consisting of wide-angle, ultra-wide-angle, and telephoto lenses, but the main wide-angle lens could receive an upgrade: a variable aperture. This would allow control over the amount of light hitting the sensor, promising improved low-light performance and greater control over depth of field. Previously, iPhones had fixed apertures. Regarding the camera control button, there's a possibility that Apple will redesign it, removing swipe gestures and haptic feedback. The reason for this is that swipe controls can easily and accidentally change settings while taking photos. Apple already added an option in iOS 26 to disable the swipe function, but rumors suggest that Apple may want to disable the button altogether.

Modem and radio

The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to feature either Apple's own C1X modem or an improved C2 modem supporting mmWave 5G. The iPhone 17 Pro models still use Qualcomm modems, but Apple is reportedly planning to extend its own modem technology to the entire iPhone lineup. Additionally, an N1 network chip is expected, combining Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread.

Foldable iPhone, presumably „iPhone Fold“ (September 2026)

Apple is expected to release its first foldable iPhone in September 2026, roughly seven years after Samsung's first foldable device. The name is not yet confirmed, but "iPhone Fold" is being mentioned as a working title.

Design: Book-style, meaning it opens and closes like a book. The display is expected to be approximately 7.6 inches when open and 5.3 inches when closed. In its open state, it will therefore resemble an iPad mini. OLED is a given.
Thickness: only around 4.5 mm when open, making it the thinnest Apple device ever. When closed, it is expected to be around 9 to 9.5 mm thick.
Face ID and cutouts: There will reportedly be neither a notch nor a Dynamic Island. It's even rumored that Face ID will be omitted entirely and Apple will instead use a side-mounted Touch ID button, similar to the iPad. A selfie camera would then be located in the top left corner of the display. Two cameras are expected on the back.
Crease: Apple is said to have worked hard to ensure that no visible crease is noticeable when the phone is open. This is reportedly achieved through display improvements and a robust, durable hinge made of Liquidmetal. The crease is said to be almost invisible.
Chip: The 2-nanometer A20 is also expected to be used here, as is generally the case with the fall 2026 iPhones.
Price: Very high. Estimates range from $2,000 to $2,500, with more recent indications pointing towards the upper end of that range.

iPads 2026

Several iPads are expected to be updated in 2026, mostly with minor changes. The exception is the iPad mini, which is rumored to receive a significantly larger technology upgrade. There are no rumors for an iPad Pro in 2026; an update is more likely expected in 2027.

iPad 12th Generation (Spring 2026)

A 12th-generation iPad could be released in spring 2026, likely in March. No design changes are expected. It will retain its 11-inch screen, minimal bezels, Touch ID integrated into the side button, USB-C port, and thicker bezels than other iPad models.

Chip: A19, the same chip used in the iPhone 17. The A19 is based on a 3-nanometer process and is expected to deliver significant improvements in performance and efficiency.
Apple Intelligence is a key point here: The A16 chip in the 2025 iPad does not support Apple Intelligence, while the A19 does. The 2026 entry-level iPad will therefore be the first to offer Apple Intelligence features that are missing from the 2025 model.
Gaming: The A19 also brings hardware-accelerated ray tracing and related features for better gaming.
RAM: The 11th generation iPad has 6 GB of RAM. Apple will likely need to increase this to 8 GB for Apple Intelligence.

It's striking that Apple would be using a very new chip in its most affordable tablet. The plausible explanation in the rumors: Apple wants to ensure that the iPad can keep pace with Apple's 2026 intelligence developments, including the new Siri.

iPad Air (Spring 2026)

The iPad Air is expected to receive an update in early 2026, around March or April. The design will remain the same, and it will still be available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes.

Chip: Upgrade to M4. The M4 CPU is said to be up to 30 percent faster than the M3, and the GPU up to 21 percent faster. In everyday use, the difference might not be huge, but slight improvements could be noticeable in demanding games and video editing.
Charging: The iPad Pro received fast charging with the M5 update, and this could also come to the iPad Air.
Wireless: The N1 network chip and C1X modem are also being discussed as possible upgrades.

iPad mini (time depends on the chip)

The next iPad mini is expected to receive a major upgrade: an OLED display. After the iPad Pro, this would make it the second tablet with an OLED screen. It will also feature a more water-resistant design, better able to withstand splashes and even immersion.

Audio: Apple is developing a vibration-based speaker system where the display or casing generates the sound. This would eliminate the need for traditional speaker openings. With fewer openings, the device would be better protected against moisture.
Chip: Leaked Apple code points to the A20 Pro, the next-generation chip found in the iPhone 18 Pro models. This would suggest a release around the same time as the iPhone 18 Pro. If Apple opts for the A19 Pro instead, an earlier launch this year would be possible.
Price: With OLED and improved protection, the iPad mini 8 could be about 100 euros more expensive than the current model.

Macs 2026

Many Macs are expected to be upgraded to M5 processors by early 2026. A new, more affordable MacBook will also be released. Later in the year, there's a possibility of a bigger leap with an M6 OLED MacBook Pro.

Affordable MacBook (first half of 2026, more likely early)

Apple is expected to release a budget MacBook in 2026, priced even lower than the MacBook Air, which starts at $999 (US price). The goal is to better compete with affordable Chromebooks and Windows laptops.

Display size: Ming-Chi Kuo expects around 13 inches. The MacBook Air has a 13.6-inch screen, so the new device would be slightly smaller, but close.
Case: No details on thickness. Apple doesn't necessarily need to make it thicker, as the Air is already very thin without a fan. At the same time, Apple could choose a design for the budget model that isn't optimized for maximum thinness.
Display technology: Standard LCD, no Mini-LED, no ProMotion.
Colors: Bright, iMac-like colors. Kuo mentions silver, blue, pink, and yellow.
Chip: A18 Pro, known from the iPhone 16 Pro. Second-generation 3-nanometer process, 8 GB RAM, Apple Intelligence enabled.
Performance: In Geekbench 6, the A18 Pro performs roughly on par with the M3 Ultra in single-core tests. In multi-core tests, it outperforms the M1, which was used in the first Apple Silicon MacBook Air. Metal scores are similar to the M1. In practice, it performs at the M1 level in some tasks and is even faster in others.
Price: No specific price has been given, but Bloomberg suggests it will be well below $1,000.
Market context: Apple no longer sells the M1 MacBook Air in its own store, but it is available through Walmart for $599. This shows where Apple still sees room for price adjustments in the market.

MacBook Air (Early 2026)

An updated MacBook Air is expected in the first months of 2026. It will feature the M5 chip. No other new features are currently being discussed. The design will remain the same, and the sizes will remain 13 and 15 inches.

Possible detailed updates: Faster SSD like in the newer 14-inch MacBook Pro updates and possibly a new color to replace the light blue from 2025.

MacBook Pro (Early 2026)

14-inch and 16-inch models with the M5 Pro and M5 Max processors are expected, complementing the M5 MacBook Pro released in October 2025. The M5 Pro and M5 Max are expected to offer more CPU cores and better GPUs, resulting in increased performance. Both chip variants are anticipated to be available in 14-inch and 16-inch models. Faster SSDs are also expected. No design changes are anticipated in early 2026. A major overhaul is more likely in late 2026 or early 2027.

Mac mini (mid-2026)

A new Mac mini with M5 and M5 Pro processors is in development. No design rumors. SSD improvements similar to the 14-inch MacBook Pro are possible.

Mac Studio (mid-2026)

The Mac Studio could arrive around the same time. Apple didn't release an M4 Ultra, but an M5 Ultra is expected.
The Mac Studio is expected to receive the M5 Max and M5 Ultra processors in mid-2026. The M5 Max is significantly faster than the M5, while the M5 Ultra surpasses the M5 Max even further. No design changes are known.

Mac displays (early to mid-2026)

Apple has not released a new display since 2022, but two new models are expected in 2026.

Next-generation studio display: Still 27 inches, but instead of standard LCD, it will use Mini-LED. Advantages: better HDR, higher brightness, higher contrast, and improved colors.
Chip in the display: The current Studio Display uses an A-series chip. The next one could get the A19 Pro, which is used in the iPhone 17 Pro.

It remains unclear whether it is a studio display in two sizes or a studio display plus a more expensive successor to the Pro Display XDR.

OLED MacBook Pro with Touch (late 2026 or early 2027)

Apple is working on a redesigned MacBook Pro with a touchscreen and OLED display. It is expected to use M6 chips. Whether it will be released at the end of 2026 or early 2027 is unclear, but 2026 is considered a possibility.
If it arrives at the end of 2026, it would be a year with two MacBook Pro updates. That's rare, but it has happened before: the M2 Pro and M2 Max in early 2023, followed later in the year by the M3.

Design details: A punch-hole camera instead of a notch maximizes screen space. The look might be reminiscent of an iPhone Dynamic Island, but there's no indication of Face ID on the Mac.
New is the touch feature on the Mac display: Apple wants to use a reinforced hinge that remains stable when touched and reduces vibrations from touch gestures.
OLED advantages: higher brightness, stronger contrast with deeper blacks and whiter whites, better colors, less power consumption, therefore better battery life.
Case: thinner and lighter. Keyboard and trackpad remain, touch complements the existing input methods.
M6: Could also be based on 2 nanometers and increase performance plus efficiency, especially battery life.
5G in the MacBook: The OLED MacBook Pro could be the first MacBook with integrated 5G connectivity. Apple is expected to include a C2 modem for this purpose. C2 is planned as the second generation of Apple's modem and is expected to support mmWave and sub-6GHz.
Price: OLED and touchscreen functionality could make it more expensive. It's also possible that Apple will initially offer these features only in more expensive models.

iMac (M5, timing unclear)

An iMac update to the M5 processor is possible in 2026 – the exact timing is unclear. No design changes or major updates are known.
There were vague rumors about a larger iMac, but no indication that such a device is still being actively developed.

M5 Max iMac, possibly iMac Pro (time unclear)

Internal software leaks suggest that Apple is working on an iMac with an M5 Max chip. Max chips are typically reserved for Pro models. This makes it conceivable that Apple could release an iMac Pro in 2026. Further details are lacking. It could also be a test unit only. If a larger iMac exists, it could feature Mini-LED backlighting, similar to the rumored Studio Display 2. The size is unclear, but presumably larger than 24 inches.

Mac Pro (date unclear)

A new Mac Pro is possible, but the timing is uncertain. Bloomberg originally expected an M4 Mac Pro model before the end of 2025, but that didn't happen. That leaves 2026 or later. There's a theory that a Mac Pro alongside the Mac Studio might use the M5 Ultra processor, but that's unconfirmed. Bloomberg believes that won't happen. Furthermore, the Mac Pro is reportedly not a top priority for Apple, so it's even possible that no new model will be released at all.

If Apple does update in 2026: Thunderbolt 5 is expected. It could also support at least 512 GB of RAM and 16 TB of storage, because the M3 Ultra chip is capable of that.

Home Products 2026

No new HomePod mini or Apple TV was released in 2025, so both are expected in 2026. A new Home Hub device, serving as a smart home hub, is also expected.

Home Hub, Command Center (March or April 2026)

Apple is working on a Home Hub as a central location for smart home control, music, video calls, weather, Siri queries, photos, notes, calendar and more.

Design: All-screen, iPad-like, 7 inches. The size and shape are intended to resemble two iPhones placed side by side. There are two versions:
Option 1 for wall mounting
Option 2 with speaker base similar to HomePod mini for table or worktop
Software: Proprietary operating system. No App Store, but Apple apps are available as widgets.
Sensors and presence detection: Built-in sensors detect when someone is nearby and adjust the interface accordingly. When no one is present, the time and temperature are displayed. As someone approaches, the display can switch to control buttons, for example, for temperature adjustment.
Presence detection could also enable automations such as lights turning on when entering and possibly distinguish between people.
Audio and camera: Music playback is included, and there is also a camera for video calls.
Operation: Touch for widgets, but overall heavily reliant on Siri. Siri could get a personalized look on the Hub. A design reminiscent of a variation of the Mac Finder icon has been described.
Price: The figure being discussed is around US$350. It's possible that the wall-mounted and speaker versions will have different prices.
Timeframe: March to April 2026.

HomePod mini 2 (early 2026)

A new HomePod mini is reportedly about to launch. Release is expected in early 2026.

Chip: Updated S-series chip based on the Apple Watch S10.
Colors: New color options.
Otherwise: No further specific functional details, no design changes are expected.

Apple TV 4K (early 2026)

Visually unchanged, but with an updated A-series chip, called A17 Pro or A18. Apple Intelligence is said to be supported, making the Apple TV more powerful.

Wireless: N1 network chip with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread support is expected.
Smart Home: HomePod mini and Apple TV are connected to Apple's platform as smart home hubs and support Matter, the cross-platform protocol that makes more accessories usable for HomeKit.

AirTag 2 (early 2026)

No new design, but a new ultra-wideband chip. The speaker is supposed to be harder to remove to prevent tampering.

Leaked Apple code also mentions: better pairing, more detailed battery information, and improvements to tracking moving AirTags in crowded environments.

Apple security cameras (end of 2026)

Apple is reportedly developing its own indoor security cameras, with HomeKit integration and close collaboration with the Home Hub.

Argument behind the rumors: More privacy due to Apple's focus on data protection and security, as well as better integration into Apple devices.
Timeline: The first cameras could arrive at the end of 2026, with further accessories such as doorbells possibly coming later.

Wearables 2026

Apple Watch Series 12 (September 2026)

No major design updates are expected. A more comprehensive design overhaul is not anticipated until 2028 at the earliest.

Health: No new health feature is ready, although Apple continues to work on non-invasive blood glucose monitoring.
Chip: Since the iPhone is moving to a 2-nanometer process, the Apple Watch could also receive a noticeable performance boost in 2026. A new S12 chip is possible.

Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch SE (2026 unclear)

The Ultra and SE models are not updated every year. It's unclear whether new models will be released in 2026.

AI smart glasses (introduction at the end of 2026, sales likely in 2027)

Apple is working on smart glasses to compete with Meta's AI Ray-Bans. A unveiling at the end of 2026 is possible, but the market launch is more likely to take place in 2027.

An early teaser is not safe because early announcements and delays have recently hurt Apple, citing AirPower and the delayed Apple Intelligence Siri as examples.

Features: Cameras, speakers, sensors and AI integration, but no displays.
Functions: Take photos, listen to audio, make phone calls, get answers to questions.
Computational work: Should be done via the iPhone.
Design: Various materials and frame options to make it work as a fashion accessory.

AirPods Pro (late 2026)

Although AirPods Pro 3 didn't arrive until 2025, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects another update in 2026.

Features mentioned include an infrared camera for improved spatial audio with Vision Pro and support for in-air gestures. It might not be a completely new model, but rather a high-end update to the AirPods Pro 3.

Software 2026

Besides the usual major version releases at WWDC, spring 2026 is particularly important: iOS 26.4 is expected to bring a major Siri upgrade. This will be followed in June by the announcements of iOS 27, macOS 27, and other systems, with release in September.

iOS 26.4 with LLM-Siri (March or April 2026)

Apple is expected to release iOS 26.4 in March or April. The update is expected to include the smarter, more powerful Siri, which Apple already unveiled in June 2024.

The connection to the Home Hub is important: its release is said to have been postponed because Apple is waiting for this new Siri. Originally, a Siri upgrade was planned for an iOS 18 update, but Apple decided Siri wasn't good enough for the intended tasks. Therefore, Siri was delayed to allow for a redesign of the underlying architecture. The new Siri is expected to function more like ChatGPT or Claude, integrating large language models to answer complex questions and perform more demanding tasks.

What Apple promised for Siri with Apple Intelligence

Personal context: Siri should consider emails, messages, files, photos, and more, learn from them, and help with tasks, including finding content someone has sent. Example capabilities: Finding files Marc sent last week, finding the email in which Marc mentions ice skating, finding books Marc has recommended, finding a recipe Marc sent, and providing a passport number.
Screen awareness: Siri should be able to see what's on the screen and perform appropriate actions. For example: directly adding an address sent via SMS to a contact. Or sending a photo that's currently displayed to someone.
Deeper app integration: Siri should be able to do more within and between apps. Examples: moving files between apps, editing and sending photos, getting directions home and sending an ETA to Eric, sending a drafted email to Marc.
This aligns with an internal statement from Craig Federighi: The switch to the new architecture is said to have delivered the desired results and enables not only what was announced, but a larger upgrade than originally planned.

Gemini technology and private cloud computing

Apple has reportedly opted for Google's AI technology. Siri is said to be partially based on a Google Gemini model that Google developed for Apple. Siri is expected to be as powerful as Gemini because the underlying technology is the same. However, it will reportedly run on Apple's private cloud compute servers without sharing any information with Google.

iOS 27, macOS 27 and other systems (announced June 2026, released September 2026)

New versions of iOS, macOS, and other platforms will be unveiled at WWDC in June, with launch in September. With the new Siri expected in the spring, new Apple intelligence features are anticipated in the months leading up to WWDC.

Apple Intelligence could also be used as part of a new paid Health+ service, scheduled to launch next year. Nutritional planning and medical recommendations are mentioned, but details are not yet available. Additionally, Apple Intelligence features could be expanded to more apps.

There's also talk that Siri will get a new visual look in iOS 27. iOS 26.4 brings a major functional overhaul, and iOS 27 could follow suit with a visual refresh. Rumors surrounding an upcoming desktop robot suggest a more animated Siri, similar to the Mac Finder logo. This animated Siri could also appear on iPhone and iPad.

Satellite features: Apple is working on several new satellite features for the iPhone, some of which could arrive in iOS 27, but the timing is unclear. These include Apple Maps over Satellite, Photos in Messages over Satellite, a satellite API framework for third-party apps, Satellite over 5G, and satellite connectivity even without a clear line of sight. Some features might require new hardware, but Apple Maps over Satellite is not guaranteed.
Foldables: iOS 27 is also expected to bring new features and interfaces for the foldable iPhone, especially for the larger screen.

Mark Gurman describes iOS 27 as a Snow Leopard update, meaning more focus on basic performance and quality rather than huge new features.

2026: The year Apple reorients itself

Apple's 2026, according to rumors, looks like a year with two clear focuses: new hardware categories and a genuine AI upgrade for everyday use. On the hardware side, we're talking about the iPhone Fold, potential leaps in OLED display technology, a more affordable MacBook, and a new smart home command center. On the software side, iOS 26.4 with LLM Siri is the linchpin, expected to enable both the Home Hub and the next wave of Apple intelligence. Added to this is the long-term trend of Apple developing more key technologies in-house, from modems to network chips. If even a large portion of this comes to fruition, 2026 won't be just another year of updates for Apple, but a tangible strategic shift. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Roman Zaiets)

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