Apple to Launch iPhone 17e, New iPads, and M5 Macs in Early 2026 [Report]

Apple might have a packed start to 2026, with a slate of new and updated products aimed at re-energizing its hardware lineup, according to Mark Gurman. In a newsletter to subscribers today, Gurman points to a new budget iPhone, multiple iPad updates, and upgraded Macs all potentially arriving in the first half of the year.

A successor to this year's iPhone 16e is reportedly on track for an early 2026 release. It's expected to keep a similar design but get a big jump in performance with the A19 processor. A quick turnaround like this would establish a new annual update cycle for Apple's entry-level phone—a notable shift from the less frequent updates for the old iPhone SE. This lines up with an earlier rumor that the 17e was already nearing trial production.

Apple's iPad lineup is also getting a refresh. The report claims new versions of the entry-level iPad and iPad Air are due by spring 2026, though it's unclear how significant the upgrades will be beyond faster chips. The new Air models will reportedly move from the M3 to the M4 chip. This follows an expected M5 update for the iPad Pro that could land as early as this October.


For the Mac, new M5-powered MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models are now targeting an early 2026 launch, a slight pushback from their original 2025 release window. Interestingly, this M5 MacBook Pro will reportedly be the last to feature the current design before a bigger overhaul brings OLED screens. That timeline fits with a previously leaked Mac product roadmap. Apple is also said to be planning its first new external monitor since the Studio Display was released in 2022.

The company's long-rumored smart home hub, which was reportedly delayed due to issues with the revamped Siri, might also finally arrive in the first half of next year. Apple, as usual, has declined to comment on the report.

For more Apple launch updates, please download the iClarified app or follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and RSS.