According to the latest supply chain news and analyst predictions, Apple will launch [a program/project] this year.The most concentrated wave of product launches in recent yearsThere may be more than 20 new products in the pipeline.
Besides the routine updates to iPhone, iPad, and Mac products, the biggest highlight this year is the expansion of the entire product line—including…The long-rumored foldable iPhoneA budget-friendly MacBook equipped with a mobile phone chip, and the Home Hub, a smart home hub that is finally making its way into the living room.
First Half of the Year: The M5 Chip Army and the "Affordable" Surprise
Apple is expected to release its first wave of hardware updates before WWDC in June, focusing on improving chip performance and enhancing the capabilities of its entry-level products.
• iPhone 17e:
As the successor to the iPhone 16e, this "national phone" will undergo a major redesign. Rumors suggest it will adopt a Dynamic Island design, bidding farewell to the notch.
In terms of specifications, it is expected to be equipped with an A19 chip (possibly a downclocked design), support MagSafe, and use Apple's own C1X data chip. The price is expected to remain at the market sweet spot (about $599), targeting users with limited budgets who want to experience Apple Intelligence.
• MacBook series:
The M5 generation is coming: MacBook Air and MacBook Pro are expected to be updated to the M5 series chips this spring, with AI computing power being the focus of this upgrade.
• 12.9-inch low-priced MacBook:
Apple is rumored to be launching a more affordable laptop positioned below the MacBook Air, possibly equipped with the A18 Pro chip (yes, the same chip used in iPhones), targeting the education market and the demand for light reading materials.
• iPad family:
The iPad Air will be upgraded to the M4 chip, while the entry-level iPad will be upgraded to the A18 or A19 chip to ensure that it can run Apple Intelligence.
• Home Hub:
The long-rumored "HomePad" is finally about to appear. It is reported that this device will be equipped with a 6-7 inch square screen and a rotating robotic arm base. It can recognize users through Face ID and automatically turn around, becoming the AI command center of the home.
Second half of the year: The first year of foldable phones and the second evolution of the MacBook?
The real show is about to begin at the September fall presentation:
• iPhone 18 Pro series:
It is expected to be equipped with the A20 Pro chip (expected to be manufactured using TSMC's 2nm process). The dynamic island of the Pro model will be narrower, and a variable aperture lens will be introduced, further enhancing its photography capabilities.
• Foldable iPhone:
Rumors suggest this foldable phone will feature a book-style opening and closing design (similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold), with a 7.8-inch inner screen and a 5.3-inch outer screen, and will primarily feature...Crease-free screen technologyIt features a titanium/aluminum alloy hybrid body. Notably, it may not include a Face ID interface, instead using Touch ID unlocking via the power button.
• Apple Watch Series 12/Ultra 4:
Aside from the usual S12 chip upgrade, the biggest surprise might be the return of Touch ID (integrated into the side button), making unlocking and payments more intuitive.
• MacBook Pro (Late 2026):
Although the M5 version was just updated in the first half of the year, there are rumors that Apple plans to make a "major overhaul" at the end of the year, launching a new MacBook Pro with an M6 Pro/Max chip, an OLED touch screen and a thinner body.
Timeline Undetermined and Future Outlook
In addition to the aforementioned strong contenders, some other products may be launched unexpectedly at some point this year, or delayed until 2027.
• AirPods Pro 3:
The charging case may include an infrared camera to assist in the spatial audio processing of the Vision Pro.
• New Apple TV and HomePod mini:
The chip is expected to be upgraded to support a more powerful Siri and Wi-Fi 7.
• AirTag 2:
The speaker has a wider connection range and is more difficult to be maliciously disconnected.
• Face ID doorbell and AR glasses:
These are long-term plans, and the chances of seeing them this year are relatively low.
Analysis of viewpoints
2026 will be a crucial year for Apple. If the "foldable iPhone" and the "low-priced A18 MacBook" become a reality, it signifies a shift in Apple's product strategy.
• Defense and offense go hand in hand:The low-priced MacBook and iPhone 17e are designed to defend market share lost to Chromebooks and mid-range Android devices, while the foldable phone is intended to prove its ability to innovate in hardware in the high-end market.
• Home Hub is the final piece of the AI puzzle:With Siri integrating LLM (Large Language Model), Apple needs a physical platform at home that's always ready to use, not just a voice assistant on a phone. A well-designed dock that "turns its head to look at you" could be more human-like than the Amazon Echo Show.
However, updating the MacBook Pro twice a year (M5 followed by M6 chips) sounds quite aggressive, which may sting users who just bought the M5 chipset in the first half of the year. Tim Cook's skill in managing the product lifecycle will be a test.
