Apple is kicking off 2026 with a full slate of hardware and software updates. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company has lined up new iPhones, iPads, and Macs for release over the next two months.
On top of that, Apple’s long-promised “Apple Intelligence” features, including a revamped, AI-powered Siri, are expected to make their public debut before the end of February.
While nothing has been officially confirmed, the clues suggest Apple is preparing for a series of quieter rollouts, relying on press releases rather than full-blown events. Here’s what to expect from Cupertino’s early 2026 lineup.
Apple’s next budget smartphone, the iPhone 17e, is expected to take centre stage in February. Previous reports suggest that the device could launch globally around February 19, following the same playbook as last year’s iPhone 16e release.
Based on leaks and rumours, the iPhone 17e is set to be Apple’s most feature-packed entry-level iPhone yet.
Gurman reports, it will run on the A19 chip, the same processor that powers the iPhone 17 flagship series, and will bring MagSafe charging for the first time to the budget range. Alongside this, the device is expected to include Apple’s latest C1X cellular modem and N1 connectivity chip for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Thread support.
Perhaps the best part? Gurman claims the iPhone 17e will retain the same $599 (around Rs 54,250) starting price as the iPhone 16e, making it a rare case of “more for the same money” in Apple’s world.
Apple is also said to be focusing its marketing efforts on emerging markets and enterprise buyers, where affordability and reliability often trump cutting-edge specs. With competition from Google and Samsung softening in the lower midrange segment, the timing could play in Apple’s favour.
March will likely belong to the Macs. According to Gurman, Apple plans to roll out new MacBook Pro models featuring the latest M5 Pro and M5 Max chips as soon as Monday, March 2. The release is reportedly linked to the rollout of macOS Tahoe 26.3, which will ship around the same time.
Current MacBook Pro models with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips remain in short supply, further hinting that new models are around the corner. The updated MacBooks are expected to deliver noticeable performance gains, while Apple continues work on a major redesign with OLED displays and touch support, due later this year.
That’s not all. Gurman says updated Mac Studio models should follow soon after, alongside a new Studio Display and Mac mini. There’s even talk of a low-cost MacBook powered by an iPhone chip, designed for education and developing markets.
In short, Apple’s Mac lineup is set for one of its busiest refresh cycles in years.
The iPad lineup is also due for a refresh. Gurman says new iPad and iPad Air models are “coming soon,” likely in the next few weeks. The updates will be modest on the outside but more significant inside.
The 12th-generation iPad is tipped to feature the A18 chip, bringing improved performance and Apple Intelligence compatibility. The 8th-generation iPad Air will reportedly get the M4 chip, aligning it with Apple’s higher-end tablets.
Meanwhile, the iPad mini could be the only model to see a visible design upgrade this year, as Apple prepares to introduce an OLED display for the compact tablet.
These updates come at a time when iPad sales have surged again, driven largely by the entry-level models. Apple is said to be planning a major marketing push for the new iPad range, especially for enterprise and education customers.
After years of catch-up, Apple’s voice assistant is finally getting its AI moment. The first beta of iOS 26.4, expected around February 23, will give developers and users a taste of Apple’s long-teased Apple Intelligence features announced at WWDC 2024.
According to Gurman, the update will introduce the first “real-world” version of a more capable Siri, featuring natural conversation abilities, contextual understanding, and a chatbot-style interface.
Later this year, iOS 27 will reportedly expand these capabilities, with Apple focusing on polishing performance and stability across its platforms.
It’s a major shift for Siri, which has long lagged behind rivals like Google Assistant and ChatGPT. If Apple’s implementation delivers, this could be the year Siri finally graduates from basic commands to something far more useful.
From the budget-friendly iPhone 17e to AI-infused software and powerful new Macs, Apple’s early 2026 roadmap reflects a company balancing innovation with accessibility. If all these products arrive on schedule, the next few months could set the tone for Apple’s biggest year of hardware updates in recent memory.
