Apple's 2026 product roadmap could mark the Mac's most significant year since the original Macintosh debuted in 1984, according to multiple reports. The company plans a complete hardware refresh across its lineup, including a redesigned MacBook Pro, budget laptop, and first foldable iPhone.
The MacBook Pro receives its first major redesign since 2021, featuring OLED touchscreen displays and Apple's M6 processor family. Sources indicate the M6 chips will be Apple's first processors built on a 2nm manufacturing process, delivering substantial performance gains. The new Pro models may also include 5G connectivity, marking Apple's first cellular-capable MacBook.
Apple reportedly targets the budget laptop market with a $699 MacBook positioned below the MacBook Air. The entry-level model would use an A18 Pro or A19 Pro chip instead of Apple's M-series processors, making it the first MacBook powered by iPhone-class silicon. Multiple reports suggest the budget laptop will debut in bright colors like blue, pink, and yellow.
The company plans to refresh its Studio Display after four years without updates. The new 27-inch monitor will switch to miniLED backlighting for higher brightness and contrast, according to leaks found in iOS 26 code. An A19 Pro chip will replace the current A13 Bionic, improving camera features and Spatial Audio processing.
Apple's long-rumored foldable iPhone, called iPhone Fold, features a 7.8-inch inner display and 5.5-inch outer screen in a tablet-style design. Engineers focus on eliminating the crease issue that affects competing foldables, using a titanium frame for durability. The device may use Touch ID instead of Face ID for authentication.
A rumored 7-inch smart home hub running homeOS would compete with Google Nest Hub and Amazon Echo Show. Powered by the A18 chip, the device's launch depends on Apple's progress with AI-powered Siri improvements. The hub would serve as a central controller for HomeKit-compatible smart home devices.
The iPad mini receives its first redesign since 2021, adopting OLED display technology and the A19 Pro chip. The compact tablet gains improved water resistance alongside the display upgrade, according to multiple sources. Apple may position the updated iPad mini as a premium compact tablet option.
Apple's Mac Studio will receive M5 Max and M5 Ultra variants in early 2026, featuring a new chip design with CPU and GPU on separate blocks. This architecture allows for more customization options, letting customers choose configurations with different CPU and GPU core counts. The company has reportedly "largely written off" the Mac Pro in favor of the Mac Studio.
The M5 MacBook Air arrives in spring 2026 as a chip upgrade to the current M4 model released in March 2025. Benchmarks show the M5 offers CPU performance improvements with more significant GPU speed gains. Apple will maintain the same design while updating internal components.
Apple's software roadmap includes iOS 26.4 with AI-powered Siri in March or April, followed by iOS 27 with more mature Apple Intelligence features. macOS 27 will focus on performance and stability improvements rather than major new features, though subtle UI changes may prepare for touchscreen MacBooks.
The company faces pricing challenges across its lineup due to rising component costs, tariffs, and memory price increases. Maintaining the iPhone 17e at $599 and the budget MacBook at $699 requires careful cost management. Apple may increase prices for some products while keeping entry-level models competitive.
If all rumored products launch as planned, 2026 could represent Apple's most ambitious hardware year in decades. The combination of new form factors, display technologies, and processor architectures positions Apple across multiple market segments simultaneously.
