Apple's Next Big Thing: MacBook Pro, iPads & iPhone 17e Revealed!
Apple’s 2026 is already shaping up to be an exciting year, with the recent launch of the AirTag 2 and the innovative Creator Studio app subscription geared towards independent content creators. However, until now, updates to the company’s core product families – the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook Pro – have been noticeably absent. That’s all about to change, according to the latest reporting from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. New iterations of Apple’s entry-level iPhone, the standard iPad and iPad Air, and the high-performance MacBook Pros are reportedly arriving “imminently,” “soon,” and “shortly,” respectively. These releases will precede planned updates later in the year for the iPad mini, Studio Display, and other Mac models. Let's dive into what we know about the upcoming hardware.
iPhone 17e: A Refresh for the Entry-Level iPhone
Apple is preparing to launch the iPhone 17e, a refreshed version of its most affordable iPhone. This new model is expected to feature the A19 chip, comparable to the one powering the standard iPhone 17. Crucially, the 17e will also incorporate MagSafe charging, a feature increasingly expected by consumers. While the iPhone 17e is likely to retain the basic single-lens camera system and the familiar notched display (without the Dynamic Island), it will maintain the attractive price point of $599, mirroring the current iPhone 16e. This is particularly noteworthy given the current challenges in the supply chain impacting AI-driven RAM and storage costs.
This represents a shift in Apple’s strategy for its lower-end iPhones. The previous iPhone SE received updates sporadically, with significant gaps between releases. The iPhone 16e, however, was introduced just last year, signaling a more frequent refresh cycle.
The iPhone Lineup Conundrum
A key question remains: will the iPhone 17e coexist with the older, yet still capable, iPhone 16 and 16 Plus? These models, starting at just $100 more than the iPhone 16e, offer a dual-lens camera system and the Dynamic Island. Having four distinct iPhone models within the $600-$800 price range could potentially create confusion for consumers. Apple needs to clearly differentiate the value proposition of each model to avoid market saturation and ensure a smooth customer experience.
MacBook Pro: Powering Up with M5
The update for the MacBook Pro is relatively straightforward: the 14- and 16-inch models currently powered by the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips will be replaced with versions featuring the M5 Pro and M5 Max.
New MacBook Pros have been anticipated since the launch of the 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro last fall, which didn’t include higher-end M5 Pro and M5 Max configurations. Lengthening shipping estimates for the current M4 Pro and M4 Max MacBook Pros suggest that manufacturing is winding down in preparation for the new models.
While more substantial updates to the MacBook Pro, including models with OLED display panels and potential touchscreen functionality, are reportedly in development, the M5 versions will largely maintain the existing design introduced with the M1 Pro and M1 Max MacBook Pros in late 2021. This incremental upgrade focuses on performance enhancements rather than a radical redesign.
Gurman also indicates that new Mac Studio models and Mac minis are in the pipeline, alongside an update for the Studio Display. Furthermore, Apple is reportedly working on a “low-cost MacBook” to fill a gap in its laptop lineup. The company’s experiment with selling the older M1 MacBook Air through Walmart for as low as $599 has seemingly convinced Apple that there’s a market for laptops priced below the traditional $999 baseline.
New iPads: A Focus on Performance and Intelligence
Apple’s upcoming iPad upgrades appear to follow a similar pattern: processor updates with minimal changes to the overall design. However, these updates will be significant, particularly for the entry-level $349 iPad. This model is set to move away from the current A16 chip to the Apple A18 chip, first seen in the iPhone 16 series in late 2024.
The performance gains of the A18 over the A16 are uncertain – Apple sometimes utilizes versions of its chips with disabled CPU or GPU cores in the lower-end iPad. However, the A18 will bring Apple Intelligence support to the base iPad for the first time. The A16 iPad was notably absent from the initial wave of Apple Intelligence-compatible devices. The inclusion of Apple Intelligence also suggests an upgrade to 8GB of RAM, benefiting multitasking even for users who don’t fully utilize the current AI features or the anticipated “more intelligent Siri.”
iPad Air and iPad mini Updates
An iPad Air update is also on the horizon, featuring the M4 processor instead of the current M3. Given that the M4 iPad Pro launched nearly two years ago (alongside an M2-based iPad Air), the M4 iPad Air won’t be a groundbreaking leap in performance. However, the new chip will keep the tablet feeling current while we await a potential redesign or screen upgrade.
Finally, the iPad mini is also slated for an update later this year. Rumors suggest it will switch to an OLED display panel, a significant improvement for visual quality. However, Apple appears to be prioritizing the launch of the A18 iPad and M4 iPad Air before releasing the updated iPad mini.
What Does This Mean for Consumers?
Apple’s upcoming releases demonstrate a commitment to refreshing its entire product lineup, catering to a wide range of users and budgets. The iPhone 17e offers an accessible entry point into the Apple ecosystem, while the M5 MacBook Pros provide a performance boost for professionals. The updated iPads, with their A18 and M4 chips, will bring enhanced capabilities and Apple Intelligence support to a broader audience. The potential introduction of a “low-cost MacBook” could further disrupt the laptop market, offering a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers. As always, staying informed about these developments is crucial for making the best purchasing decisions. Keep an eye on GearTech for further updates and in-depth analysis as these new products become available.
The integration of Apple Intelligence across more devices is a key trend to watch. This technology, combined with the power of Apple’s silicon, promises to deliver a more intuitive and personalized user experience. The shift towards more frequent updates for the lower-end iPhone models also suggests a change in Apple’s strategy, potentially aiming to capture a larger share of the mid-range smartphone market. The coming months will be pivotal for Apple as it navigates these evolving market dynamics and continues to innovate.