Apple to Launch New MacBook Pro, iPhone 17e, and iPads by Early 2026

​​​​​​​The technology giant is developing a wide range of products that include a new lower-end iPhone, updated iPads, refreshed MacBook models, and an external display for Mac consumers, the people said.

Apple Inc. is lining up a large portfolio of new devices for launch in the first half of 2026, marking a fresh bid to reignite product momentum and get back on track with steady revenue growth.

The technology giant is developing a wide range of products that include a new lower-end iPhone, updated iPads, refreshed MacBook models, and an external display for Mac consumers, the people said.

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One of the lead products in Apple's early 2026 lineup is the iPhone 17e, which is a sequel to the $599 model that the company launched earlier this year. Dubbed V159 internally, the new phone will take on the iPhone 16e's design but with an upgrade to the A19 chip, placing it on par with the top-of-the-line iPhone 17 series. The move to yearly refreshes in this segment marks a departure from Apple's own slower refresh cycle for the iPhone SE series, which only received two updates since its launch in 2016.

The iPad lineup is also receiving considerable focus. Apple will release fresh entry iPads (designation J581 and J582) and revised iPad Air models (J707, J708, J737, and J738) in March or April 2026. The revamped entry iPads will look similar to existing devices but with a boost in performance, swapping the A16 chip (launched in 2022) for a newer chip.

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At the same time, the iPad Air, which is one of Apple's most popular tablets, particularly following the introduction of the 13-inch model in 2024, will move from the M3 chip to the M4. Otherwise, design updates should be slim. The mid-range iPad Air continues to be a favorite with consumers, education segments, and enterprises due to its bigger screen and comparatively affordable price beginning at approximately $800.

The iPad Pro, which now begins at $999, also needs to be updated as early as October with models (J817–J821) to come equipped with the new-generation M5 chip. These Pro iPads have not been updated since May 2024.

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Apple previously set out to introduce fresh 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros (the J714 and J716) with M5 chips in late 2025. Arrangements have since changed, though, with the models now expected to appear in early 2026. If things stay on track, the existing generation of MacBook Pros will have a longer-than-average cycle. These will be the last models based on the design unveiled in 2021 prior to Apple migrating to redesigned enclosures and launching OLED screens—the same screen technology used in iPhones from 2017 and iPad Pros beginning in 2024.

Updated MacBook Airs (model numbers J813 and J815) also should launch in the same timeframe, spreading Apple's M-series platform to its entire laptop lineup.

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Apart from this, Apple is gearing up to launch a new external Mac monitor—its latest since the Apple Studio Display was released in 2022. Code-named J427, the display is in line for an early 2026 release.

In addition to updates on its flagship hardware lineup, Apple is also reworking its smart home hub initiative, which is internally codenamed J490. Originally planned for a March 2025 debut, the device has been pushed back because of dependencies on new Siri capabilities that have been delayed by Apple. It can now potentially release in the first half of 2026.

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The early 2026 wave of products will come after Apple's usual fall lineup update this year, which will feature a thinner iPhone 17, refreshed iPhone 17 Pro models, new Apple Watches across the board, refreshed iPad Pros, and a faster Vision Pro headset.

Following a ride of pandemic-fueled growth, Apple has experienced slower demand in recent times due to partly fewer product launches. With this fresh product strategy—ranging from low-budget devices to Macs at the high end—the company seems set to recover its ground and maintain long-term momentum in its device ecosystem.

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An Apple representative, located in Cupertino, California, declined to make comments on the product plans.
 

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