Apple upcoming launches: From iPhone 17e to new affordable MacBook and more

Apple iPhone 16e

• Apple plans major product launches in early 2026 with performance upgrades
• iPhone 17e to feature A19 chip, MagSafe, and unchanged $599 pricing
• New iPads and Macs to get faster chips; budget MacBook for entry-level users

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Apple is lining up several product launches for the first half of 2026, focusing on performance upgrades and wider access to its in-house chips and AI features. According to Bloomberg’s well-known Apple watcher Mark Gurman, the company is preparing updates across its smartphone, tablet and computer portfolios, with many devices expected to arrive as early as February.

Rather than major design overhauls, the strategy appears centred on faster processors, broader Apple Intelligence availability and lower entry pricing in select categories to attract emerging markets and first-time buyers.

iPhone 17e

Apple is expected to introduce the iPhone 17e as the successor to last year’s iPhone 16e. The upcoming model is tipped to use the A19 processor from the main iPhone 17 lineup, bringing a noticeable jump in everyday performance.

Reports also suggest the phone could gain MagSafe charging support and Apple’s newer in-house wireless and cellular chips. Despite the internal upgrades, pricing is likely to remain unchanged at around $599, positioning the iPhone 17e as a more affordable gateway into Apple’s latest ecosystem. The device is expected to see strong focus in emerging markets and enterprise deployments.

New iPads 

Apple is also preparing refreshed iPad models with improved processors across the lineup. The entry-level iPad is expected to move to the A18 chip, enabling Apple Intelligence features for the first time on the base tablet.

Meanwhile, updated iPad Air models are said to transition to the more powerful M4 processor, narrowing the performance gap with iPad Pro models. Design changes are expected to be minimal, but one notable shift could come to the iPad mini, which is reportedly moving to an OLED display for improved contrast and power efficiency.

Macs with M5 chips and a budget MacBook

On the computer front, Apple is working on new MacBook Air, 14-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro models powered by the upcoming M5 chip. Upgraded Mac Studio desktops, a refreshed Studio Display and new Mac mini variants are also part of the 2026 roadmap.

One of the more significant additions could be a lower-cost MacBook with a display under 13 inches, running an iPhone-class processor. This model is expected to compete directly with affordable Windows laptops and Chromebooks, offering a cheaper entry point into the Mac ecosystem.

Together, these upcoming releases suggest Apple is focusing on broader accessibility rather than radical redesigns. Faster chips, AI feature expansion and a new budget MacBook indicate a push to attract new users while keeping existing customers within Apple’s hardware ecosystem.

With multiple launches likely packed into early 2026, Apple appears set for one of its busiest product refresh cycles in recent years.