Apple Expected To Launch iPhone Fold, iPhone 17e, iPhone 18 Series, M5 MacBook Air & More in 2026

Apple's future plan in 2026 is expected to be one of its most daring ones with the company all set to demonstrate its first foldable iPhone, a new budget-oriented series, new iPads, and next-generation laptops. There are rumors that Apple will opt for a bifurcated launch policy, where the cheaper devices would be released at the beginning of the year and the expensive ones towards the end.

iPhone 17e: Budget Phone Early in 2026

According to sources, Apple will start the year with iPhone 17e, a cheap unit targeted at people looking for an iPhone experience without blowing their budget. There are talks of the device getting the latest A-series chip, better front camera, thinner bezels and even a Dynamic Island-inspired UX making the device look more contemporary and elegant.

iPhone Fold: The First Foldable Apple Device Coming in Late 2026

The folding phone i.e. iPhone Fold which Apple is planning to bring out in 2026 will be the most prominent feature— the company's first folding phone after several years of trial and error. Probably arriving together with the iPhone 18 Pro series, the phone is expected to have a book-type folding mechanism, a huge internal display and a small outer screen for quick access. The company is working on hinge durability and crease reduction—typical issues with foldable phones. Although it will have a high initial price, the phone could shake the market that is currently ruled by Samsung, Google, and OnePlus.

iPhone 18 Series: Major Premium Refresh

Apple is preparing a substantial update for the iPhone 18 lineup. Reports indicate the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will arrive in late 2026 with redesigned camera systems, next-gen chips, improved battery life, and deeper AI integrations following the Apple Intelligence expansion. Interestingly, the standard iPhone 18 and 18 Plus may be pushed to 2027, giving the premium models more spotlight while the 17e caters to early-year buyers.

MacBook Air M5 and New Macs

Apple is also expected to release several new Macs, beginning with the MacBook Air featuring the M5 chip in early 2026. This update is set to bring improved performance and battery life over the M3 and M4 versions. The MacBook Pro lineup may also receive the new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, and Apple is reportedly exploring a lower-cost MacBook powered by an A-series chip for students and first-time Mac users.

Other Apple Devices Expected in 2026

Updated iPad models

Redesigned iPad mini with OLED display

New Mac mini and Mac Studio upgrades

Updated Apple external displays

Second-generation AirTag

In 2026, it might be a year that is one of the most active and important in Apple’s product history if these projections turn out to be true, representing a definite transition to a two-phase annual launch cycle: first affordable products, then flagship innovations.