Apple’s 2026 Roadmap: iPhone 17e, Foldable iPhone and More
Apple’s 2026 may have gotten off to a fresh-product-filled start, but it’s far from done. There are plenty more iPhone and other announcements to come before the year’s complete. Between the launch of the M5 MacBook Air, MacBook Neo, iPhone 17e, and M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pros, Apple has made a solid start to the year. But with the annual WWDC event still to come, not to mention likely hardware announcements this fall, there is still plenty to look forward to.
What to Expect in 2026
Apple is still expected to unveil a raft of software and hardware in the coming months, including some all-new products. Rumors of the company’s first-ever foldable iPhone continue to gather pace, and that’s just the beginning. Between the iPhone Fold and never-ending rumors of a new HomePod-like device with a display, it’s hard to recognize what to be most excited about. Here, we’ve outlined the products that are most likely to ship in 2026, starting with WWDC.
Likely to be Announced During WWDC
Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference is likely to capture place in June, as it has in previous years. The event has historically seen Apple preview new software updates across its entire product range. The event has also played host to new hardware announcements in the past, normally for products used by developers, including Apple’s most capable Macs.
Software Updates
- iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, visionOS 27, and tvOS 27: As has become the norm, Apple is expected to announce its 2027 software updates at WWDC in June. New updates for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple Vision Pro, and Apple TV 4K are all expected.
iOS 27 Features
Updated and improved Apple Intelligence features are expected to be included on compatible devices. One of those Apple Intelligence improvements will likely be an upgraded Siri, making the assistant more conversational and deeply integrated with other apps and services. A refreshed user interface is less likely, with Apple expected to make subtle tweaks to the existing interface. Recent rumors have claimed iOS 27 will focus on delivering improved battery life to iPhone owners.
Hardware Updates at WWDC
- M5-series Mac Studio: Apple’s desktop powerhouse is due for an update, likely with new M5 Max and M5 Ultra configurations, bringing increased CPU and GPU performance.
- M5-series Mac mini: Apple has been testing M5 and M5 Pro versions of the Mac mini since at least August 2025.
Fall and Beyond
The post-WWDC months are likely to see plenty of new hardware announcements. Software announced during WWDC should be made available to the public in September.
New Hardware Releases
- iPhone Fold: Apple’s first foldable iPhone is expected to be one of the company’s biggest releases of 2026, sporting a 7.6-inch inner foldable display and a 5.3-inch outer display. It is expected to employ a new type of foldable display and hinge with a shallower crease than most Android foldables. The iPhone Fold will use an A20 Pro chip based on TSMC’s 2nm manufacturing process and will include a Touch ID sensor built into the power button. It is expected to cost around $2,500 for the entry-level model.
- iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max: Apple is expected to change the way it announces iPhones, debuting the high-end iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September 2026, while the iPhone 18 will arrive in early 2027. Rumors suggest under-screen Face ID technology for the Pro models, shrinking the Dynamic Island, and a hole-punch camera moving to the top-left corner of the display.
- Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4: New Apple Watches are expected to be announced during the September event.
The Wildcards
There are even more devices that continue to be rumored for a possible 2026 release.
- HomePod mini 2: A new HomePod mini with an S-series Apple Watch Series 10 chip is likely.
- Apple HomePod Hub: Rumors suggest a new HomePod-like device with a large touchscreen display, potentially launching in the fall.
- Refreshed Apple TV 4K: An updated streaming box with a fast A17 Pro chip and Apple’s N1 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip is expected.
- OLED MacBook Pro: A new OLED MacBook Pro, potentially called MacBook Ultra, is rumored for a late-2026 release, featuring a touchscreen OLED display and a new Dynamic Island.