Apple’s Future Beyond the iPhone 17: What’s Next?
▼ Summary
– Apple is expected to launch at least 10 new products by the first half of 2026, as reported by Mark Gurman.
– The M5 iPad Pro is anticipated in October, potentially being the first device with an M5 chip, followed by upgraded MacBooks in early 2026.
– A budget-friendly iPhone 17e is in development for early next year, featuring minor upgrades and the A19 chip.
– Updates are planned for Apple TV, HomePod mini, and Vision Pro, including new processors and features like Siri and Apple Intelligence.
– New products include a smart home hub (J490), AirTag 2 with improved range, and two new 27-inch monitors (J427 and J527).
The recent launch of the iPhone 17 has barely settled into the tech world’s rearview mirror, yet industry insiders are already peering ahead at what Apple has in store. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company is preparing a significant wave of new releases, with at least ten products anticipated to debut by mid-2026. This forward momentum signals Apple’s continued expansion beyond its flagship smartphone into a broader ecosystem of devices and services.
Among the expected updates, the M5 iPad Pro stands out as one of the more predictable, yet still intriguing, releases. Slated for an October arrival, it may feature a second front-facing camera optimized for portrait orientation, appealing to users who frequently engage in video calls or content creation. This model could also mark the debut of Apple’s next-generation M5 chip, setting the stage for refreshed MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models in early 2026.
A more budget-conscious option is also in development, with the iPhone 17e targeted for early next year. While its design may closely resemble the current model, it will reportedly incorporate the new A19 chip found across the iPhone 17 lineup. Other familiar products like the Apple TV, HomePod mini, and Vision Pro are also due for incremental upgrades. These will include processor improvements and enhanced support for Siri and Apple Intelligence. The Vision Pro, in particular, is expected to adopt the M4 chip and a refined headband, though a more substantial redesign is not anticipated until 2027.
Perhaps the most compelling item on the horizon is the long-rumored smart home hub, internally referred to as J490. Initially speculated for a March release, the device is now projected to arrive in spring 2026. This would represent Apple’s first major new product category in years, building on the foundation established by the HomePod and iPad to create a centralized smart home interface.
Rounding out the list are the AirTag 2 and a pair of new monitors. The next-generation AirTags will feature improved range thanks to an upgraded wireless chip, while details on the displays remain sparse. Codenamed J427 and J527, these monitors are believed to be 27-inch models, potentially refreshing the aging Pro Display XDR and Studio Display lines, the latter of which debuted in late 2019.
(Source: The Verge)
