February 13, 2026, 5:33 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Apple Stores are running out of inventory for the iPhone 16e and iPad Air. However, potential buyers should hold off a bit longer, as the successors are already in the pipeline.
First Product Launch Still in February?
Apple employees report that iPhone and iPad models are scarcely available in Apple Stores, as Mark Gurman from Bloomberg writes in a post on X (formerly Twitter). The stock of the iPhone 16e, in particular, is “practically dried up.” There are also shortages with the iPad Air.
This typically happens when Apple is preparing to launch new products that will completely replace old models. Recently, availability has also decreased for MacBook Pro models with M4 chips. Current information suggests that the launch of new MacBook Pros with M5 Pro and M5 Max is imminent.
The same is likely true for the iPhone 16e and iPad Air. The iPhone 17e is expected to be released on February 19. The iPad Air with the M4 chip could follow shortly after. For comparison, Apple introduced the iPhone 16e on February 19 and the iPad Air M3 on March 4, 2025.
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Updates for the iPhone 17e
Apple is making several changes to the budget iPhone to better position it in the mid-range smartphone market. While the device is not expected to receive a new design, it will be equipped with the latest hardware. This includes the A19 chip, the C1X modem, and the N1 chip for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi–all components developed by Apple.
Additionally, the 17e is expected to be the last iPhone to finally include MagSafe for faster wireless charging and magnetic accessories. However, no changes in price are anticipated. The device is expected to start at 699 euros, like its predecessor.
Also of interest: What new devices does Apple have in the works?
Model Updates for the iPads
A new iPad Air is also in the pipeline, but apart from new internal hardware, no changes are expected. As usual, the Air is likely to jump a chip generation. With the M4, it still lags behind the iPad Pro, which has been equipped with the M5 chip since 2025.
Also, at the beginning of 2026, a refreshed iPad (12th generation) is expected to be released. Insiders recently speculated that Apple would equip the base model with the current A19 chip, while earlier leaks mentioned the A18. In any case, the tablet is expected to be the last device to finally receive Apple Intelligence. Like the iPhone 17e, the Apple N1 is expected to be used.