July 31, 2026, 3:22 pm | Read time: 7 minutes
Through leaks and insider reports, we’ve already gathered a lot of information about Apple’s roadmap for the coming years. Codenames as well as specific features and functions for many devices are now known. Here’s an overview.
At the end of 2026, a comprehensive iOS code leak provided hints about new iPads and smart home devices. Shortly thereafter, an iPhone 16 prototype surfaced, running an early developer version of iOS 26—then still called iOS 19. From the information in the pre-release software and earlier leaks, the roadmap for Apple’s devices in the coming years can be pieced together.
Apple Devices Planned for 2026
iPhone
Apple already introduced the iPhone 17e in the spring, which finally supports MagSafe and is equipped with the new C1X modem. However, the real excitement comes in the fall. Toward the end of the year, the launch of the iPhone 18 series is planned. Unlike before, only the higher-priced models—iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max—are expected to be released at that time. Face ID could be integrated under the display for the first time, and a camera with a variable aperture is planned. The star of the show is likely to be Apple’s first foldable smartphone: the iPhone Fold or iPhone “Ultra.”
The device, codenamed V68, is expected to come in a book format and, when folded, be similar in size to an iPhone mini. The internal screen, with a diagonal of about 7.6 inches, rivals the iPad mini. The foldable iPhone is also expected to be the first to feature an under-display camera, allowing for an uninterrupted display.
iPad
At the beginning of 2026, a new iPad Air model with an M4 chip was released. The iPad 12th generation, however, is still pending. It is expected to support Apple Intelligence for the first time with a current chip—the A19 from the iPhone 17. Additionally, it will feature the Apple N1 for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Later in the year—possibly in October—the iPad mini 8th generation is expected to follow. The device is set to receive a redesign with a waterproof casing and appear for the first time with an OLED display. The inclusion of the upcoming A20 Pro chip is also likely.
Also interesting: Apple Launches OLED Offensive—Will It Be Costly for Customers?
Mac
In March, a range of new Apple laptops was released, including the new entry-level device MacBook Neo, which comes with the A18 Pro instead of a chip from the M series. With its competitive price of only 699 euros (599 euros with an educational discount), it competes with Chromebooks and affordable Windows laptops.
MacBook Air and MacBook Pro have also received new chips. The Air now comes with the M5, while the Pro is equipped with the more powerful M5 Pro and M5 Max. Desktop Macs, however, are still awaiting the M5 upgrade:
- Mac mini: M5 and M5 Pro
- Mac Studio: M5 Max and M5 Ultra
- iMac: M5
By the end of 2026, another MacBook Pro is expected to appear: The entry-level model with 14 inches is set to be the first device to receive the M6. However, the chip is only a transitional solution until Apple introduces a brand-new, AI-focused generation with the M7 in 2027.
Originally, the launch of a completely newly developed MacBook Pro was also planned for the end of 2026, which could be called MacBook “Ultra” in reference to the upcoming foldable iPhone. The laptop is expected to feature an OLED touchscreen for the first time in Apple’s history, as well as a newly designed casing. macOS 27 already offers touch-optimized controls in the current beta version to prepare for the launch.
Since Apple does not plan Pro, Max, or Ultra variants for the M6 chip, the MacBook Ultra would need to be equipped with the M5 Pro, M5 Max, and M5 Ultra to appear in 2026. Although the M7 generation starts in early 2027, the more powerful chip variants will not be available until the second half of the year—likely too late for the “Ultra” MacBook.
Apple Watch
Along with the iPhone 18 and iPhone Fold, the Apple Watch Series 12 with a new chip and additional health features will be released in the second half of the year. An Apple Watch Ultra 4 is also possible. However, since Apple has not updated the high-end smartwatch annually, its release this year is not guaranteed.
According to “Bloomberg,” no major innovations are expected. However, the planned S11 chip could mark a significant performance leap over the now two-year-old S10. Significant changes like the integration of Touch ID are likely to come with later models.
Miscellaneous
In the first half of 2026, the AirTags 2 were already released, featuring a greater range and a stronger speaker. Finding an AirTag via Apple Watch is now also possible.
As TECHBOOK has already reported in detail, a new Home Hub is in the works at Apple. The smart display comes with Face ID and a 1080p camera and is designed to recognize individual users and dynamically load the corresponding profiles. The display is square and shows context-based information based on Apple Intelligence. The hub is set to launch with the new Siri, which Apple has been working on for years. Instead of its own solution, the integration of Google Gemini is planned.
The HomePod mini 2 could also appear alongside the Home Hub. Additionally, an as-yet-unknown device with the codename J229 is in development, which leaks suggest has integrated sensors, hinting at a security camera.
A new Apple TV model could also hit the market in 2026.
Apple Devices Planned for 2027
iPhone
The standard model of the iPhone 18 is not expected to be released alongside the Pro models in fall 2026 but rather with the entry-level model iPhone 18e in early 2027.
In fall 2027, the iPhone Air 2 could follow, which was originally planned for 2026. The lower-than-expected demand for the iPhone Air is likely to force Apple to rethink its release schedule. The successor is expected to address two major criticisms by adding a second camera with an ultra-wide-angle lens and offering a lower price.
2027 marks the 20th anniversary of the iPhone. Apple is therefore working on an anniversary iPhone that will feature a completely new, fresh design. The plan is for a casing with front and back made of curved glass that wraps around the sides—similar to earlier Samsung smartphones like the Galaxy S8. After Face ID is expected to disappear under the display with the iPhone 18, the selfie camera will follow suit with the anniversary iPhone, creating a completely seamless front.
iPad
At the earliest, a newly designed iPad Air with an OLED display is expected in 2027. However, the date is not secured, so the launch could be delayed.
Miscellaneous
Numerous updates for iPads, Macs, and the Apple Watch are also planned for 2027, but exact details are not yet known. Other devices Apple is working on for a release in the following year include:
- A table robot with a gripping arm (J595), which also functions as a Home Hub.
- A smart AI glasses (N401) designed to compete with Meta’s Ray-Bans. Apple has paused work on a Vision Pro successor to focus on the smart glasses segment.