Apple to launch budget iPad, iPhone 17e and more devices in a few weeks
Apple is set to start 2026 with a packed launch cycle, bringing the more powerful iPhone 17e, refreshed iPad, and new Macs for both budget buyers and businesses. Here’s everything we know so far.
Apple is preparing to start 2026 with one of its busiest product cycles in recent years. Over the next few weeks, the company is expected to introduce a range of smartphones, tablets, laptops and new devices with software updates. This early-year promotion isn’t just about refreshing existing products. It also shows how Apple is increasing its focus on affordable hardware, enterprise users, and fast-growing markets where price and long-term support matter as much as premium design. Here’s everything we know so far.
Apple to launch budget iPad, iPhone 17e and more devices in a few weeks
iPhone 17e: Familiar price, big upgrade
The first big launch is expected to be the iPhone 17e, which will replace last year’s iPhone 16e. Although the phone will remain at the lower end of Apple’s iPhone line-up, the changes inside aren’t minor. The device is set to run on the A19 chip, the same processor that is used in the standard iPhone 17 models. This alone should bring a significant jump in performance and efficiency over its predecessor.
Another significant upgrade is the inclusion of MagSafe charging, a feature that was missing on the earlier “E” models. Apple is also moving the iPhone 17e to its latest in-house cellular and wireless chips, tightening its control over hardware and connectivity. Despite these upgrades, Apple is expected to keep the price unchanged at $599. The message here is simple: more features, same price.
Apple plans to promote the iPhone 17e extensively in emerging markets and among enterprise customers. With rivals either focusing on premium phones or making only small changes to their budget models, Apple sees an opportunity to push a more capable device at a stable price point. Leaks suggest that the launch event could happen by the end of February.
iPads get faster, not brighter
Along with the new iPhones, Apple is lining up refreshed iPads, including an updated entry-level model and new iPad Air variants. Anyone expecting a new look may be disappointed, as the changes have been largely hidden. The base iPad is expected to run on the A18 chip, while the iPad Air will come on the M4 processor.
The A18 upgrade is particularly significant because it brings Apple Intelligence support to an entry-level iPad for the first time. Apple is expected to make this a central part of its marketing, positioning the tablet as a smarter and more capable device for everyday work, study and office use.
The one exception in the iPad line-up is the iPad mini, which is expected to move to an OLED display, which will offer better contrast and colors than the existing models.
Macs: From M5 chips to cheap MacBooks
Apple’s Mac line-up is also to be refreshed. New 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros are expected along with the MacBook Air powered by the upcoming M5 processor. Updated Mac Studio desktops are also in the pipeline, followed by a refreshed Studio display that will look similar to the current version.
Perhaps the most interesting Mac launch in the first half of the year is the low-cost MacBook. With a screen of less than 13 inches and powered by an iPhone-class chip, this model is designed to compete directly with affordable Windows laptops and Chromebooks. Apple sees it as an easy entry point for new users and organizations who want macOS without paying premium prices.
Software updates running in parallel
The hardware is part of Apple’s early 2026 plans. The company is preparing to release iOS 26.4 in the coming weeks, which is expected to include parts of the long-awaited Siri upgrade. The first developer beta is expected to arrive in the last week of February.
While Apple will share more details at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June, this year’s event is expected to be quieter than usual. In addition to a more personalized Siri with chatbot-like features, Apple is focused on performance improvements, bug fixes, and cleaning up older parts of its software in future releases.
What comes later in 2026
The current launch wave is just the beginning. In the second half of the year, Apple is expected to introduce its first foldable iPhone, followed by the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. On the Mac side, a big change is also coming, with the MacBook Pro featuring OLED displays and touch support, which Apple has resisted for years.
