Apple’s 2026 Game Plan: New iPhones, M5 Macs, Smart Homes and… Formula 1?
Apple isn’t just prepping for another iPhone cycle, it’s planning a full-scale tech invasion in 2026. From budget iPhones to redesigned Macs and even a possible deal to broadcast Formula 1 in the U.S., the company looks ready to hit the gas pedal again after a relatively quiet year on the innovation front.
Here’s everything that’s reportedly cooking in Cupertino.
Budget iPhones, Refreshed iPads and That M5 Muscle
Let’s start with what we all expect, shiny new hardware.
The iPhone 17e, The next entry-level model, is on track for an early 2026 release. It’s set to replace the current $599 version and will be powered by the A19 chip, continuing to give its affordable lineup regular annual updates, a far cry from the old-school iPhone SE treatment.
On the iPad front, there’s a full slate coming:
-
New entry-level iPads (codenamed J581/J582) with A16 chips
-
Refreshed iPad Airs (J707/J708/J737/J738) moving from M3 to M4 chips
-
High-demand 13-inch Air model returning, expected to keep its sub-$800 price tag
Meanwhile, the iPad Pro finally gets its M5-powered makeover by October 2025, with models coded J817-J821. Pricing starts around $999, and this will be the first update since May last year. Yes, it’s been that long.
MacBook Air and Pro Updates: M5 Chips, OLED Incoming
MacBook fans, your turn.
Apple’s 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros with M5 chips (J714/J716) are now likely launching early next year, not this fall. These will mark the end of the current design era before they transition the MacBook Pro line to OLED displays and a fresh shell. That’s the same deep-contrast screen tech already found in iPhones and iPad Pros.
Also on deck:
-
A new MacBook Air lineup (J813/J815), launching in the first half of 2026
-
An updated external display (J427), Apple’s first since the 2022 Studio Display
Apple Vision Pro and Smart Home Ambitions
The Vision Pro is expected to get more powerful and feature-rich next year, showing up as part of the usual spring hardware refresh. It’ll drop alongside next-gen Apple Watches, new iPhones, and the usual fanfare.
Also coming (finally): a smart home control center internally tagged J490. Originally planned for early 2025, delays in Siri’s software overhaul have pushed this back to early 2026. Think of it as an attempt to own your living room, not just your pocket.
Apple Wants to Buy the U.S. F1 Broadcasting Rights. Seriously.
Now here’s the wildcard. Apple is reportedly in talks to buy the Formula 1 broadcast rights in the U.S. and yes, it’s very real.
Why? Their $300 million F1 movie just exploded at the global box office, bringing in big numbers and new fans. They see this as the perfect momentum boost to expand into sports streaming, building on its existing MLB and MLS deals.
F1’s parent company Liberty Media thinks this could complement Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” by attracting younger and more American audiences. Translation: more eyeballs, bigger money.
Leadership Shuffle: Jeff Williams Out, Sabih Khan In
Internally, things are shifting. Longtime COO Jeff Williams is heading for retirement. Sabih Khan, Apple’s senior VP of operations, is the likely successor. This leadership handoff comes as Apple juggles multiple challenges including regulatory heat from the U.S. and EU, and the ongoing shift of iPhone production from China to India amid trade pressure.
Also Read- How to Customize the Always-On Display on Your OnePlus Phone
