Anyone who had hoped that Apple would launch new iPad models and Mac computers this fall, is unfortunately disappointed. According to sources by Mark Gurman van Bloomberg, Apple will only release new iPads and Macs with M5 chip in early 2026.
The iPhone 17 will also make its appearance. With this rapid follow -up, Apple seems to want to introduce an annual update cycle for its affordable iPhones. We briefly list a few details, rumors and expectations for you.
Possibly large product launches at the beginning of 2026
Apple’s timeline with regard to product launches is fairly easy to predict. In the fall, releasing a new iPhone and Apple Watch is a fixed shot. The iPad and Mac models usually follow in October or November.
According to New information from Mark Gurman We will have to wait a little longer this year for new Macs and iPads. According to him, we can only expect a new budget iphone, various iPad updates and powerful Macs at the beginning of 2026. Earlier, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo shared similar rumors.
Timeline
- iPad Pro with M5 chip: Possible autumn 2025
- iPhone 17th: spring 2026
- iPad 12th generation: spring 2026
- iPad Air with M4 chip: spring 2026
- MacBook Air with M5 chip: Spring 2026
- MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max Chip: Spring 2026
- New Mac External Display: Spring 2026
- Smart Home Hub: first half 2026
iPhone 17th
Apple is working on a successor to the iPhone 16, which is expected to appear at the beginning of 2026. The iPhone 17 largely retains the same design, but gets a performance upgrade thanks to the A19 processor. Whether more innovations are being implemented is yet unknown.
With this rapid follow-up, Apple seems to want to introduce an annual update cycle for its affordable iPhones, which is a clear break with the less frequent updates of the former iPhone SE line. According to earlier rumors, the production of the 17 is already in an advanced stage.
iPad and iPad Air, iPad Pro possibly earlier
New versions of both the entry-level and iPad Air are expected in the spring of 2026. The upgrade will not be very special and to limit itself to a faster chip. For example, the iPad Air would switch from the M3 to the M4 chip, which would improve overall performance and make the user experience smoother. This could be especially noticeable in demanding applications such as video editing and graphic design.
The iPad Pro will probably be the first device in which Apple will introduce the M5 chip. When is the question, most rumors indicate at the end of 2025, but at the beginning of 2026 is also conceivable.
Macs with M5 chip
The MacBook Pro and MacBook Air will receive an update with the new M5 chip, planned for launch in early 2026. This is later than the expected release in 2025. This M5 MacBook Pro is expected to be the last model with the current design, before Apple switches to a new design with OLED screens. Apple is also working on a new external monitor, the first since the studio display from 2022.
Smart Home Hub
Finally, we can also expect an Apple Smart Home Hub in the first half of 2026. This would be a homepod with a big display that can be compared to the Google Nest Hub.
The smart 6-inch screen should be the central place for your smart house within the Apple ecosystem. The screen provides access to the home app, among other things, for operating smart devices, but also different apps.