Apple is preparing to launch updated versions of its low-end iPhone, basic iPad, iPad Air, and high-end MacBook Pros in the coming weeks, according to reports. These changes include new processors and added features like AI support, while keeping prices steady. The updates follow Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman's latest insights on Apple's 2026 hardware roadmap.
Apple's hardware lineup is set for several imminent refreshes, as detailed in a report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman published on February 9, 2026. The updates target key product families that have not seen major changes earlier this year, despite releases like the AirTag 2 and a new Creator Studio app.
Starting with the iPhone, an updated iPhone 17e is expected "imminently." This low-end model will feature an A19 chip similar to the one in the standard iPhone 17, along with MagSafe charging. It retains a single-lens camera and a notched screen without Dynamic Island, launching at the same $599 price as the current iPhone 16e. This marks a shift from the sporadic updates of the older iPhone SE line, with the 16e having debuted just last year. However, the coexistence of the 17e alongside the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus—priced only $100 higher and offering dual cameras and Dynamic Island—raises questions about lineup clarity in the $600 to $800 range.
For MacBook Pros, the M4 Pro and M4 Max variants in 14- and 16-inch sizes will soon be replaced by M5 Pro and M5 Max models. These updates come after the fall launch of the base M5 MacBook Pro without higher-end options, and amid lengthening shipping times for current models, signaling production wind-down. The designs will remain consistent with those introduced in late 2021 alongside the M1 Pro and M1 Max. Gurman also mentions forthcoming Mac Studio, Mac mini, Studio Display updates, and a long-rumored low-cost MacBook to address gaps below the $999 baseline.
iPad refreshes include a basic model upgrading from the A16 to an A18 chip, originally in the iPhone 16 series from late 2024. This enables Apple Intelligence support for the first time on the $349 iPad, likely with 8GB of RAM. The iPad Air will switch to an M4 processor from the current M3, maintaining freshness ahead of design overhauls. An iPad mini update with an OLED display is planned later in 2026.
These processor-focused changes aim to future-proof devices without major redesigns, addressing AI compatibility and performance needs.
