iPhone Fold, Mac Studio, OLED MacBook Pro: What to expect from Apple for the rest of 2026
Apple's 2026 may have gotten off to a new-product-filled start, but it's far from done. There are plenty more iPhone and other announcements to come before the year's end.
Between the launch of the M5 MacBook Air, MacBook Neo, iPhone 17e, and M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pros, Apple has made a solid start to the year. But with the annual WWDC event still to come, not to mention likely hardware announcements this fall, there is still plenty to look forward to.
Apple is still expected to unveil a raft of software and hardware in the coming months, including some all-new products. Rumors of the company's first-ever foldable iPhone continue to gather pace, and that's just the beginning.
Between the iPhone Fold and never-ending rumors of a new HomePod-like device with a display, it's hard to know what to be most excited about. And you might be surprised just how much Apple still has up its sleeve.
Here, we've outlined the products that are at most likely to ship in 2026, starting with WWDC.
Likely to be announced during WWDC
Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference is likely to take place in June, as it has in previous years. The event has historically seen Apple preview new software updates across its entire product range.
The event has also played host to new hardware announcements in the past, normally for products used by developers. That includes Apple's most capable Macs, and 2026 could see at least one new M5 refresh unveiled.
iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, visionOS 27, and tvOS 27
As has become the norm, we strongly expect Apple to announce its 2027 software updates at WWDC in June. New updates for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple Vision Pro, and Apple TV 4K are all expected.
While we don't yet know what these updates will entail, we can make some assumptions based on Apple's direction of travel. With that in mind, we expect updated and improved Apple Intelligence features to be included on compatible devices.
iOS 27 is now expected to feature performance and battery life improvements
One of those Apple Intelligence improvements will surely be the oft-rumored Siri upgrade that will make the assistant more conversational. Siri could also gain a deeper integration with other apps and services, too.
A refreshed user interface is much less likely to arrive this time around. The Liquid Glass approach of 2025 isn't a popular one, but Apple is unlikely to backtrack this year — we expect subtle tweaks of the existing interface instead.
Recent rumors have claimed iOS 27 will focus on delivering improved battery life to iPhone owners. An update that focuses on under-the-hood battery and performance improvements seems to be in the cards.
If Apple sticks to its previous release cadence, beta versions of the new software updates will be released to developers immediately. Months-long developer and public beta programs will culminate in a global public release in the fall.
M5-series Mac Studio
Apple's desktop powerhouse is currently available with M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips, so it's due for an update. The machine is also a popular one among developers, making WWDC a good opportunity for Apple to announce a new spec-bumped version.
A new M5-series Mac Studio is tipped for 2026
It's likely that Apple will offer the Mac Studio in new M5 Max and M5 Ultra configurations. Both chips would bring increased CPU and GPU performance to a machine often used for app development and creative workflows — both of which benefit from as much processing and graphical prowess as they can get.
We don't expect the M5-series Mac Studio to feature a new industrial design. It's unlikely Apple could make the Mac Studio any smaller, given the thermal requirements of Max and Ultra chips, for example.
M5-series Mac mini
Apple has been testing M5 and M5 Pro versions of the Mac mini since at least August 2025. Like the Mac Studio, the Mac mini has found a home on the desk of many an App developer, so a WWDC unveiling would make sense.
Similarly to the Mac Studio, we don't envision Apple refreshing the design of the Mac mini this year.
Fall and beyond
The post-WWDC months are likely to see plenty of new hardware announcements. Software-wise, all of the software announced during WWDC should be made available to the public in September.
Switching to hardware, Apple may use the late-2026 months to debut a number of products, including new iPhones and iPads.
iPhone Fold
Apple's first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Fold, is expected to be one of Apple's biggest releases of 2026. Rumors currently have the device sporting a 7.6-inch inner foldable display and a 5.3-inch outer display.
It's also thought that the iPhone Fold will benefit from a new type of foldable display and hinge that has a shallower crease than most Android foldables. The Oppo Find N6 is believed to use similar technology, and its crease is almost invisible.
Apple's first foldable iPhone is closer than ever before
Set to become Apple's new premium iPhone, the iPhone Fold will use a new A20 Pro chip based on TSMC's 2nm manufacturing process.
Other notable features are expected to include a Touch ID sensor built into the power button. Face ID is not expected to be offered on the iPhone Fold.
Apple's first foldable iPhone is expected to come at a price more akin to that of a MacBook Pro than an iPhone. Rumors have so far suggested that it could cost around $2,500 for the entry-level model.
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
2026 is expected to see Apple change the way it announces iPhones. The high-end iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are set to debut in September 2026, while the iPhone 18 will have to wait until early 2027.
Rumors have so far suggested that Apple could give its Pro models an under-screen Face ID technology, shrinking the Dynamic Island. Other rumors have hinted at a hole-punch camera moving to the top-left corner of the display.
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to use an A20 Pro chip similar to that of the iPhone Fold. The chip will be faster than the A19 Pro found in the iPhone 17 Pro and will likely be more power efficient, increasing battery life.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4
Apple often announces new Apple Watches during its September event, and 2026 will be no different. The Apple Watch Series 12 will almost certainly be unveiled, while the Apple Watch Ultra 4 could also be included.
Apple Watch Series 12 rumors are hard to come by
However, rumors around either of these products have been few and far between. It's unclear what Apple's 2026 smartwatch lineup will look like.
The lack of rumors suggests that any new Apple Watches will be smaller refreshes rather than big upgrades. We'd have expected more rumors and leaks if a new industrial design was in the offing. Instead, we expect any new wearables to feature updated chips and little else.
The wildcards
There are even more devices that continue to be rumored for a possible 2026 release. Unfortunately, those rumors don't yet include firm expected release windows.
It's possible that these announcements could take place as part of Apple's WWDC or September events. However, it's also possible Apple will announce these products via press release at any point between now and December 31.
HomePod mini 2
Rumors continue to claim a new HomePod mini 2 is in the works. An early 2026 release had been mooted, but it could arrive at any point.
It's expected that the HomePod mini 2 will maintain its familiar design, although new colors are a possibility. On the inside, an S-series Apple Watch Series 10 chip is likely to be used. It's unclear whether the HomePod mini 2 will also use Apple's in-house N1 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, however.
Apple HomePod Hub
Rumors of a new HomePod-like device with a large touchscreen display continue to swirl. Those rumors have hinted at a possible fall 2026 release.
Apple HomeHub could launch in the fall
The smart display-like device is expected to feature a 7-inch touchscreen for displaying photos and information. We expect the device to offer features similar to those of Amazon's popular Echo Show smart speakers.
If Apple does finally announce a HomePod with a display, it will surely include Apple Intelligence support. If so, the new Apple TV 4K will likely debut after the expected September Siri upgrade.
Refreshed Apple TV 4K
Apple's streaming box is long overdue for an update, and a rumored refresh is likely to gain a fast A17 Pro chip for improved gaming and performance. Apple's N1 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip is also likely to be included, while we can surely expect Apple Intelligence to be added to the mix.
OLED MacBook Pro
The M5 MacBook Pro is unlikely to be the last new high-end laptop to be announced in 2026. Rumors strongly suggest Apple is readying a brand new OLED MacBook Pro for a late-2026 release.
The laptop, which may be called MacBook Ultra, is set to feature a touchscreen OLED display. A new hole-punch camera design will see the familiar MacBook notch replaced by a new Dynamic Island.
A rumored OLED MacBook Pro is expected to offer a touch screen for the first time
It's possible the OLED MacBook Pro will be the first device to use new M6 chips based on the 2nm TSMC manufacturing process.
It remains to be seen how Apple will bring touch capabilities to the Mac and macOS. The OLED MacBook Pro is expected to sport a strengthened hinge to allow users to touch it without moving it, however.

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