Apple might seem quiet for a moment, but it's preparing a massive wave beneath the surface. For the first half of 2026, the company is planning an extensive lineup of new products spanning the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. This appears to be an ambitious strategy to reignite the growth that has somewhat stalled in recent years.

A More Frequent Entry-Level iPhone: The 'iPhone 17e'

The most noteworthy news is the shift in the update cycle for the entry-level iPhone. Unlike the iPhone SE line, which was updated only every few years, Apple seems to be pivoting to an annual release strategy for its budget model. The 'iPhone 17e', slated for release in early 2026, is expected to feature the same A19 processor as that year's flagship models, significantly narrowing the performance gap. This is an aggressive market expansion strategy, lowering the barrier for more consumers to enter the Apple ecosystem each year.

A Refreshed iPad Lineup

The iPad lineup is also getting a refresh. Around March or April of 2026, the entry-level iPad will be upgraded with a faster chip while maintaining its current design. The iPad Air will also see a performance boost, equipped with the M4 chip. The success of the 13-inch iPad Air, in particular, proved that the combination of a large screen and a reasonable price is a winning formula. Apple plans to continue this successful strategy to solidify its dominance in the tablet market.

The M5 MacBook and a New Display Arrive

There's exciting news for Mac users as well. The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros with the M5 chip are expected to arrive in early 2026. Crucially, this model will be the last to feature the current design, which was introduced in 2021. The next generation of MacBook Pro is slated for a complete redesign with OLED displays, making the M5 model the last chance for users who prefer the current industrial design.

Alongside a new MacBook Air, Apple is also set to release its first new external monitor since the Studio Display debuted in 2022, also scheduled for early 2026.

Apple's Grand Plan to Reignite Its Growth Engine

This H1 2026 roadmap is more than just a list of new products. After grappling with unstable demand and longer replacement cycles post-pandemic, Apple is playing its cards: an 'aggressive annual update' cycle and a 'portfolio-wide refresh'. This demonstrates Apple's clear intention to secure stable revenue growth and reassert its technological leadership in the market. For consumers, this means more diverse and powerful choices are on the horizon. For competitors, it signals an even fiercer challenge. We are already looking forward to what 2026 will bring.

Source: Bloomberg

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Alex Jang
Alex Jang
"Technology doesn't have to be complicated. The best tech is the kind you forget is even there."

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