Apple’s product roadmap for 2026 is starting to take shape, thanks to a new research note from Jeff Pu of Haitong International Tech Research. According to the analyst, Apple is planning a Spring 2026 launch event that will reportedly introduce three major products: the iPhone 17e, the 12th-generation iPad, and an all-new entry-level MacBook.
A Budget MacBook Could Be on the Way
The most attention-grabbing device in the lineup is the rumored low-cost MacBook. As per the leak, Apple may power this model with the A18 Pro chip — the same processor used in the iPhone 16 Pro series. The laptop is expected to feature a 13 inch display and could come in a range of bright colors such as silver, blue, pink, and yellow.
To keep the price accessible, which is estimated between $699 (roughly ₹62,000) and $899 (roughly ₹80,000), Apple may rely on older display panels and a simplified design. The machine might also include 8GB of RAM and could be limited to a single USB Type-C port — a clear sign of cost-cutting to position it as an affordable Mac option.
Updates to iPhone and iPad
The upcoming iPhone 17e is set to replace the current entry-level model. For reference, the Apple iPhone 16e Review: When You Just Need an iPhone highlights the practical appeal of the current generation, which serves as a modern successor to the retired SE lineup.
Pu’s report claims the iPhone 17e will run on Apple’s next-gen A19 chip and may include an upgraded 18MP front camera along with the company’s in-house C1 modem. While internal upgrades are expected, the design may stay largely unchanged from the current model.
Apple is also preparing a new entry-level tablet. The 12th-generation iPad will reportedly come with the A18 chip and — for the first time in this lineup — support Apple Intelligence, bringing enhanced AI features to the budget-friendly iPad category. Externally, the tablet is likely to resemble its predecessor, with most improvements happening under the hood.
Apple’s Broader Roadmap
Beyond hardware, Apple is continuing to grow its software ecosystem. The App Store Awards 2025 Finalists Revealed: Check Full List highlights some of the year’s best apps across gaming, productivity, health, and creativity.
Looking further ahead, Pu’s predictions line up with ongoing rumors of a phased rollout. After the Spring 2026 event, Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro lineup and possibly its first foldable iPhone in the second half of 2026. This would be followed by the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and the next-generation iPhone Air 2 sometime in the first half of 2027.
