Get Ready for a Massive Apple Launch: Over 20 Products Coming in 2026, Starting This Month!
If you’re an Apple enthusiast, buckle up—2026 is shaping up to be a blockbuster year for the tech giant. As my colleague Ryan revealed last month (https://9to5mac.com/2025/12/22/apple-will-launch-20-new-products-next-year-heres-whats-coming/), Apple is gearing up to launch more than 20 new products, and the excitement could kick off as early as January. But here’s where it gets controversial: among these releases, Apple is reportedly introducing a budget-friendly MacBook powered by an iPhone chip—a move that’s sparking debates about the future of Mac hardware. Let’s dive into what’s coming and why it matters.
January: The Starting Line for Apple’s Busy Year
January is poised to be a pivotal month for Apple, with several high-profile launches on the horizon. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro Models
Back in October, Apple unveiled the base model 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 chip (https://9to5mac.com/2025/10/15/apple-unveils-new-14-inch-macbook-pro-powered-by-m5-chip/). However, fans of the higher-end models were left waiting. That wait might finally be over this month, with the arrival of the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro variants powered by the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. While these updates promise a performance boost, don’t expect a major redesign—that’s rumored for later in the year or early 2026 (https://9to5mac.com/2025/12/21/apple-redesigned-macbook-pro-oled-touch-screen-2026-rumors/).
A Game-Changing Budget MacBook
And this is the part most people miss: Apple is reportedly launching a brand-new, affordable MacBook this month, priced “well under $1,000.” What’s truly groundbreaking? It’s powered by the A18 Pro chip—the same one found in the iPhone 16 Pro. This marks the first time Apple has used an iPhone-class processor in a Mac, raising questions about the future of Mac hardware. Will this blend of iPhone and Mac technology redefine what we expect from Apple’s laptops? Only time will tell. Rumors suggest it’ll feature a 12.9-inch screen and come in vibrant colors like silver, blue, pink, and yellow (https://9to5mac.com/2025/06/30/cheaper-macbook-iphone-chip-kuo/).
More Hardware on the Horizon
While the MacBook and MacBook Pro updates are likely January highlights, Apple’s pipeline is packed with other hardware refreshes. Expect the M5 MacBook Air, a new iPad Air, and an updated base model iPad to arrive in Q1, though history suggests these might not land until March. Mid-year, we’re looking at a new Mac mini and Mac Studio. And let’s not forget the iPhone 17e, rumored for February (https://9to5mac.com/2025/12/02/another-iphone-17-model-is-coming-early-next-year-three-new-features-rumored/).
The Long-Awaited AirTag and Apple TV Updates
The new AirTag (https://9to5mac.com/2025/08/27/new-airtag-2-is-coming-soon-with-these-rumored-features/) and Apple TV 4K (https://9to5mac.com/2025/12/31/new-apple-tv-4k-is-coming-heres-what-the-rumors-say/) have been rumored for so long that their release dates feel like a mystery. Will 2026 finally be the year these updates see the light of day? We’ll have to wait and see.
Software Updates: iOS 26.3 and Beyond
On the software front, iOS 26.3 is expected to drop this month after entering beta testing last December (https://9to5mac.com/2025/12/23/ios-26-3-new-features-for-iphone/). While not a major update, it includes noteworthy features like a new interoperability system for seamless data transfer between iPhone and Android devices. EU-specific changes, such as Notification Forwarding and proximity pairing for third-party accessories, are also on the table. Alongside iOS 26.3, expect updates for macOS, tvOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and visionOS, focusing on bug fixes and performance tweaks.
Final Thoughts: What Are You Most Excited For?
With so much on the horizon, it’s hard not to feel the buzz. Are you eyeing the budget MacBook, or is the M5 Pro MacBook Pro more your style? And what about Apple’s controversial decision to use an iPhone chip in a Mac—genius move or risky play? Let us know in the comments below!
Must-Have MagSafe Accessories for Your iPhone
Before you go, check out these essential MagSafe accessories to elevate your iPhone experience:
- Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe (https://geni.us/SmvD9)
- Baseus Picogo Qi2.2 25W MagSafe Battery (https://geni.us/YDLY8v4)
- Belkin MagSafe Vent Mount Pro (https://geni.us/Z58RmzO)
- Moft MagSafe Wallet with Kickstand (https://geni.us/BFihiqf)
- MagSafe Ring Lights (https://geni.us/jdVO)
Stay Connected
Follow Chance on Threads (https://www.threads.net/@ChanceHMiller), Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/chancemiller.me), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/chancehmiller/), and Mastodon (https://mastodon.social/@ChanceHMiller) for more updates.
FTC Disclosure: We use income-earning auto affiliate links. More details here: https://9to5mac.com/about/#affiliate.
