As Apple closes out a busy year in 2025, the company’s focus now turns toward completing its next phase of hardware and software upgrades. Over the past few months, Apple has rolled out several of its major launches across different categories, setting the tone for what lies ahead. Between March and October 2025, Apple introduced the MacBook Air M4, iPad 11th generation, iPad Air 7th generation, and Mac Studio M4, followed by software updates revealed during WWDC in June, including iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe 26. September’s “Awe Dropping” event brought the iPhone 17 series, Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, SE 3, and AirPods Pro 3.
The most recent October “Unleashed” event unveiled the M5-powered MacBook Pro and iPad Pro alongside an upgraded Vision Pro headset. These rollouts marked Apple’s continued push toward devices built around its own silicon and AI-focused features under Apple Intelligence.
Apple TV, HomePod mini, and AirTag
With major announcements now concluded, Apple’s attention in the final months of 2025 shifts to smaller updates aimed at maintaining product relevance through the holiday season. The company is expected to issue press releases rather than host full-scale events for upcoming devices such as the new Apple TV, HomePod mini, and AirTag.
The next major wave of releases will arrive in early and mid-2026, featuring new Macs, iPads, Apple Watches, and potentially Apple’s long-rumoured foldable iPhone. Below is a detailed timeline of Apple’s expected product roadmap extending from late 2025 through late 2026, based on reports from reliable analysts such as Mark Gurman, Ross Young, and Ming-Chi Kuo.
Apple TV 4K
In the closing months of 2025, Apple is expected to introduce minor refreshes to its home and accessory line-up. The fourth-generation Apple TV 4K is expected to launch in late November with an A17 Pro chip, the same processor used in the iPhone 15 Pro. The update will bring faster streaming performance, Apple Intelligence integration, and improved connectivity with a new Wi-Fi 6E or 7 chip. While there will be no major change to its design, the device will feature AV1 decoding for improved 4K content quality, offering users a better viewing experience. Priced around $149, this update modernises the device, which has not seen a revision since 2022.4
HomePod Mini
The HomePod mini is also expected to receive a second-generation update in December 2025. The new version will include improved audio drivers, upgraded wireless capabilities, and tighter integration with smart home standards like Thread and Matter. It will continue to serve as an affordable entry point into Apple’s smart home ecosystem, retailing around $99. Alongside this, the AirTag 2 is likely to debut before the year ends, featuring a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip that triples the tracking range to about 100 metres. The update will include anti-stalking features, a tamper-proof speaker, and improved low-battery alerts, addressing long-standing user feedback since the product’s original launch in 2021.
Mac Pro with the M5 Ultra chip
As Apple moves into early 2026, the company is expected to focus on expanding its Pro hardware range and refreshing entry-level devices. The long-awaited Mac Pro with the M5 Ultra chip is expected to be announced in January 2026, marking the completion of the M5 transition across Apple’s entire Mac lineup. The desktop will feature up to 128GB of unified memory and improved CPU and GPU performance, targeting professional users in fields like video editing and scientific computing.
The MacBook Pro will also see new high-end versions in early 2026, featuring M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, improved battery life reaching up to 22 hours, and faster Thunderbolt 5 ports. These updates will continue Apple’s gradual refinement of the Pro series, though a major OLED redesign for these laptops is reportedly delayed until late 2026.
Apple Watch SE & S10 chip
The first quarter of 2026 will also bring updates to Apple’s more affordable products. The Apple Watch SE is expected to receive its third-generation refresh by March, introducing thinner bezels, a faster S10 chip, and upgraded health sensors while maintaining its accessible price range around $249. Around the same time, Apple is expected to introduce the twelfth-generation iPad, featuring a faster processor—likely the A17 or M1 equivalent—while maintaining the same 11-inch LCD display and design. This entry-level iPad will remain a popular option for students and casual users, priced around $349, continuing Apple’s strategy of annual updates for its lower-end tablets.
Studio Display with Mini-LED backlighting
By mid-2026, Apple’s focus will shift toward displays and smart home innovations, leading up to WWDC in June. The company is expected to unveil the next generation Studio Display with Mini-LED backlighting, offering better contrast and brightness control compared to the current edge-lit model. It will retain a 5K resolution and include a built-in A-series chip for smarter functionality such as Center Stage support for video calls. This updated display, priced around $1,599, is aimed at professionals who pair it with Mac Studio and MacBook Pro systems. The higher-end Pro Display XDR will also receive a refresh around the same period, incorporating ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate, enhanced HDR capabilities, and an integrated Center Stage camera.
HomePod “Command Center”
A new addition to Apple’s smart home lineup, the so-called HomePod “Command Center,” is expected to make its debut at WWDC 2026. This wall-mounted smart display will combine the features of a HomePod and iPad, functioning as a central hub for controlling smart home devices through HomeKit. It is expected to include a touch display, an integrated speaker, and support for FaceTime calls. The product will likely run a simplified iPadOS interface and focus heavily on AI-driven Siri improvements.
The second half of 2026 is expected to be Apple’s most ambitious period, featuring major redesigns and new product categories. The iPhone 18 series, expected in September 2026, will feature up to six models, including a new “iPhone 18 Fold.” This foldable model is rumoured to have a 7.8-inch OLED display, under-display Face ID, and a price tag around $1,499. The series will also include an iPhone 18 Air—a thinner variant with a 6mm profile—alongside traditional base, Pro, and Pro Max versions. The entire lineup will be powered by the A20 chip, improving both processing power and energy efficiency.
MacBook Air with the M6 chip
Following the iPhone launch, Apple is expected to introduce several other hardware updates before the year ends. The MacBook Air with the M6 chip could arrive in late 2026, offering OLED display options and lighter construction while maintaining its reputation as Apple’s most portable laptop. The iPad Air with an M4 chip and the iPad mini 8 featuring the first OLED display in its class are also expected before the end of 2026. Meanwhile, updates to the Mac mini and iMac will bring M5 chips and improved designs for compact and all-in-one computing setups. Apple Watch Series 12, projected for September 2026, could introduce microLED displays and enhanced health tracking features such as blood pressure monitoring and satellite connectivity.
Alongside these hardware updates, Apple’s software ecosystem will continue to evolve. iOS 26.1 and iPadOS 26.1 are expected to roll out by December 2025, bringing the delayed Apple Intelligence suite with advanced Siri capabilities and new creative tools like Image Playground. macOS Tahoe 26.1 will follow, offering visual refinements and performance improvements, while watchOS 26.1 and visionOS 26.1 are set for early 2026 with updates to fitness and spatial computing features.
