Apple’s 2026 and 2027 product roadmap could be one of its biggest in years
Apple fans may be heading into one of the most exciting product cycles the company has seen in a long time. With 2026 shaping up to be a major launch year and 2027 marking the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, Apple is expected to introduce a wide range of new devices across nearly every major category, including iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, Mac, smart home products, AI accessories, and potentially its first foldable iPhone.
The period could also be especially important because it may represent the first major wave of products under Apple’s next era of leadership. While Apple has not confirmed these devices, current industry expectations point to a busy launch schedule beginning in September 2026 and continuing through 2027.
The iPhone lineup could change dramatically
Apple’s biggest updates are expected to begin with the iPhone. In September 2026, the company is rumored to focus only on its premium models: the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and Apple’s first foldable iPhone. This foldable model has also been described by some analysts as a possible iPhone Ultra, suggesting Apple may position it above the standard Pro lineup.
The iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to use Apple’s new A20 Pro chip, reportedly built on TSMC’s advanced 2nm manufacturing process. That could bring major improvements in performance, power efficiency, and AI features. Camera upgrades may also be a key selling point, with rumors pointing to a variable aperture system that could improve photography in different lighting conditions. Apple may also shrink the Dynamic Island, moving the iPhone closer to a more uninterrupted full-screen design.
Apple’s regular iPhone lineup may then arrive in early 2027. The iPhone Air 2 is expected to debut with a dual-camera system, while the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e could also launch in the first quarter of the year using the standard A20 chip.
The most exciting iPhone changes, however, may come in September 2027. To celebrate 20 years of the iPhone, Apple is expected to introduce a completely refreshed design. Reports describe it as a nearly borderless “Liquid Glass” hardware design, which could give the iPhone its most dramatic visual update in years. Instead of an iPhone 19 Pro, Apple may move directly to iPhone 20 Pro and iPhone 20 Pro Max, with some speculation suggesting a special anniversary name such as iPhone XX.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 are expected in 2026
Apple’s smartwatch lineup is also expected to receive important updates. The Apple Watch Series 12 is rumored to arrive in 2026 with a faster S11 chip, bringing better performance and improved efficiency.
One of the most interesting rumored additions is Touch ID. If Apple adds fingerprint authentication to the Apple Watch, it could make unlocking, payments, and security features more convenient.
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is also expected in September 2026. Unlike smaller yearly updates, this model may receive a redesigned body. Apple has not significantly changed the Ultra’s rugged look since its introduction, so a new design could help refresh the premium smartwatch lineup.
Affordable iPads may finally get Apple Intelligence support
Apple is also expected to bring more AI power to its lower-cost iPads in 2026. The next entry-level iPad, likely called iPad 12, may launch with an A18 or A19 chip, making it compatible with Apple Intelligence features.
The iPad Mini 8 could receive an even bigger upgrade. Rumors suggest the compact tablet may use an A19 Pro or A20 Pro chip, giving it performance closer to Apple’s high-end devices. It may also gain an OLED display, which would improve contrast, color quality, and overall viewing experience. A water-resistant design is also rumored, making the iPad Mini more durable and versatile for travel, reading, gaming, and everyday use.
Macs may move to M5 and M6 chips, with a redesigned MacBook Pro coming
Apple’s Mac lineup is also expected to see major updates between 2026 and early 2027. A new Mac Studio may arrive with M5 Max and M6 Ultra chip options, giving creative professionals more power for video editing, 3D design, software development, and AI workloads.
The Mac mini is expected to move to M5 and M5 Pro chips, while the iMac may also receive an M5 upgrade. These updates would likely focus on faster performance, better graphics, and improved energy efficiency rather than major design changes.
The biggest Mac update could be the long-rumored MacBook Pro redesign. Expected in late 2026 or early 2027, the next-generation MacBook Pro may feature Apple’s M6 chips, a thinner body, and an OLED touchscreen. The display could also include a Dynamic Island-style area, bringing a familiar iPhone feature to the Mac for the first time.
There has also been speculation about a more premium MacBook model possibly using the MacBook Ultra name. Whether Apple actually uses that branding remains uncertain, but a redesigned MacBook Pro with OLED and touch support would be one of the most significant Mac upgrades in years.
Apple’s AI hardware push may include smart glasses, AirPods with cameras, and more
Artificial intelligence is expected to play a growing role in Apple’s hardware strategy. Beyond software features, Apple is reportedly working on new AI-focused devices that could include smart glasses, wearable pendants, and AirPods with built-in cameras.
The camera-equipped AirPods may arrive first. These could help power new spatial awareness, gesture control, augmented reality, or AI assistant features. Smart Apple Glasses are expected later, possibly in 2027, as Apple continues exploring lightweight wearable technology.
Apple is also said to be developing a smart tabletop robot for the home. However, this device may not be ready until 2028. It could become part of a broader Apple smart home ecosystem, working alongside a Smart Home Hub, new Apple TV, HomePod, and HomePod Mini.
A huge Apple upgrade cycle may be coming
If these rumors prove accurate, Apple’s 2026 and 2027 roadmap could be packed with some of the company’s most important launches in years. The arrival of a foldable iPhone, a 20th anniversary iPhone redesign, OLED iPads, updated Apple Watches, M6 Macs, AI-powered AirPods, smart glasses, and new smart home devices would represent a major expansion of Apple’s hardware lineup.
For users waiting to upgrade, the next two years could bring compelling reasons to hold off for Apple’s next generation of devices. From the iPhone Ultra concept to a possible MacBook Ultra and new AI accessories, Apple appears to be preparing for a future built around thinner designs, smarter chips, better displays, and deeper artificial intelligence integration.
