After a relatively quiet start to the year, Apple is preparing a flurry of product announcements. According to reporting from Bloomberg, the company has a range of new Macs, iPads, and potentially even a new iPhone model set to debut in the coming weeks.
New Macs on the Horizon
The most substantial updates appear to be focused on the Mac lineup. Apple will unveil multiple new Macs and Mac-related hardware “over the course of the next several weeks,” according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. This includes a new low-cost MacBook powered by the A18 Pro chip, a refresh of the MacBook Air with the M5 chip, and updated MacBook Pro models featuring the M5 Pro and M5 Max processors. Apple is also reportedly working on at least one new external display for the Mac.
The forthcoming low-cost MacBook is particularly interesting. It’s expected to feature a display slightly smaller than 13 inches and will be available in a range of colors, potentially signaling a shift towards more consumer-focused design choices for the entry-level MacBook. The M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro updates follow the release of the base M5 model last fall, continuing Apple’s cadence of iterative improvements to its professional laptop line. The M5 MacBook Air is anticipated to be a spec bump, refining the existing design rather than introducing major changes.
The new external display is a welcome prospect. Apple has historically been less focused on external display options compared to other Mac accessories, leaving a gap in the market for high-quality third-party solutions. Gurman previously reported that Apple is aiming to launch the new MacBook Pros during the macOS 26.3 cycle, with a product announcement potentially as early as the week of . He reiterated today that Apple is “preparing for an event that month.” The reported improvements to the display – a higher refresh rate and better picture quality – address common complaints about existing external display options.
iPad and iPhone Updates Also Imminent
Beyond the Mac, Apple is also preparing updates to its iPad and iPhone lines. A new base model iPad is in the works, alongside an M4-powered iPad Air. Perhaps more surprisingly, Apple is also preparing to launch a new, lower-cost iPhone – the iPhone 17e – in the near future. This suggests Apple is exploring ways to broaden its iPhone appeal beyond the premium segments currently dominated by the Pro models.
The M4 iPad Air update is a logical progression, bringing the performance benefits of Apple’s latest silicon to a more affordable iPad option. The iPhone 17e is a more significant development. While details are scarce, its existence indicates Apple is considering a more budget-friendly iPhone option, potentially targeting price-sensitive markets or customers who don’t require the advanced features of the Pro models.
The timing of these releases is noteworthy. Apple’s spring product cycle has become increasingly important, particularly as it seeks to maintain momentum throughout the year. The combination of Mac, iPad, and iPhone updates suggests a significant push to refresh key product lines and capitalize on the growing demand for Apple’s ecosystem.
The new low-cost A18 Pro MacBook, in particular, has the potential to be a major product launch. The combination of Apple’s silicon expertise with a more accessible price point could attract a wider range of customers to the Mac platform.
The focus on external displays is also encouraging. A high-quality display is a critical component of the Mac experience, and Apple’s renewed attention to this category could benefit both professional users and creative enthusiasts.
