First foldable iPhone and new smart home products arrive in Apple’s big launch
Apple is preparing for one of its most ambitious years, with a roadmap that sees the launch of up to 25 new devices throughout 2026. The company’s strategy focuses on two main fronts: the introduction of innovative hardware formats, led by the long-awaited first foldable iPhone, and a massive expansion in its smart home ecosystem, seeking to consolidate its presence in home automation.
The news will not be limited to new products, but will also bring significant updates to already established lines such as Macs, iPads and accessories. The launch schedule will be spread throughout the year to maintain market interest, starting with updates to existing models in the first half of the year and culminating with major announcements in September.
The common thread across all of these launches will be the deep integration of Apple Intelligence, the company’s artificial intelligence suite. The company plans to improve the performance, power efficiency and connectivity of its devices, ensuring that software and hardware work in perfect harmony to deliver a more contextual and proactive user experience.
On the same topic: First foldable iPhone and smart home expansion lead Apple’s launches
The long-awaited iPhone Fold and the 18 Pro line
The product that generates the most expectation is, without a doubt, the foldable iPhone, provisionally called iPhone Fold. Fontes from the industry indicate that the device will be unveiled in September 2026, featuring a flexible internal screen measuring around 7.8 inches and a smaller external display for notifications and quick use. The design will prioritize durability and minimizing the central crease, a technical challenge for all manufacturers in the segment.
To guarantee the necessary performance, the iPhone Fold must be equipped with the A20 chip, manufactured in a 2 nanometer process, and the first 5G modem designed in-house by Apple. The price positioning will be ultra-premium, with estimates ranging between US$2,000 and US$2,500, targeting an audience that seeks exclusivity and cutting-edge technology. The operating system will be optimized for large-screen multitasking, competing directly with the Samsung’s foldable models.
At the same event, Apple is expected to present the iPhone 18 models Pro and Pro Max. The improvements will focus on the camera array and the possible implementation of Face ID technology under the screen, eliminating the notch. Curiosamente, there is no forecast for a standard model of the iPhone 18, which could be delayed until 2027. At the beginning of the year, the company will launch the iPhone 17e, a more affordable option with an updated design and thinner edges.
New generation of M5 processors for Macs and iPads
The Mac line will also receive a substantial update with the arrival of the M5 series processors. At the beginning of 2026, the MacBook Air models will be the first to receive the new chip, promising a leap in performance and efficiency. Throughout the year, the MacBook Pro will be updated with the most powerful variants, M5 Pro and M5 Max, consolidating its position as the preferred tool for creative professionals and developers. Persistent Rumores also point to the development of a MacBook
iPads will follow the same evolution path, with the integration of the M5 chip in several models to improve performance in tasks that require high processing power, such as video editing and artificial intelligence applications. The OLED screen technology, already present in the Pro models, can be expanded to other versions of the line. Além Additionally, a revamped iPad mini is expected in the second half of the year, meeting demand for a compact but powerful tablet. Essas updates aim to maintain Apple’s leadership in the tablet market and strengthen the professional application ecosystem.
Apple bets on home automation with new hub
The year 2026 will mark a strategic offensive by Apple in the connected home segment, with the aim of strengthening the HomeKit ecosystem. The flagship of this initiative will be a new home hub, set to launch in the spring.
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This innovative device will combine the functionalities of a smart speaker with an interactive display and a 1080p camera, possibly integrating Face ID for user recognition and profile customization.
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Accompanying the hub, the company plans to launch a new version of the HomePod mini and an updated Apple TV, both with greater integration with the Apple Intelligence. Essa synergy will enable more centralized and intelligent control of home devices.
To complete the portfolio, Apple will enter the residential security market with its own cameras and smart doorbells. Esses products will be designed to offer high privacy and native integration with the brand’s ecosystem, sending notifications directly to iPhones, iPads and Apple Watches.
Learn more: Tech giant reveals AI-focused iPhone 17e and powerful iPad Air M4
Siri 2.0 and the advancement of Apple Intelligence
Software will be a key pillar of Apple’s strategy, with Apple Intelligence receiving its biggest update to date. Siri 2.0, which should arrive with iOS 26.4 in the spring, promises to be much more contextual and conversational. The assistant will be able to understand complex commands, maintain context between different questions and interact more deeply with applications installed on the device. The emphasis will be on on-device processing to ensure user privacy, while more complex tasks will be directed to Private Cloud Compute, Apple’s secure cloud infrastructure. Essa evolution of Siri will be an important competitive differentiator, affecting the user experience across the entire product portfolio, from the iPhone to new smart home devices, making interaction with technology more natural and efficient.
Other devices on the company’s radar
The wave of launches will extend to other product categories. The AirPods line is expected to receive updates, with rumors indicating the possible inclusion of cameras in premium models for augmented reality and AI features, as well as improvements in audio quality and noise cancellation.
Apple Watch Series 12, expected in September, should bring incremental hardware updates, with new health sensors and greater battery efficiency. The company may also launch a more affordable MacBook designed to compete with Chromebooks in the education and corporate sector.
Learn more: Apple launches include iPhone 17e with A19, updated iPad Air and M5 MacBooks with expanded storage
Market strategy and premium positioning
The introduction of the iPhone Fold with a high price reinforces Apple’s strategy of segmenting the market with products with high added value. The company does not initially seek to compete in volume in the foldable segment, but rather to establish a new standard of quality and user experience, attracting its most loyal consumers and boosting average revenue per user.
A distributed release schedule
The strategy of distributing launches throughout 2026 is calculated to keep the brand constantly highlighted in the media and in the interest of consumers. The year will begin with updates for lines such as the MacBook Air and the launch of the iPhone 17e, setting the stage for the most impactful news.
The main event will continue to be in September, with the reveal of the new generations of the iPhone and the Apple Watch. Smart home products, in turn, are expected to be introduced at a separate event in the spring, highlighting the strategic importance of this new segment for the company’s future.
