If you think back over the history of the iPhone SE, you’ll notice there were large gaps in between releases. Since Apple started numbering them, it seems the budget-conscious handsets are becoming part of the annual cycle. That’s the word according to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, who has details on Apple’s plans for early 2026.
This year’s iPhone 16e was the start of the change in release cycle for Apple. A successor, appropriately numbered the iPhone 17e, will launch in the first half of 2026, according to Gurman. A speedier processor will be the main upgrade, with the handset remaining physically the same. So… not an essential buy, then?
More than iPhone
It won’t be alone, of course. Gurman’s report includes details of everything we can expect from Apple in the first half of next year. The budget smartphone (we use the term ‘budget’ very loosely) will be joined by an updated iPad Air (M4 chips are said to be inbound for the range), and a new external monitor for Mac systems. Finally, something to go along with that Mac Mini that’s gathering dust.
Also on the cards, though the timelines are a touch murkier, are upgraded MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models. These may well launch this year — that was the original intention — but Apple is reported to be considering pushing them back to 2026.
Read More: Apple’s foldable iPhone has entered prototype production – report
Before we get to any of these, besides possibly the MacBook refresh, we can expect Apple’s usual September events. The iPhone 17 and its many variants, new Apple Watch models, an iPad Pro refresh, and perhaps a successor to the Apple Vision Pro are all waiting in the wings.
It may be too soon for Apple to properly split its smartphone lineup between a high-end year-end and a more affordable New Year, but if the foldable iPhone makes it onto the roster this year, it could just happen.
