Apple is currently developing at least 20 new hardware products slated for release between late 2026 and 2027, according to reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The product pipeline includes a foldable iPhone, the iPhone 20 Pro series, and new iterations of the Apple Watch, Mac, and smart home devices. These developments indicate a significant expansion of the company’s ecosystem, focusing on AI-integrated hardware and advanced display technologies.
What is the roadmap for the next generation of iPhones?
Apple’s smartphone strategy for the next two years involves a transition toward foldable technology and specialized models. According to reporting from Mark Gurman, the company plans to introduce its first foldable iPhone, internally referred to as the "iPhone Ultra," as early as late 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 series.
By the first quarter of 2027, the company reportedly intends to launch the iPhone Air 2, a device distinguished by its dual-camera system. Looking toward the company’s 20th anniversary of the iPhone, the lineup will likely expand in September 2027 to include the iPhone 20 Pro and iPhone 20 Pro Max, which are expected to feature curved displays on all four sides.
Did you know? The "iPhone Air" branding, if finalized, would mark a return to one of Apple’s most successful naming conventions, previously used to denote thin, high-performance computing hardware.
How is the Mac and iPad lineup evolving?
While the iPhone receives significant structural changes, Apple’s computing hardware is undergoing a more iterative phase. Sources indicate that upcoming versions of the standard iPad, iPad mini, Mac Studio, Mac mini, and iMac will focus primarily on processor upgrades rather than major chassis redesigns.
A notable exception is the rumored MacBook Ultra. Industry reports suggest this high-end laptop will feature a touch-sensitive OLED display, potentially arriving by the end of 2026 or early 2027. This move would represent a departure from Apple’s long-standing refusal to integrate touchscreens into its laptop line, a stance that has historically set it apart from competitors like Microsoft and Dell.
What new smart home and wearable devices are in development?
Apple is shifting its focus toward a centralized smart home strategy. The company is developing a hybrid device that combines the functionality of an iPad and a HomePod, intended to serve as the hub for connected living environments.
Wearables are also seeing a technical shift. According to the current product pipeline:
- Watch Series 12: Expected to launch this September.
- Watch Ultra 4: Rumored to feature a redesigned aesthetic.
- AirPods Ultra: A potential new iteration of the earbuds that includes integrated cameras.
The inclusion of cameras in the AirPods line is particularly significant for AI development. Data gathered from these cameras could allow the next generation of Siri to "see" the user’s environment, providing context-aware assistance that exceeds current voice-only capabilities.
How does this pipeline compare to previous release cycles?
Historically, Apple’s release cycles have relied on predictable annual refreshes. The current strategy of 20 concurrent projects represents an increase in output compared to the 2023–2024 period, where the company focused heavily on the launch of the Vision Pro and internal silicon transitions.
Unlike the shift to Apple Silicon, which was a singular, multi-year project, the current 2026-2027 roadmap is diversified. The company is balancing incremental hardware refreshes (Mac mini, iPad) with experimental form factors (foldables, smart glasses).
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the new iPhone models be significantly different from current versions?
Yes. The roadmap includes major form-factor changes, such as the first foldable iPhone and the four-sided curved glass design for the iPhone 20 Pro.
When will Apple release its first smart glasses?
Current reports suggest the company is targeting late 2027 for the launch of its first smart glasses model.
What is the purpose of cameras in the rumored AirPods Ultra?
According to industry reports, these cameras would feed visual data to the next-generation Siri, allowing the AI to understand the user’s surroundings and provide more relevant, context-specific information.
Are there major changes coming to the Mac mini or iMac?
Current expectations point to processor-focused updates rather than large-scale design overhauls for these specific product lines.
What do you think of Apple’s shift toward touch-screen MacBooks and foldable phones? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on these releases.
