CALIFORNIA (Kashmir English): Apple might be done with launching products for 2025, but new reports indicate it is preparing at least a few more lower-cost devices for early 2026.
According to GFHK Securities analyst Jeff Pu, the company is working on releasing an affordable iPhone, iPad, and Mac line-up in the coming year. Pu mentions that the launch of the so-called iPhone 17e would likely occur by mid-first quarter 2026.
iPhone 17e: Familiar Design, New Chip
Pu believes the iPhone 17e will retain the current model’s design. The phone is supposed to be fitted with the A19 chip, 8GB of RAM, and Apple’s new 18MP front camera. Pu also says Apple will retain the 48MP main camera, along with the notch design.
One noticeable detail in the analyst’s prediction is that Apple reportedly retains the C1 modem and doesn’t upgrade to the newer C1X 5G modem introduced with the iPhone Air.
Low-Priced iPad and Mac on the Way
Pu also says that more affordable iPad and MacBook variants are in the works. He did not say much about them, but a previous report says Apple will refresh its entry-level iPad with the A18 chip, combined with 8GB of RAM. This is expected to be the last iPad to support Apple Intelligence.
For the budget MacBook, Apple is said to be working on a laptop that’s driven by an iPhone-class processor. Little else has been revealed about the configuration, nor is it known if the machine would resemble the M1 MacBook Air or come in a completely new design.
Updated Timeline for iPhone 18 Series
Pu has revised his expectations on the 2027 lineup. He now thinks Apple will unveil the iPhone Air 2, iPhone 18, and iPhone 18e in early 2027, using the C2 chip as the new 5G modem for both models.
In his note, the analyst also predicts that the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 18 Pro models will be smaller. He adds that the long-rumored iPhone Fold is still expected to use Touch ID instead of Face ID.
