TL;DR
Apple is expected to begin a busy 2026 product cadence in January, with higher-end M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models and a lower-cost MacBook reportedly powered by the A18 Pro. Software updates including iOS 26.3 (in beta) and 26.3 releases for other platforms are also likely this month.
What happened
Sources indicate Apple could open 2026 with several hardware and software updates in January. Higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models using M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are expected to arrive soon; Apple already released a base 14-inch M5 model in October. Separately, rumors point to a new, lower-cost MacBook that would use the A18 Pro (the same chip as the iPhone 16 Pro), feature a roughly 12.9-inch display, and target a price “well under $1,000.” Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has also suggested possible casing colors such as silver, blue, pink, and yellow. Additional devices are in Apple’s pipeline for Q1 and beyond — including an M5 MacBook Air, updated iPad Air and base iPad, and later in the year a refreshed Mac mini and Mac Studio. Long-rumored updates to AirTag and Apple TV remain unclear. On software, iOS 26.3 entered beta last month and is likely to roll out in January alongside 26.3 updates for macOS, iPadOS, tvOS, watchOS and visionOS.
Why it matters
- M5 Pro/M5 Max MacBook Pro updates would bring higher performance options for pro users without a major redesign.
- A MacBook using the A18 Pro could shift Apple’s chip strategy by introducing an iPhone-class silicon into a Mac at a lower price point.
- iOS 26.3’s new interoperability and EU accessory changes may affect cross-platform data transfer and third-party device compatibility.
- A concentrated Q1 release schedule would set the tone for a busy 2026 product cycle across Macs, iPads and iPhones.
Key facts
- Apple released a base 14-inch MacBook Pro powered by M5 in October 2025.
- New 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are expected as soon as January.
- A lower-cost MacBook rumored to use the A18 Pro (same chip as iPhone 16 Pro) is said to have a 12.9-inch screen and a price ‘well under $1,000.’
- Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested possible casing colors for the new MacBook: silver, blue, pink, and yellow.
- Q1 expectations include an M5 MacBook Air, a new iPad Air, and a refreshed base iPad; history suggests these may land in March.
- New Mac mini and Mac Studio models are reported to be in development for mid-2026.
- The iPhone 17e is listed as likely for a February release window.
- Long-rumored updates to AirTag and Apple TV have been reported but their ship dates remain unclear.
- iOS 26.3 entered beta testing and is likely to be released in January.
- iOS 26.3 is said to add an interoperability system for switching between iPhone and Android and includes EU-mandated changes for third-party accessories; companion 26.3 releases are planned for macOS, tvOS, iPadOS, watchOS and visionOS focusing on bug fixes and performance.
What to watch next
- Timing and availability for the M5 Pro and M5 Max 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.
- Launch details, pricing, and color options for the rumored A18 Pro 12.9-inch MacBook.
- New software rollout: public release date and changelog for iOS 26.3 and related 26.3 platform updates.
- New AirTag and Apple TV releases — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- M-series (M5, M5 Pro, M5 Max): Apple-designed system-on-chip (SoC) line for Macs focused on power efficiency and performance; variants like Pro and Max target higher-performance laptops.
- A-series (A18 Pro): Apple’s SoC family used in iPhones; an A-series chip appearing in a Mac would represent cross-use of iPhone-class silicon in Apple’s computer lineup.
- iOS 26.3: A point update to Apple’s iPhone operating system that typically includes bug fixes, security patches, and minor feature changes.
- Interoperability: In this context, the ability for devices and platforms (for example, iPhone and Android) to exchange data and operate together with minimal friction.
Reader FAQ
Will Apple ship new MacBook Pro models in January?
The source says new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are expected as soon as January.
Is the lower-cost A18 Pro MacBook confirmed?
The device is described in reports and rumors in the source — specifics like screen size, chip, price range and colors are reported but the product is not officially confirmed.
When will iOS 26.3 be released to everyone?
iOS 26.3 entered beta last month and historical timing suggests a public release in January.
Are new AirTag or Apple TV products arriving this month?
Not confirmed in the source.
All the new products Apple released in 2025 Chance Miller Dec 31 2025 AAPL COMPANY Here’s what to expect from Apple in January Chance Miller | Jan 2 2026 – 7:52…
Sources
- Here’s what to expect from Apple in January
- Apple iOS 26.3 Release Date: The First Major iPhone …
- Everything Apple Is Releasing in 2026: iPhone Fold, LLM …
- Apple's new iPhones for 2026: iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone Fold …
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