iPhone 17e, iPad A18, and Budget MacBook Set to Launch Early 2026 by Apple

It looks like Apple is gearing up to start the new year by introducing a variety of budget-friendly products in different categories, with the most anticipated addition being the long-awaited affordable MacBook. This shouldn’t be too surprising, as Apple usually unveils their lower-priced products in the first quarter of the year. Last year, we saw the launch of the iPhone 16e in February and the iPad (A16) in March. According to Jeff Pu of GF Securities, we can expect Apple to release the iPhone 17e, the base model iPad 12, and the budget MacBook in the first quarter of 2026.

For the iPhone 17e, we can anticipate it to come equipped with a binned A19 chip, as the current iPhone 16e has a binned A18 chip. In addition to retaining the first-generation Apple C1 cellular model, the iPhone 17e is expected to feature the improved 18-megapixel Center Stage camera found in the flagship iPhone models released this fall. We may also see a slight design overhaul, resembling the rounded edges of the iPhone 15, with the Dynamic Island.

The updated base iPad is rumored to include a newer A18 chip, potentially a binned version, which will allow the tablet to support Apple Intelligence for the first time. This upgrade will standardize AI features across the entire iPad lineup.

As for the highly anticipated MacBook, the budget-friendly laptop is likely to sport a smaller 12.9-inch display, the A18 Pro chip, and come in various vibrant colors similar to the base iPad, like silver, blue, pink, and yellow. Priced between $699 and $899, some compromises may be made, such as the absence of Thunderbolt connectivity. Apple is known to repurpose older components to minimize research and development costs, a strategy used in other more affordable products as well.

The launch of the budget MacBook early next year is bound to be an exciting event, as Apple hasn’t released a laptop priced under $1,000, apart from the 11-inch MacBook Air priced at $899.