Apple to launch budget iPads, iPhone 17e, and more devices in few weeks

Apple is set to kick off 2026 with a packed launch cycle, bringing a more powerful iPhone 17e, refreshed iPads, and new Macs aimed at both budget buyers and businesses. Here is everything we know so far.

Apple is preparing to kick off 2026 with one of its busiest product cycles in recent years. Over the next few weeks, the company is expected to roll out a wave of new devices that span smartphones, tablets, laptops, and software updates. This early-year push is not just about refreshing existing products. It also shows how Apple is sharpening its focus on affordable hardware, enterprise users, and fast-growing markets where price and long-term support matter just as much as premium design. Here is everything we know so far.

The first major launch is expected to be the iPhone 17e, which will replace last year’s iPhone 16e. While the phone will continue to sit at the lower end of Apple’s iPhone line-up, the changes inside are far from minor. The device is set to run on the A19 chip, the same processor used in the standard iPhone 17 models. This alone should bring a noticeable jump in performance and efficiency compared to its predecessor.

Another key upgrade is the addition of MagSafe charging, a feature that was missing from earlier “e” models. Apple is also moving the iPhone 17e to its latest in-house cellular and wireless chips, tightening its control over hardware and connectivity. Despite these upgrades, Apple is expected to keep the price unchanged at $599. The message here is simple: more features, same price.

Apple plans to promote the iPhone 17e heavily in emerging markets and among enterprise customers. With rivals focusing either on premium phones or making only small changes to their budget models, Apple sees an opportunity to push a more capable device at a stable price point. The leaks suggest that the launch event could be by the end of February.

Alongside the new iPhone, Apple is lining up refreshed iPads, including an updated entry-level model and new iPad Air variants. Anyone expecting a fresh look may be disappointed, as the changes are largely under the hood. The base iPad is expected to move to the A18 chip, while the iPad Air will jump to the M4 processor.

The A18 upgrade is especially important because it brings Apple Intelligence support to the entry-level iPad for the first time. Apple is expected to make this a central part of its marketing, positioning the tablet as a smarter and more capable device for everyday work, study, and office use.