Apple’s 2026 Playbook: Foldables, OLED Macs and an AI-first pivot

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Apple doesn’t usually rush. It waits, watches, and then enters a category when it believes the technology and the market are ready. If reports are anything to go by, 2026 could be the year when that patience pays off across multiple product lines.

After a packed 2025 that delivered new MacBooks, refreshed Apple Watches, and a redesigned iPhone lineup, Apple is reportedly lining up an even bigger slate for 2026. Foldables, OLED Macs, AI-powered wearables and yes, more iPhones all appear to be part of the plan.

Here’s a grounded look at what Apple could be working on, and why 2026 might matter more than it initially sounds.

The Foldable iPhone: Apple’s Most Obvious Absence

Apple is currently the only major smartphone brand missing from the foldable conversation — and that gap may finally close in 2026.

Reports suggest Apple’s first foldable iPhone could launch in the second half of the year, adopting a book-style design similar to existing foldables. The expected setup includes a compact outer display and a larger inner screen, both AMOLED. To keep thickness in check, Apple may drop Face ID in favour of a side-mounted Touch ID sensor.

Under the hood, it’s likely to run Apple’s next-generation A20 Pro chip and could feature the largest battery ever used in an iPhone. The catch? Pricing is expected to be premium even by Apple standards, putting it firmly in ultra-flagship territory.

OLED MacBooks: A Long-Overdue Upgrade

Despite leading in performance, the MacBook Pro has lagged behind rivals in one key area: display technology. That may finally change in 2026.According to reports, select MacBook Pro models could switch to OLED displays with touch support, aligning them closer to Apple’s iPhone and iPad display stack. However, this upgrade is expected to be limited to higher-end M6 Pro and M6 Max variants, while base models may continue using LCD panels.

If this happens, it would mark the biggest visual upgrade to MacBooks in years — and signal Apple’s intent to blur the lines between its computing devices even further.

Apple’s AI Glasses: Playing the Long Game

AI-powered smart glasses are gaining traction, and Apple doesn’t want to sit this one out. Expected to rival products like Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, Apple’s take may focus less on displays and more on contextual AI. Built-in cameras, speakers, and deep ecosystem integration could allow users to take calls, capture photos, listen to music, and interact via voice — without needing a screen in front of their eyes.

While an announcement could happen in 2026, an actual retail release may still be a year away. Classic Apple.

iPhone 17e: The First Apple Launch of the Year

Not everything in 2026 will be futuristic or experimental. Apple is expected to kick off the year with the iPhone 17e — the second device in its more affordable ‘e’ lineup. It’s likely to borrow the A19 chip from the iPhone 17, feature slimmer bezels, and possibly reintroduce MagSafe.

This model is expected to arrive early in the year, with pricing staying close to its predecessor, making it Apple’s most accessible iPhone offering in 2026.

iPhone 18 Pro: Refinement Over Reinvention

After major design changes in recent Pro models, Apple is expected to shift gears with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Leaks point to a more unified design, new colour options, and under-display Face ID — potentially removing the Dynamic Island altogether. Camera upgrades may include variable aperture support, giving users greater control over depth and exposure.

Performance duties will fall to the A20 Pro chip, and a September 2026 launch is the most likely window.

OLED iPad Mini and a Cheaper MacBook

Beyond iPhones and Macs, Apple is also expected to bring OLED displays to the iPad Mini, making it the next tablet after the iPad Pro to get the upgrade. A faster chip, water resistance, and a price bump are all on the cards.

Meanwhile, Apple is reportedly exploring a more affordable MacBook powered by an iPhone-class chip. A lower price point, paired with macOS and Apple’s ecosystem, could make this one of the most interesting products in Apple’s lineup — especially for students.

Everything Else Apple May Launch

If that wasn’t enough, reports also suggest updates across Apple’s entire ecosystem, including new Macs, iPads, wearables, home devices, accessories, and major software updates spanning iOS and macOS.

The Bigger Picture

What makes 2026 interesting isn’t just the volume of products — it’s the direction. Foldables, OLED everywhere, AI-first wearables, and tighter ecosystem integration suggest Apple is gearing up for a multi-year transition. One where hardware, software, and AI stop being separate conversations. And if Apple gets even half of this right, 2026 won’t just be busy — it’ll be pivotal.

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