New Era Under Ternus Begins: Apple Gears Up for Its Most Extensive Product Launch Wave Ever, Including Foldable iPhone, Touchscreen MacBooks, and Smart Glasses

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For the past 15 years, Apple has mainly focused on refining its existing product lineup and introducing services to boost recurring revenue. While it did launch a few new device categories like the Apple Watch and AirPods during this period, it hasn't consistently introduced a stream of innovative concepts.

All of that is about to shift starting next week, kicking off with its "Wonder and Shine" event on September 9th. New Chief Executive Officer John Ternus will take the stage that day to present the latest iPhone and Apple Watch models, but this is only the beginning.

Apple is set to commence the most expansive wave of new product releases in its history, introducing a range of novel device formats and venturing into multiple unprecedented product areas throughout 2026, 2027, and beyond.

Apple has been developing products in this pipeline for nearly five years, and Ternus has repeatedly emphasized that a new era of innovation is approaching. In a letter to employees on Tuesday, he wrote:

"I am incredibly excited about the incredible products we have in the pipeline. Next week marks the start of a new chapter for us, and I am even more energized by what comes after — both the phenomenal products we have in development and those we haven't even conceived of yet."

Although Tim Cook was still Apple's CEO during the conception and early development phases of these products, much of their development has been overseen by Ternus and his team. When Cook decided to authorize Ternus to personally unveil these products, it signaled Apple had entered a new phase of development.

This is precisely why the CEO transition was scheduled for September 1st — allowing Ternus to officially assume leadership just days before he steps into the spotlight to showcase the results of his stewardship.

Here's a look at the many products Apple is developing over the next several years. (Of course, the company's plans and timelines remain flexible in many cases, and some devices could be delayed or even cancelled entirely.)

September 9th and Late 2026/Early 2027:

Foldable iPhone: The centerpiece of this year's product lineup will be a foldable smartphone, which many inside Apple refer to as the "iPhone Ultra." It features a large internal display and a compact external screen, folding down to roughly the size of a passport. Key specifications include the A20 Pro chip, Apple's in-house C2 modem, dark and light color options, dual standard and ultra-wide cameras (no telephoto lens), Touch ID support, split-screen multitasking, an advanced hinge structure, and a significantly less pronounced crease compared to previous foldables. Its expected price tag is over $2,000.

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max: These two Pro models will have exteriors largely unchanged from their predecessors, only adding new light blue and dark red color options. Their major new features are internal: A20 Pro chip, in-house C2 modem, improved battery life, and an enhanced vapor chamber for better heat dissipation. Additionally, both models get upgraded camera systems, with the Pro Max featuring a mechanical aperture for more refined exposure control and depth of field.

Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4: This year's Apple Watch update will add new colors and a ceramic case option for the Series 12, along with several new health and fitness features. Upgraded internal components will provide more power for the AI-powered Siri assistant. A new feature being tested is an all-day heart rate monitoring sensor that operates continuously, whether or not the user is exercising.

AirPods 5: This model will be an update to the entry-level AirPods, available in both standard and noise-cancelling versions. However, this is not the camera-equipped AirPods for AI features that was previously delayed and is planned for release next year.

Apple TV Box: The new Apple TV will look similar to the current model but will feature a more powerful chip, making the operating system smoother and enabling Siri AI support for the first time. The remote control has also undergone design refinements.

HomePod mini: The situation is similar to the Apple TV — this smart speaker won't have major exterior changes, but a more robust processor will provide more computing power for Siri's AI features. Apple is also testing a new full-size HomePod with Siri AI, though it appears unlikely to launch in the near term.

iPad mini with OLED Screen: The new iPad mini will bring one of the most significant upgrades since the product's inception, featuring an OLED display for the first time, making video watching, gaming, and other tasks more visually appealing. OLED, or organic light-emitting diode, doesn't require a backlight, enabling more vibrant colors, better contrast, and true blacks.

M6 iMac Upgrade: Apple is preparing to equip the iMac with the M6 chip and possibly introduce new color options for the chassis. This will be the desktop's first update in two years.

M6 14-inch MacBook Pro Update: The new 14-inch MacBook Pro will resemble the current model but will replace the entry-level M5 chip with an entry-level M6 chip.

First MacBooks with Touch Display and OLED Panel: After finally deciding to enter the touchscreen laptop arena around 2022, Apple is working on the most significant overhaul of the MacBook Pro in nearly five years — a redesigned model featuring a multi-touch screen, OLED display technology, and the "Dynamic Island" feature from the iPhone. Its software interface will also be more touch-optimized. The new machine will come in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes and be equipped with the M5 Pro and M5 Max processors released in March.

First Smart Home Hub with Screen: Another major new product category Apple will introduce in the coming months is a home control center with a roughly 7-inch square screen. Leveraging Siri AI and facial recognition, the device can present personalized content to users who look at it. It will be available in versions for bedside tables or wall mounting, support widgets, watch faces, and various apps, and facilitate FaceTime calls and smart home control. This product marks Apple's most significant foray into the smart home market.

In Development for 2027:

M6 MacBook Air: Don't expect Apple to break new ground with the 2027 MacBook Air. It's anticipated to feature Apple's latest chip, similar to the upgrade path seen in recent generations of this most popular laptop.

A19 Pro MacBook Neo: Building on the success of the first MacBook Neo, Apple aims to maintain momentum — even though its price has already been increased to $699. A new version with a more powerful chip and more memory is in development, and Apple also plans periodic color updates for the Neo line.

Entry-level iPad Update: After a long hiatus and a price increase, Apple is preparing a new entry-level iPad with a more powerful chip and, finally, support for the Apple Intelligence platform.

iPad Air Update: The major upgrade for the 2027 iPad Air is a switch to an OLED display, a technology that has been applied to the iPad Pro since 2024 and extends to this year's iPad mini.

iPad Pro Update: The upgrade for the iPad Pro will be less dramatic than the iPad Air, but besides a new chip, Apple is experimenting with introducing vapor chamber technology. If adopted, this would help sustain performance over longer periods and mitigate overheating.

New Apple Pencil: Apple is developing updates for the Pencil Pro and the entry-level USB-C Pencil, expected to launch alongside the 2027 iPad refreshes.

iPhone 18 and 18e: The biggest change here isn't the devices themselves but their release timing. For the first time, Apple is staggering the launch of the Pro line and the entry-level models, placing them at different points in the year. By 2027, the standard iPhone 18 will debut in the spring alongside the more affordable "e" series model.

iPhone Air 2: The upgraded iPhone Air is also scheduled for a spring release, with key changes including a second rear camera (for ultra-wide shots), a more powerful chip, and improved battery life.

M7 14-inch MacBook Pro: Apple is preparing a redesigned entry-level MacBook Pro featuring its first entry-level M7 chip, slated for release next year. The model will incorporate some design elements from the upcoming high-end touchscreen MacBook.

AirPods with Cameras: This long-anticipated AirPods upgrade — with built-in camera sensors that work with Apple's Visual Intelligence features — is on the schedule for next year. The device will offer reminders based on visual cues, help users analyze their surroundings, and provide contextual turn-by-turn navigation guidance. However, these cameras cannot take photos or record videos.

Home Security Sensors and System: Apple is planning a privacy-focused home security camera and smart home control device that uses AI to monitor the environment without directly capturing video footage. It will connect to a new comprehensive home security and monitoring service.

First Smart Glasses: Apple will compete with Meta Platforms Inc. in the eyewear space for the first time, launching a model without a display. This device will let users listen to music, take calls, and capture photos and videos. Its cameras feature a distinctive oval design and will support the same AI features as the camera-equipped AirPods. The frames will be available in various colors and styles.

20th Anniversary iPhone Overhaul: Beyond the foldable iPhone, the most groundbreaking model in years will be a special edition celebrating the product's 20th anniversary. It's expected to feature curved glass on all sides and edges with even slimmer bezels. This will be the most significant full redesign of the current iPhone Pro line since the iPhone X.

Second-Generation Foldable iPhone: A second-generation foldable iPhone with a new chip is progressing steadily through testing and is expected to hit the market one year after the debut of the first model. This demonstrates Apple's confidence in the category.

Redesigned Smartwatch: The company has re-envisioned its fitness wearables and is exploring several new directions for the Apple Watch. In the meantime, it's working on a redesigned smartwatch planned for release next year or the year after.

M7 Pro and M7 Max High-End Touch MacBooks: Apple is developing second-generation high-end touch MacBooks with OLED displays. The biggest change will be the inclusion of the upcoming M7 Pro and M7 Max processors.

For 2028, 2029, and Beyond:

A Desktop Smart Home Hub Robot: Building on the smart home device launching this year, this model will feature a roughly 9-inch screen and more advanced, interactive AI capabilities. The major difference is a robotic arm that moves the display, helping the device interact with users and perform tasks like FaceTime calls.

M7 Max and M7 Ultra Mac Studio: Apple's M7 processor line will add a more powerful Ultra model. The company plans to release a new Mac Studio with its latest high-end chip in 2028.

Apple Vision Pro or Major Upgrade: The future of the Vision Pro headset remains uncertain, especially given Ternus's previous reservations about its design. However, a refined, lighter version is still on Apple's product roadmap, expected around late 2028 or early 2029.

AI Wearable with Cameras: As part of its push into new AI wearables, Apple has been developing and testing a pendant that can be clipped to clothing or worn as a necklace. It contains cameras and is designed to work with the iPhone, providing visual support for AI tasks, similar to the role of glasses or AirPods. If released, this pendant would offer an alternative for those who prefer not to wear a device on their face or ears.

Larger Foldable iPhone: Apple is eyeing a third-generation foldable iPhone for 2028 and is exploring a version with a slightly larger cover display and inner screen — growing from the 5.5-inch cover and 7.8-inch inner screen of the initial model.

Potential Foldable iPad: Long before prioritizing the foldable iPhone, Apple was prototyping and testing a foldable iPad that expands to a roughly 20-inch screen. Internally, this device is viewed as the future of laptops. It was once planned for a 2028 release but encountered obstacles related to pricing, manufacturing processes, and practicality, leading to delays and shelving. We've seen Apple revive products from its development pipeline before, so this could still materialize before the end of the decade.

High-End MacBook Air with OLED Screen: The current MacBook Air design dates back to 2022, so this update will be long overdue. Apple is planning a major upgrade for 2028 or 2029, incorporating an OLED display. Similar to the upcoming high-end OLED MacBook, this new model will be positioned above the existing MacBook Air line. By then, most of Apple's iPhone, iPad, and Mac lines will have also transitioned to OLED screens.

Higher-End OLED iMac: As screen sizes increase, so do the costs of OLED displays, making it challenging to incorporate the technology into larger devices. However, by 2028 or 2029, Apple's supply chain may be ready to produce the highly anticipated OLED iMac. The iMac's last major redesign was in 2021.

Augmented Reality Glasses: Apple's long-term goal has always been to create true AR glasses — lightweight eyewear that overlays data onto the real world — and beyond the timeline, this objective hasn't changed. These are not expected to arrive until the end of this decade at the earliest.

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