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Apple’s Product Roadmap: Upcoming Releases and Development Plans Through 2028

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Apple’s Product Roadmap: New Categories, Foldables, and a March Event

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple is actively developing six major new product categories, alongside expected updates to its existing lineup.

New Product Categories in Development

According to Gurman’s statements on TBPN, Apple has six major new product categories in development:

  • AI AirPods: An iteration of existing AirPods, not an entirely new category.
  • Smart Glasses (Apple Glasses): Reports indicate a possible unveiling later this year or in early 2027, with shipping expected in 2027. These are separate from Apple’s longer-term augmented reality (AR) glasses project.
  • Pendant Wearable: An AI wearable described as an alternative to AirPods and glasses.
  • Smart Display (HomePad): A smart home hub with a 7-inch display, featuring an A18 chip. It may launch this fall, potentially at the iPhone 18 event.
  • Tabletop Robot: Slated for 2027, with a possible delay to 2028.
  • Security Camera: Expected later this year.

Gurman noted that the smart glasses, pendant, and AI AirPods are expected to rely heavily on a paired iPhone for Siri and AI features.

Augmented Reality Glasses and Foldable iPad

Gurman reports that Apple is continuing development of augmented reality (AR) glasses intended to overlay digital information onto the real world. A launch is targeted between 2028 and 2030.

A foldable iPad, described as an approximately 20-inch device, has been a priority for incoming CEO John Ternus. The launch window for this device has been pushed from late 2026 to as late as 2028. The report cites sources involved in the project who doubt it will ever ship.

Upcoming Product Releases (2026-2027)

Gurman has listed approximately 20 products Apple is expected to release between the remainder of 2026 and 2027. This list includes:

Mac Updates

  • A redesigned MacBook Ultra with an OLED display is expected by early next year.
  • An M5 Max and M5 Ultra Mac Studio is expected in the first half of 2026.
  • Refreshed Mac mini and iMac models, potentially featuring M6 chips, are in development.
  • A redesigned MacBook Pro with M6 Pro and M6 Max chips is anticipated around October.

iPad Developments

  • A refreshed iPad Air with the M4 chip was recently announced.
  • A new budget iPad with an A18 chip is expected in the first half of 2026. Some speculation suggests it could be named "iPad Neo," based on Apple’s recent naming strategy, though this is unconfirmed.
  • No iPad Pro refresh is anticipated for 2026.
  • A revamped iPad mini, featuring an OLED display and an A19 Pro chip, is set to launch in the fall.

Home Product Lineup

  • A refreshed Apple TV 4K is expected to incorporate an A17 Pro chip and Apple’s new in-house N1 networking chip.
  • A refreshed HomePod mini will include a newer chipset and is likely available in new colors. This will be the first HomePod mini refresh in over five years.
  • A new smart home display (HomePad) is expected to debut this year.

September Launches

  • iPhone: iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are anticipated with new color options, improved cameras, and larger batteries. Apple is also expected to introduce its first foldable iPhone (foldable iPhone Ultra). The base iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 may be introduced in spring 2027.
  • Apple Watch: Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 are expected to feature a faster S11 chip or newer, possible design changes including Touch ID, additional health sensors, and enhanced battery life. Satellite features may be added to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and newer models.
  • AirPods: AirPods Pro 3 may debut with cameras, leveraging Apple’s visual intelligence technology for Siri interactions.

Upcoming Special Event

Apple has scheduled a special event for March 4, 2026, at 9 a.m. ET, branded as a “special Apple Experience.”

Press invitations have been extended, and separate press gatherings are also reported to be held in Shanghai and London. While specific products to be announced have not been confirmed, rumored possibilities include new Macs, iPads, and the iPhone 17e. Apple is also expected to release the first beta of iOS 26.4 soon, which may include new Siri features powered by Google Gemini.

Recent Product Announcements

Apple recently introduced seven new products, including the Studio Display, Studio Display XDR, M5 MacBook Air, M5 Pro/M5 Max MacBook Pro, and a refreshed iPad Air with the M4 chip.