Apple is poised to kick off 2026 with major Mac hardware updates expected to arrive within weeks. The company may announce M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models alongside an entirely new budget MacBook powered by the A18 Pro chip marking the first time an iPhone processor will run a Mac. If the January timeline holds, these launches would complete Apple’s M5 transition for the MacBook Pro line and introduce a disruptive entry-level option for consumers.
What’s New in January
Apple released the base 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 chip in October 2025, but higher-performance models remained absent. That gap is expected to close this month with the launch of 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models featuring M5 Pro and M5 Max chips.
The bigger surprise is the rumored budget MacBook. This new model would run on the A18 Pro chip the same processor found in the iPhone 16 Pro and cost “well under $1,000,” according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The device is expected to feature a 12.9-inch display and come in silver, blue, pink, and yellow color options.
Beyond MacBook updates, Apple is preparing to release iOS 26.3 and companion software updates across macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS. iOS 26.3 includes new iPhone-to-Android data migration tools and EU-mandated interoperability features for third-party accessories.
Why It Matters
The M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models represent the final piece of Apple’s fall chip rollout. Users who require multi-core performance for video editing, 3D rendering, or software development have been waiting months for these configurations.
The budget MacBook is more significant. By using an iPhone chip instead of an M-series processor, Apple can dramatically lower production costs while maintaining strong performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. This positions Apple to compete aggressively in the sub-$1,000 laptop market dominated by Chromebooks and Windows machines.
Product Breakdown
M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro
- 14-inch and 16-inch models
- M5 Pro and M5 Max chip options
- No major design changes expected
- Performance boost over M5 base model
Budget MacBook
- A18 Pro chip (iPhone 16 Pro processor)
- 12.9-inch display
- Price: under $1,000
- Colors: silver, blue, pink, yellow
- First Mac to use iPhone-class silicon
iOS 26.3 Software Update
- iPhone-to-Android data migration
- Third-party accessory pairing (EU)
- Bug fixes and security patches
What’s Next
Apple has not officially confirmed a January event or product launch date. Based on historical patterns, iOS 26.3 is expected to ship by late January, which could align with hardware announcements.
Additional Mac refreshes including the M5 MacBook Air, new iPad Air, and updated base iPad are more likely to arrive in March. Apple is also working on the iPhone 17e for a potential February release, though timing remains uncertain.
If January launches don’t materialize, Apple may opt for press releases rather than a formal event.
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When will Apple announce the M5 Pro MacBook Pro?
Apple is expected to announce the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models in January 2026, though no official date has been confirmed. The company released the base M5 MacBook Pro in October 2025.
How much will the new budget MacBook cost?
The new budget MacBook is rumored to cost “well under $1,000” and will be powered by the A18 Pro chip from the iPhone 16 Pro. This would make it Apple’s most affordable Mac laptop in years.
What’s different about using an iPhone chip in a Mac?
The A18 Pro chip in the budget MacBook marks the first time Apple has used an iPhone-class processor in a Mac computer. This strategy allows Apple to reduce costs while maintaining strong performance for everyday computing tasks.
What else is Apple releasing in early 2026?
Beyond MacBooks, Apple is preparing iOS 26.3 software updates across all platforms and may release the M5 MacBook Air, new iPad models, and the iPhone 17e during Q1 2026. A major product overhaul is planned for later in the year.
