San Francisco, Feb 8, 2026, 22:37 (PST)
- According to Bloomberg, Apple is preparing to release an iPhone 17e alongside refreshed iPads and new Macs in early 2026 as part of a major product push.
- Reports indicate the iPhone 17e will feature an A19 chip and include MagSafe charging, maintaining a starting price of $599.
- Apple plans to release the iOS 26.4 developer beta in the week starting Feb. 23, introducing new Siri features, a report says.
Apple plans to unveil the iPhone 17e, plus fresh iPads, Macs, and a revamped Siri, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported Sunday. 1
Timing matters here because Apple aimed last year’s $599 iPhone 16e at mid-market buyers in places like China and India, where paying upfront is typical. “The new phone lowers the cost barrier to joining the Apple Intelligence bandwagon,” said Forrester principal analyst Dipanjan Chatterjee at the time. 2
Apple needs a quick update to keep pace as competitors cram more AI features into Android gadgets. This move also expands the lineup of Apple devices that can run Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI suite, ahead of a significant Siri revamp.
The Verge reports the iPhone 17e will pack Apple’s latest A19 chip, bring back MagSafe for charging and accessories, and switch to Apple-designed cellular chips. Engadget confirmed both the A19 and MagSafe updates and said the starting price should hold steady at $599. Gurman points out Apple is aiming at emerging markets and enterprise clients, as Google and Samsung pivot away. 3
MacRumors says Apple is preparing to launch a budget iPad running on the A18 chip, as well as an iPad Air with the M4 processor, both sporting mostly unchanged designs. The standard iPad will focus heavily on enterprise customers, using the new chip to boost Apple Intelligence capabilities. 4
Gurman forecasts fresh 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros with the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips—Apple’s latest high-end laptop processors—might drop as soon as the week of March 2, according to MacRumors. He ties the release to the macOS Tahoe 26.3 update cycle. 5
Apple is set to roll out the first developer beta of iOS 26.4 in the week starting Feb. 23, reports 9to5Mac. This update is expected to introduce new Siri features such as “personal context” and “on-screen awareness,” allowing the assistant to use device data and engage with content shown on the screen. 6
Plans for unannounced products can change, and a flat $599 price leaves minimal room for adjustment if component costs rise or supply tightens. Apple has already pushed back parts of its Siri overhaul once, and another delay could stall the early momentum behind Apple Intelligence.
Sources point to a phased rollout, kicking off with the iPhone 17e and updated iPads, followed by MacBook Pros expected in early March. Apple has yet to announce official dates or reveal detailed specifications.
