Apple iPhone 17e could launch soon with MagSafe and A19 as iPad Air and MacBook Pro updates near

February 9, 2026
Apple iPhone 17e could launch soon with MagSafe and A19 as iPad Air and MacBook Pro updates near

San Francisco, Feb 8, 2026, 22:37 (PST)

  • Apple is gearing up to launch an iPhone 17e, updated iPads, and new Macs as part of a product surge set for early 2026, Bloomberg reported.
  • Reports say the iPhone 17e will pack an A19 chip and support MagSafe charging, all while sticking to a $599 starting price.
  • Apple is set to roll out the iOS 26.4 developer beta during the week of Feb. 23, bringing along new Siri features, according to a report.

Apple is gearing up to launch the iPhone 17e, alongside new iPads, Macs, and an updated Siri, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman revealed Sunday. (Bloomberg)

The timing is critical since Apple targeted mid-market customers in regions like China and India with last year’s $599 iPhone 16e, where upfront payment is common. “The new phone reduces the cost hurdle of joining the Apple Intelligence bandwagon,” noted Forrester principal analyst Dipanjan Chatterjee back then. (Reuters)

A swift update would help Apple stay competitive as rivals pack more AI features into Android devices. It also broadens the range of Apple products capable of running Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI suite, before a major Siri overhaul arrives.

The Verge reports the iPhone 17e will feature Apple’s newest A19 chip, reintroduce MagSafe for charging and accessories, and move to Apple-designed cellular chips. Engadget confirmed the A19 and MagSafe updates, adding that the starting price is expected to stay at $599. Gurman notes Apple is targeting emerging markets and enterprise customers while Google and Samsung shift their focus elsewhere. (The Verge)

MacRumors reports that Apple is gearing up to release an entry-level iPad powered by the A18 chip, alongside an iPad Air featuring the M4 processor, with minimal changes to their designs. The base iPad is expected to be heavily targeted at enterprise users, leveraging the upgraded chip to enhance Apple Intelligence on the device. (MacRumors)

Gurman predicts new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros powered by M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, Apple’s top-tier laptop processors, could land as soon as the week of March 2, per MacRumors. He links the launch to the macOS Tahoe 26.3 update cycle. (MacRumors)

Apple plans to release the first developer beta of iOS 26.4 during the week of Feb. 23, according to 9to5Mac. This update should bring new Siri capabilities like “personal context” and “on-screen awareness,” enabling the assistant to leverage device info and interact with content displayed on the screen. (9to5Mac)

Plans for unannounced products can shift, and a flat $599 price leaves little wiggle room if component costs climb or supply shrinks. Apple has already delayed parts of its Siri overhaul once before, and another setback could weaken the immediate momentum behind Apple Intelligence.

Reports suggest a staggered launch, starting with the iPhone 17e and refreshed iPads, then MacBook Pros arriving in early March. Apple hasn’t confirmed any dates or shared detailed specs yet.

Was ist MagSafe?

Technology News

  • Why Samsung rarely lands big hardware upgrades on its flagships
    February 9, 2026, 1:48 AM EST. Samsung sits atop Android sales, but its flagships often skip major hardware leaps. C. Scott Brown's analysis cites three main factors: production challenges that require parts in mass quantities; reliability and safety concerns tied to past battery failures, which keep Samsung conservative on power and charging; and profit margin concerns, seen as the top answer in a reader poll. The piece also notes a real-world pattern: the Galaxy S25 Ultra sticks with the same 5,000 mAh battery as the S21 Ultra, and the S25/S25 Plus share charging and camera specs with the S22 line, while rivals like OnePlus and OPPO push larger batteries and newer sensor tech. Analysts say Samsung weighs supply, risk and cost, not just new parts, when deciding upgrades.

Latest Articles

iOS 26.4 Beta Release Date Revealed as Apple’s iOS 26.3 iPhone Update Nears

iOS 26.4 Beta Release Date Revealed as Apple’s iOS 26.3 iPhone Update Nears

February 9, 2026
Apple is expected to release iOS 26.3 as soon as Monday, Feb. 9, with iOS 26.4’s first developer beta set for the week of Feb. 23. iOS 26.4 will introduce long-delayed Siri and Apple Intelligence upgrades, plus new emoji. iOS 26.3 adds a location privacy setting, iPhone-to-Android transfer tool, and EU-specific features tied to the Digital Markets Act.
The hidden 20Wh rule behind smartphone batteries: why iPhone and Galaxy still play it safe as China goes bigger

The hidden 20Wh rule behind smartphone batteries: why iPhone and Galaxy still play it safe as China goes bigger

February 9, 2026
Chinese smartphone makers are increasing battery capacities beyond 5,000mAh, while Apple and Samsung remain near that mark, partly due to shipping rules for lithium batteries. U.S. regulations set a 20Wh limit per cell for streamlined transport, with stricter handling above that. Some Android brands use silicon-carbon anodes and 100W+ charging. Larger batteries can add weight and reduce space for other components.