iPhone 17e and iPad 12th Gen Set for Spring 2026 Release

Key Takeaways

1. Apple is expected to unveil three new devices in spring 2026, including the iPhone 17e, budget MacBook, and iPad 12th Gen.
2. The iPhone 17e will feature an 18 MP Center Stage front-facing camera, an Apple A19 SoC, and a C1 modem.
3. The iPad 12th Gen will have an A18 SoC, replacing the A16 Bionic chip from the previous model.
4. The budget MacBook may include an A18 Pro chip, start with 8 GB of RAM, and offer a limited range of color options.
5. There is no confirmation about updates to the MacBook Air, but new models could be released in early March 2026.

Analyst Jeff Pu has shared his thoughts on the speculation surrounding Apple’s upcoming hardware for spring. As reported by MacRumors, Pu indicates that Apple plans to unveil three new devices in spring 2026. In line with recent chatter, he suggests that Apple will swap out the iPhone 16e for the iPhone 17e during this timeframe.

Changes in the iPhone 17e

According to a fresh research report cited by MacRumors, Pu believes the iPhone 17e will differ from the previous model in three significant ways. It seems that the iPhone 17e will adopt an 18 MP Center Stage front-facing camera, similar to the standard iPhone 17, and will also include an Apple A19 SoC. Additionally, there are indications that the iPhone 17e will come equipped with a C1 modem.

Future Launches on the Horizon

While specific release dates are still unclear, Pu also notes that the much-discussed budget MacBook and iPad 12th Gen are expected to launch globally next spring. On one hand, he anticipates that the iPad 12th Gen will be differentiated from its earlier version with an A18 SoC, replacing the A16 Bionic chip seen in the 11th Gen model. On the other hand, the budget MacBook may feature an A18 Pro chip, with a wider range of color options, including pink and yellow.

Sadly, the MacBook may only start with 8 GB of RAM in order to keep the launch price between $699 and $899. Other trade-offs may involve only having a single USB Type-C port and unspecified “older design or display components.” It’s important to mention that Pu hasn’t referenced the MacBook Air in his current research report.

MacBook Air Update Not Confirmed

However, this doesn’t mean that the M5 refreshes for the MacBook Air have been pushed back. Historically, Apple has launched its last two generations of 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air (currently priced at $949 on Amazon) just before spring begins in the northern hemisphere. Therefore, it’s plausible that new MacBook Air models could debut in early March 2026, alongside the budget MacBook and the iPad 12th Gen, plus the iPhone 17e.

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