The Ternus era officially begins! Apple is set to launch the largest wave of new products in its history, with foldable iPhone, touchscreen MacBook, and smart glasses debuting one after another

Over the past 15 years, Apple Inc. has focused mainly on optimizing its existing product lines and launching various services to enhance recurring revenue. Although the company introduced a few all-new product categories like the Apple Watch and AirPods during this period, it has not consistently released a large number of innovative concept products.

All of this is about to change, beginning next week, with the company’s “Wonder and Shine” event on September 9. New CEO John Ternus will take the stage that day to unveil the latest iPhone and Apple Watch, but this is just the beginning.

Apple is about to embark on the largest wave of new product releases in its history, launching a series of entirely new types of products and exploring multiple unprecedented product fields from 2026, 2027, and beyond.

Apple has been cultivating this area of product lines for nearly five years, and Ternus has repeatedly emphasized that a new era of innovation is dawning. In a letter to employees on Tuesday, he wrote:

“I'm full of anticipation for the series of major new products the company is about to launch. Next week, we will have an extraordinary launch event, but what’s even more exciting are the surprises to follow—products already primed and outstanding, as well as ones we haven't yet imagined.”

Although Tim Cook was still Apple’s CEO during the conception and R&D phases of these products, their development was largely handled by Ternus and his team. When Cook decided to authorize Ternus to personally announce these products, it unquestionably marked a new chapter for Apple.

This is precisely why the CEO transition was set for September 1—to give Ternus full authority just days before taking the stage to showcase the results of his leadership at the launch event.

Here are the numerous products Apple is developing for the coming years. (Of course, the company’s plans and timelines remain flexible, and some devices may be delayed or even cancelled entirely.)

September 9, End of 2026, and Early 2027:

Foldable iPhone: The core of this year’s launch will be a foldable smartphone, internally referred to by many as “iPhone Ultra.” The device features a large inner screen and a compact outer screen, folding down to roughly the size of a passport. Key specs include an A20 Pro chip, in-house C2 modem, dark and light color options, standard and ultra-wide dual cameras (no telephoto lens), Touch ID support, split-screen multitasking, an advanced hinge structure, and a crease much less prominent than previous foldables. Simultaneously, its price is expected to exceed $2,000.

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max: The appearance of these two Pro models is largely unchanged from the previous generation, with new shallow blue and deep red color options. Their major new features are internal: they sport the A20 Pro chip, in-house C2 modem, improved battery life, and a redesigned vapor chamber to effectively prevent overheating. Both models also feature upgraded camera systems, with the Pro Max gaining a mechanical aperture for more precise exposure and depth-of-field control.

Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4: This year’s Apple Watch update brings new colors and a ceramic case to the Series 12, along with several new health and fitness features. The upgraded internals provide more computing power for the AI Siri assistant. A new feature in testing is an all-day heart rate monitor that continues to operate whether the user is exercising or not.

AirPods 5: This model will update the entry-level AirPods, introducing both a regular version and a noise-cancelling version. However, this is not the previously delayed version with a built-in camera for AI features, which is scheduled for release next year.

Apple TV Set-top Box: The new Apple TV looks much like the current model but is powered by a stronger chip for a smoother OS experience and, for the first time, supports Siri AI. The remote has also received a design upgrade.

HomePod mini: Like Apple TV, the HomePod mini won’t see major changes in appearance, but a more powerful processor will enhance Siri AI functionality. Apple is also testing a new full-size HomePod with Siri AI support, though it’s not expected to launch in the short term.

iPad mini with OLED Screen: The new iPad mini will introduce one of the most significant upgrades since its debut, featuring an OLED display for more vivid videos, gaming, and all kinds of tasks. OLED, or organic light-emitting diode, does not require a backlight and delivers richer colors, stronger contrast, and true blacks.

M6 iMac Upgrade: Apple is preparing to equip the iMac with the M6 chip and may introduce new color options. This will be the first update for this desktop model in two years.

M6 14-inch MacBook Pro Update: The new 14-inch MacBook Pro will look similar to the current version but will replace the entry-level M5 chip with the entry-level M6 chip.

First Touchscreen MacBook with OLED Panel: After finally deciding around 2022 to enter the touchscreen laptop space, Apple is undertaking the largest overhaul of the MacBook Pro in nearly five years—a newly designed model with a multi-touch screen, OLED display, and the iPhone’s “Dynamic Island” feature. The software interface will also be better optimized for touch. This new laptop will be available in 14-inch and 16-inch versions, powered by the M5 Pro and M5 Max processors announced in March.

First Smart Home Hub with Screen: Another major new category launching in the coming months is a home control hub equipped with an approximately 7-inch square display. With Siri AI and face recognition technology, it presents personalized content to users who look at it. The device will be offered in nightstand and wall-mounted versions, supports widgets, watch faces, and apps, and enables FaceTime video calls and smart home control. This marks Apple’s largest foray into the smart home market.

Below are developments underway for 2027:

M6 MacBook Air: Don’t expect sweeping changes for the 2027 MacBook Air. It will feature Apple’s latest chip, in line with the typical upgrade path for this popular model.

A19 Pro MacBook Neo: Building on the success of the first MacBook Neo—even after its price was raised to $699—Apple is developing a new model with a more powerful chip and increased RAM, and will update the Neo series with new colors from time to time.

Entry-level iPad Update: After a long hiatus and a price hike, Apple is preparing to launch a new entry-level iPad with a stronger chip and finally support for the Apple Intelligence platform.

iPad Air Update: The significant upgrade for the 2027 iPad Air is the adoption of an OLED display, a technology first used on the iPad Pro in 2024 and continued this year with the iPad mini.

iPad Pro Update: This iPad Pro upgrade will be less substantial than the iPad Air’s, but beyond a new chip, Apple is testing vapor chamber technology for it—if implemented, it will help sustain performance longer and effectively reduce overheating.

New Apple Pencil: Apple is developing upgrades for the Pencil Pro and the entry-level USB-C Pencil, expected to debut alongside the redesigned 2027 iPads.

iPhone 18 and 18e: The biggest change here isn’t the devices themselves, but the launch schedule. For the first time, Apple will stagger the introduction of the Pro and entry-level models across different times of the year. In 2027, the standard iPhone 18 and the more budget-friendly “e” series will both debut in the spring.

iPhone Air 2: The upgraded iPhone Air is also slated for a spring launch, with major changes including the addition of a second rear camera for ultra-wide shots, a more powerful chip, and improved battery life.

M7 14-inch MacBook Pro: Apple is preparing a redesigned entry-level MacBook Pro with its first entry-level M7 chip, due for release next year. This machine will share some design elements with the forthcoming high-end touchscreen MacBook.

AirPods with Camera: This long-in-the-works AirPods update—integrating camera sensors that work with Apple’s vision intelligence—has been scheduled for next year. The device will provide reminders based on visual cues, help users analyze their surroundings, and offer contextual navigation guidance, but the cameras will not take photos or record videos.

Home Security Sensors and System: Apple plans to launch a privacy-centric home security camera and smart home controller device that uses AI to monitor the environment rather than capturing direct video and connects with a new home security and monitoring service.

First Smart Glasses: Apple will compete with Meta Platforms Inc. in the glasses market by launching a model without a display. This device allows users to listen to music, answer calls, and take photos and videos. The camera has a unique oval design and supports the same AI features as the camera-equipped AirPods. The frames will be available in multiple colors and styles.

20th Anniversary iPhone Overhaul: Besides the foldable iPhone, the most groundbreaking model in years will be a special edition commemorating the iPhone’s 20th anniversary. Its borders and edges are expected to feature curved glass with further narrowed bezels. This will be the largest overhaul of the iPhone Pro series since the iPhone X.

2nd Generation Foldable iPhone: The second-generation foldable iPhone, equipped with a new chip, is in stable testing and expected to be released a year after the first generation. This underscores Apple’s confidence in the category.

Redesigned Smartwatch: The company is reworking its fitness wearables and is exploring several new directions for Apple Watch. At the same time, it is creating a redesigned smartwatch slated for launch either next year or the year after.

M7 Pro and M7 Max High-end Touch MacBook: Apple is developing the second-generation high-end touch MacBook with an OLED display. The biggest change is the adoption of the upcoming M7 Pro and M7 Max processors.

The following are development plans for 2028, 2029, and beyond:

A Desktop Smart Home Hub Robot: Building on the smart home device coming to market this year, this device will have a roughly 9-inch display and more advanced, interactive AI features. The main difference is a robotic arm to move the display, enabling the unit to interact with users and complete tasks like FaceTime calls.

M7 Max and M7 Ultra Mac Studio: Apple’s M7 processor line will add a more powerful Ultra model. The company plans to launch a new Mac Studio with the latest high-end chip in 2028.

Major Vision Pro Upgrade: The future of the Vision Pro headset remains uncertain, especially since Ternus has been cautious about its design. However, an improved and lighter version is still on Apple’s roadmap, expected in late 2028 or early 2029.

AI Pendant with Camera: As part of its foray into new types of AI wearables, Apple has been developing and testing a pendant with an integrated camera that can be clipped to clothing or worn as a necklace. It’s designed to work with iPhone and provide “vision” for AI tasks, similar to the role of glasses or AirPods. If launched, this pendant will be an alternative for users who don’t want to wear devices on their face or ears but still want AI functionality.

Larger Foldable iPhone: Looking ahead to 2028, Apple is considering a third-generation foldable iPhone with slightly larger outer and inner screens—moving the cover display up from 5.5 inches, and the inner screen up from 7.8 inches.

Potential Foldable iPad: Before fully committing to the foldable iPhone, Apple had already been prototyping and testing a foldable iPad able to reach about a 20-inch display. Internally, it was seen as the future of the notebook computer. It was once targeted for 2028, but due to issues with pricing, manufacturing process, and practical usability, has since been postponed and shelved. Apple has been known to resume such projects, so there’s still a chance for it to launch before the end of the century.

High-end OLED MacBook Air: The current MacBook Air design dates back to 2022, so this update has been long awaited. Apple is planning a major upgrade for 2028 or 2029 with an OLED display, positioning it above the existing MacBook Air series—similar to the upcoming high-end OLED MacBook. By then, much of Apple’s iPhone, iPad, and Mac lineups will have migrated to OLED screens.

Higher-end OLED iMac: As screen sizes increase, the cost of OLED displays also goes up, making it challenging to apply the technology to larger devices. However, by 2028 or 2029, Apple’s supply chain may be ready for the much-anticipated OLED iMac. The last major iMac update was in 2021.

Augmented Reality Glasses: Apple’s long-term goal remains truly AR glasses—a light and portable device overlaying data onto the real world—and aside from the timetable, that vision has not changed. Such products are not expected before the end of this decade at the earliest.