Apple Could Introduce iPhone 17e And Its Most Affordable iPad And MacBook Yet In 2026, Analysts Predict

Apple might be keeping 2025 relatively quiet, but the company’s long-term roadmap is starting to look very different. A new report from GFHK Securities analyst Jeff Pu hints at a strategic shift that could broaden Apple’s product portfolio in early 2026. Instead of pushing only premium hardware, Apple is now said to be preparing a trio of lower-cost devices—the iPhone 17e, a budget iPad, and a more affordable MacBook.

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iPhone 17e Set to Lead Apple’s New Budget Push

According to Pu, the iPhone 17e may be the first product out of the gate. The phone is expected to keep the same external design as its predecessor, signalling that Apple is choosing stability over reinvention for this model. The upgrades are mainly internal, with the A19 chip, 8GB RAM, and an 18MP selfie camera driving the next round of improvements.

The rear camera system could remain unchanged with the 48MP main sensor, and Pu adds that Apple may still rely on the C1 modem instead of jumping to the newer C1X 5G modem currently found in the iPhone Air. These decisions collectively point to a performance-orientated but cost-controlled product built to anchor the lower end of the lineup.

Budget iPad and Affordable MacBook: Apple’s New Entry Segment

Pu also reports that Apple is shaping a new generation of more accessible iPads and MacBooks. While full specifications remain unclear, industry sources suggest that the entry-level iPad might shift to the A18 chip and 8GB RAM. If that happens, it could become the most affordable iPad to support Apple Intelligence features.

The MacBook project remains more ambiguous. Early indications suggest Apple could leverage an iPhone-class chip for this machine, marking a notable departure from the M-series approach. What’s uncertain is whether Apple will revisit the lightweight frame of the older M1 MacBook Air or develop a fresh design for this low-cost model.

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Looking Further Ahead: 2027 and Apple’s Next Generation

Pu has also updated his predictions for Apple’s broader hardware cycle. He expects the iPhone Air 2, iPhone 18, and iPhone 18e to appear in early 2027 — all potentially equipped with the new C2 modem for faster 5G performance. He also suggests that the next Pro models may come with a smaller Dynamic Island, hinting at a cleaner front aesthetic.

On the long-rumoured foldable iPhone, Pu believes the device may rely on Touch ID rather than Face ID when it eventually arrives, offering a different approach to biometric authentication for a foldable form factor.