Apple’s 2026 Opening Salvo: iPhone 17e, M4 iPads, and a New Budget MacBook

Apple is set to ignite the first quarter of 2026 with a massive product blitz designed to capture the budget, enterprise, and education sectors. Moving away from its “premium-only” reputation, the Cupertino giant is doubling down on affordable hardware that doesn’t compromise on silicon power. From the iPhone 17e to a surprising sub-$700 MacBook, the next few weeks will redefine Apple’s entry-level ecosystem.

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iPhone 17e: Premium Power at a $599 Price Point

The iPhone 17e is the centerpiece of the February 2026 launch. While it retains the accessible $599 price tag, its internals have been completely overhauled to match the flagship standard.

• Silicon: It will feature the A19 chip, the same 3nm powerhouse found in the standard iPhone 17, ensuring longevity and elite performance.

• Connectivity: For the first time, an “e” model will include MagSafe charging and Apple’s new proprietary 5G modem.

• Target Market: Apple is positioning the 17e as the ultimate device for emerging markets and corporate fleets, offering high-end AI capabilities without the “Pro” price.

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The iPad Refresh: Apple Intelligence for Everyone

Apple’s tablet lineup is receiving a “brain transplant” rather than a visual makeover. The goal is to bring Apple Intelligence to the most affordable screens in the catalog.

1. iPad Air (M4): The mid-range powerhouse jumps to the M4 chip, making it a viable laptop replacement for most students and creative pros.

2. Base iPad (A18): By moving to the A18 chip, the entry-level iPad finally gains the processing power required for advanced AI tasks, such as writing tools and image generation.

3. iPad mini (OLED): The fan-favorite small tablet is finally getting an OLED display, solving the long-standing “jelly scrolling” issues and providing a professional-grade viewing experience.

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Mac Expansion: M5 Power and the “Cheap” MacBook

The Mac lineup is seeing its most significant diversification in years. While the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air will move to the next-generation M5 chip, the real news is at the bottom of the price list.

Apple is reportedly prepping a low-cost MacBook featuring a sub-13-inch screen. This device will use an iPhone-class A-series chip instead of an M-series processor. This strategy allows Apple to compete directly with Chromebooks and entry-level Windows laptops in the education and bulk-enterprise sectors, potentially retailing for as low as 649.

Software Roadmap: The Siri Evolution in iOS 26.4

Hardware is only half the story. The upcoming release of iOS 26.4—with a developer beta expected in late February—will introduce the first functional elements of the Siri 2.0 upgrade.

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• Contextual Awareness: Siri will finally be able to understand on-screen content and perform multi-app actions.

• Chatbot Integration: Improved natural language processing will make interactions feel less like “commands” and more like a conversation.

Looking Ahead: Foldables and OLED MacBook Pros

While the early year focuses on affordability, the second half of 2026 promises “the big one.”

• The Foldable iPhone: Expected in September/October alongside the iPhone 18.

• OLED MacBook Pro: Rumors suggest a major redesign featuring a touch-sensitive OLED panel, a feature Apple has famously resisted for decades.

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Next Steps

Watch for an official Apple Special Event invite, likely to land around February 24, 2026. You should also prepare your devices for the iOS 26.4 update to experience the first phase of the Siri overhaul. If you are a student or teacher, wait for the late-February announcement before buying a new MacBook, as the budget model could offer unprecedented value for education.

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