2025 was, in many ways, a quiet year for Apple. Incremental improvements arrived, and a new iPhone model – the “Air” – offered a playful addition to the lineup. But it lacked the seismic shifts that define truly historic periods for the company. It was a year that simply… was.
However, a different energy is building. 2026 feels poised to be a pivotal year, a moment when long-gestating changes will finally come to fruition. After a period of calm, a storm of transformation is gathering on the horizon for Apple.
The passing of Steve Jobs created a void, a test of Apple’s resilience. The company responded by elevating Jony Ive, granting him unprecedented control over design. This ushered in an era of remarkable growth and stability, reassuring investors and silencing doubts about the future.
But the landscape is shifting again. Apple’s long-tenured senior leaders, having benefited immensely from the company’s success, are now approaching retirement. 2025 saw the first ripples of this change, the initial departures of key figures. These weren’t isolated events; they signaled the beginning of a larger transition.
2026 will mark the true handover, the arrival of new leadership – individuals who have quietly honed their skills within Apple for years, even decades. While Tim Cook isn’t expected to step down immediately, the groundwork for his succession will be firmly laid.
Cook’s own experience shaped his perspective. Thrust into the CEO role by unforeseen circumstances, he lacked the benefit of Jobs’s mentorship. He’s unlikely to leave his successor in the same position. The expectation is that Cook will transition to the role of chairman, offering guidance and oversight, much like Jobs was unable to do for him.
This careful, conservative approach is characteristic of Cook’s leadership. He’ll focus on navigating the complexities of international politics and trade, allowing the new CEO to concentrate on the core business of innovation and execution. This succession planning is already underway, and will accelerate in the coming year.
The shift won’t be limited to the very top. Many other long-serving executives will likely begin planning their own transitions, potentially shifting into advisory roles or handing the reins to their protégés. Within five years, Apple will be guided by a generation that didn’t directly shape the Steve Jobs era.
The Mac is also on the cusp of significant change. Rumors suggest the arrival of the first touchscreen Macs, potentially with the M6 MacBook Pro. While interface overhauls are unlikely, these touchscreens will likely serve as secondary input devices, enhancing usability without fundamentally altering the Mac experience.
More surprisingly, the future of the Mac Pro is uncertain. With the Mac Studio now dominating the high-end market, the Mac Pro’s relevance is diminishing. It’s likely to be discontinued, either receiving a final update or simply fading away.
A more affordable Mac laptop is also anticipated, powered by an iPhone-level chip. This device, potentially priced around $599 or $699, will open Apple to a new segment of customers, offering compelling value and performance. It’s a strategic move to broaden Apple’s reach.
The iPhone will see its own evolution. While 2025’s AI ambitions fell short, 2026 promises progress in Apple Intelligence and Siri. Improvements are expected, making these features more functional and useful, and unlocking new possibilities for smart home integration.
The controversial Liquid Glass interface may be refined, addressing usability concerns and offering greater flexibility to users. But the most significant iPhone news will be the debut of Apple’s first folding phone, a premium device expected to cost at least $1,999.
Despite its high price tag, the folding iPhone is projected to become the best-selling model in its category. However, it will remain a niche product, with the standard iPhone Pro models continuing to drive the majority of sales.
Apple is also considering a split release schedule for its iPhone lineup. The iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and Fold will launch in September, while the standard iPhone 18 models will arrive in the spring, spreading out the product cycle and maximizing marketing impact.
Between a folding iPhone, touchscreen Macs, and a generational shift in leadership, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of profound change for Apple. And if Siri finally receives a meaningful upgrade, it will be a welcome bonus.
