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Apple’s roadmap after iPhone 17: what to expect
Apple’s iPhone 17 launch may be done, but a steady stream of new hardware is reportedly on the way. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple plans a packed schedule through late 2025 and into early 2026 that stretches from M5-powered Macs to a renewed effort in smart home devices. These upgrades look less like isolated refreshes and more like components of a broader strategy to tighten Apple’s ecosystem across AR/VR, computing, and connected-home experiences.
Major products to watch
iPad Pro with M5 (expected October 2025)
The next iPad Pro is said to adopt Apple’s M5 chip, delivering higher CPU and GPU performance for creative workflows, pro apps, and on-device AI tasks. For professionals using photo and video editing suites, CAD, or multi-app multitasking, an M5 iPad Pro would narrow the performance gap with Mac laptops and expand use cases for iPadOS as a primary workstation.
iPhone 17e (first half of 2026)
A budget-friendly follow-up to the iPhone 16e is expected, reportedly sharing the A19 silicon used in the iPhone 17. This would let Apple offer lower-cost models without sacrificing the latest chip efficiency and AI features — a familiar strategy to broaden market reach while differentiating the premium lineup.
New external Mac display (late 2025–early 2026)
Apple appears ready to replace the Pro Display XDR / Mac Studio Display with a refreshed external monitor. Expect improved panels, better color calibration, and tighter integration with macOS workflows — a clear win for content creators and pro users who rely on accurate color and large desktop real estate.
Updated Vision Pro, AirTag 2, and a roadmap to Vision Pro 2
A minor Vision Pro refresh is likely first: incremental spec bumps and comfort changes rather than a full redesign. Apple is apparently targeting a true Vision Pro 2 around 2027. This staged approach lets Apple refine AR/VR hardware and software while preparing for a heavier overhaul down the road.
According to Mark Gurman, the Vision Pro will see a spec bump refresh soon, but a true version 2 in 2027.
M5 MacBook Pro & MacBook Air (early 2026)
Both MacBook families are slated to adopt M5 silicon, promising better performance-per-watt, longer battery life, and stronger on-device machine learning. For professionals and power users, the M5 MacBook Pro will likely spotlight sustained multi-core performance; the M5 Air will aim to combine thin-and-light portability with notable performance gains.
Apple TV, HomePod mini refresh and a first-party Smart Home Hub (Spring 2026)
Expect faster chips, improved Siri integration, and a new HomePod mini update. Most significant is a rumored Apple Smart Home Hub in spring 2026 — Apple’s first major new device specifically targeting HomeKit and the broader smart home market.
We can expect a new HomePod Mini to hit Apple's lineup soon.
Why the smart home matters
Apple’s rumored focus on a dedicated smart home hub could be the strategic move that finally puts HomeKit on equal footing with Google Home and Amazon Alexa. A first-party hub, combined with on-device Siri improvements and end-to-end privacy features, would strengthen Apple’s value proposition: a simple, private, and tightly integrated smart home experience. For privacy-minded users, the ability to process voice commands locally and manage automations reliably would be a strong selling point.
Comparisons, advantages and real-world use cases
- Vision Pro refresh vs Vision Pro 2: The upcoming update addresses performance and comfort marginally, while a full second-generation device is likely needed to tackle weight, ergonomics, and price — the three barriers to mainstream AR/VR adoption.
- M5 iPad and MacBooks vs previous generations: Expect major gains in efficiency and AI/ML throughput, benefiting developers, creatives, and professionals who need sustained workloads. The M5 chips should further blur lines between mobile and desktop computing.
- Apple Smart Home Hub vs rivals: Where Google and Amazon focused on broad compatibility and services, Apple’s advantage will be deeper privacy controls, tighter integrations with iPhone/iPad/Mac, and unified automation powered by on-device AI.
Market relevance and final take
Taken together, these launches point to Apple shoring up weak spots in its ecosystem as much as refreshing flagship devices. The hardware roadmap suggests Apple is preparing for a future where on-device AI, AR/VR experiences, and privacy-first smart home integration play central roles. For consumers and enterprises, the next 12–18 months could bring meaningful choices: more powerful M5 Macs and iPads, a clearer AR/VR product trajectory, and—most importantly—an Apple-built smart home hub that could finally make HomeKit compelling at scale.
Source: phonearena
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