Apple 2026 Products: Early Release Rumors on M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro & iPad with A18 Chip

As 2025 draws to a close, tech watchers and Apple fans alike are turning their eyes toward 2026. With the latest generation of Apple devices released throughout the year — including the fresh 14-inch MacBook Pro with the new M5 chip — it’s natural to wonder: what’s next? Numerous reports and leaks now point to a major refresh in early 2026, featuring powerful MacBooks with M5 Pro/Max chips, a new iPad powered by an A18 chip,  Let’s dive into what the rumors say, when these products may arrive, and what they might cost.

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M5 Pro/Max Pro: Rumors & Expected Specs

What we know so far (context: M5, not Pro/Max)

  • Apple released a 14-inch MacBook Pro with the base M5 chip in October 2025.

  • That M5-MacBook Pro retains the same chassis and display configuration as prior generation: no screen redesign.

What rumors and reporting suggest for M5 Pro / M5 Max 

According to several reliable reports, Apple is preparing higher-end MacBook Pro variants using M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, likely launching in early 2026.

Key expected changes / improvements vs. base-M5 MacBook Pro:

Spec / Feature What’s Being Reported / Predicted
Processor: CPU/GPU / Performance boost M5 Pro / M5 Max MacBook Pro expected to offer meaningful performance uplift over M5 — typical generational boost. 
Model line-up & sizes Both 14-inch and 16-inch models likely to be offered with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. 
Launch timing Early 2026 is the prevailing prediction for Pro/Max models. 
Display / Chassis No major display redesign expected for this generation (i.e. same mini-LED / existing panel as current 14" M5). 
Camera / Other hardware (non-chip components) No significant changes (e.g. FaceTime camera) are currently predicted — focus is on chip and performance upgrades.

 

Based on credible leaks and tech-media reporting, the next-generation M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro — expected in early 2026 — appear to be designed as performance-focused updates rather than a full redesign. That means: stronger CPUs/GPUs, likely both 14-inch and 16-inch models, but probably no major changes to display, chassis or camera.

For users — especially power users like developers, video editors, designers — this suggests a meaningful performance uplift while preserving the familiar MacBook Pro form factor.

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iPad with A18 Chip — Reported Rumors & Expected Updates 

What We Know & What Is Being Reported

  • According to a leak reported by MacRumors, Apple is developing a new low-cost (entry-level) iPad powered by an A18 chip

  • Several sources indicate that this “next-gen base iPad” (likely 12th generation) will likely be launched in spring 2026

  • The expected update is mostly internal; external design changes are not strongly indicated, i.e. the iPad is likely to retain the current base-iPad design — same screen type (non-laminated LCD, as is common for the base model), similar form factor, and similar external appearance. 

What The A18 Chip Upgrade Could Bring

Feature / Spec What’s Being Reported / Predicted
Processor / Performance The A18 chip (same generation as used in flagship iPhones) will significantly boost performance vs the current A16-based iPad — making the base iPad more capable, smoother, and more future-proof. 
Support for “Apple Intelligence” / AI Features With the A18 and its Neural Engine, the new iPad is expected to support the newer “smart features” (“Apple Intelligence”) that Apple is promoting for newer devices. This could enable better on-device AI processing and AI-powered functions even on a budget iPad. 
Connectivity / Modern Standards Some rumors mention support for newer wireless standards (e.g. Wi-Fi 7) for the A18-iPad, aligning with what has been reported for other 2026 Apple products. 
Affordability + Updated Performance Because the external design and internal upgrades are modest (chip + internals, not full redesign), the new iPad is expected to remain entry-level in terms of price while offering modern performance — a good balance for mainstream users.

 

For buyers who want affordability + performance (students, general users, light creative work), this could be a “sweet spot”: modern chip + budget price + familiar design. Compared with iPads of higher tier (Pro / Air), this iPad may not deliver premium display or pro-level cameras — but for mainstream use, the A18 upgrade could make the base iPad far more capable than past base models.

 

Estimated Prices for Apple’s 2026 Products

M5 Pro / M5 Max MacBook Pro

The 14‑inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro provides a solid balance of performance and price for professionals, while the 16‑inch and M5 Max variants target power users needing maximum CPU and GPU performance for tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, or AI workloads.

  • 14‑inch M5 Pro: US $1,999

  • 16‑inch M5 Pro: US $2,399

  • 14‑inch M5 Max: US $3,199

  • 16‑inch M5 Max: US $3,499

A18‑Chip iPad 

The entry-level iPad with the new A18 chip is expected to maintain affordability while offering a noticeable performance upgrade over previous models, making it an attractive choice for students, casual users, and anyone seeking a budget-friendly yet capable tablet. The estimate Starting Price at US $349.

Conclusion

Apple’s 2026 lineup promises powerful upgrades with the M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro and the A18‑chip iPad. Whether you need top-tier performance or a budget-friendly tablet, these expected releases offer options for both professionals and everyday users. Keeping an eye on early 2026 launch dates can help you plan your next Apple purchase.

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