Apple MacBook Air M5

Is your Mac too old?

We know that Macs cost a fair bit of money and not everyone has the luxury of upgrading every few years. But at what point is it time to consider upgrading your Mac?

Is the hardware to old? One factor to consider is the age at which most Macs start to experience issues, such as random shutdowns and degraded batteries that no longer hold their charge. Unfortunately, at one point repairing your Mac or MacBook will no longer be a viable option and you will need to look for a replacement. There is a point at which Apple stops providing the required parts for Macs, rating them either obsolete and vintage. Once a Mac is considered vintage (you can find a list of vintage and obsolete Macs below) we would recommend that you upgrade it.

Is the software to old? Another issue with aging Macs is that the software you need may not run on it. You may find that your Mac cannot update to the latest version of macOS (Apple’s Mac operating system software), but it’s even more concerning if Apple is no longer issuing security updates to the version of macOS you can run – because that make you open to malware and security vulnerabilities. We will explain which versions of macOS are supported – and for how much longer, below.

If the following apply, it is probably the case that your Mac has reached the end of its useful life:

• Apple no longer supports the latest version of the software it runs (which could leave you vulnerable).
• The apps you need to use no longer run on it.
• The Mac struggles to perform the tasks you need it to – especially as you can’t update the RAM and other components.
• Something breaks and is too expensive to fix, or the parts aren’t available.
• The Mac is becoming unreliable. Unexpected shutdowns are becoming commonplace and you’ve tried everything to fix the problem to no avail.

Apple

Software support: Which Macs are supported by macOS updates – and why it matters…

Only the most recent version of macOS gets feature updates, but Apple typically continues to support the previous two releases with bug fixes and critical security updates.

Following the release of macOS 27 Golden Gate on September 14, 2026, Apple is currently providing security updates for:

• macOS 27 Golden Gate
• macOS 26 Tahoe
• macOS 18 Sequoia

Apple released macOS Tahoe 26.7 and macOS Sequoia 15.8 alongside Golden Gate, while macOS Sonoma, last updated in August 2026, did not receive an equivalent update on September 14. This strongly suggests that regular security support for Sonoma has now ended.

For now, if your Mac can run macOS Golden Gate, Tahoe or Sequoia, you can be confident that Apple is still addressing security vulnerabilities and other significant issues in those operating systems.

If your Mac is running an older version of the Mac operating system, you will find yourself out in the cold when it comes to essential security updates to Apple’s software. Read: The latest version of macOS your Mac can run.

Another reason why you should run a supported macOS version is that if it is too old you may also find that your other Apple products aren’t compatible with your Mac. For example, without the latest security update, you may no longer be able to use Apple Pay or other means to pay for services online, for example. And if you want to sync your iPad or iPhone with your Mac (rather than using iCloud) you will need a recent version of macOS. Since Catalina, syncing is done via the Finder, rather than iTunes. If you can’t run macOS Catalina you will need at least iTunes 12.8.2.3 and at least Mac OS X 10.11.6 (El Capitan) or your Mac will not recognize your iPhone or iPad.

That said, there was a surprise update to macOS Big Sur and macOS Catalina in 2026: On February 2 Apple issued a update to fix a FaceTime and Messages Certificate in order to ensure that those communication tools remained operational on the older systems. This doesn’t mean that Apple is offering security updates to those versions of macOS, though.

Does Apple still support Intel Macs?

Apple

macOS 27 Golden Gate marks the end of major macOS upgrades for Intel Macs. Golden Gate supports no Intel-powered Macs, so Apple silicon is now required to run the latest version of macOS.

That doesn’t mean software support for Intel Macs has ended completely. Apple released security updates for macOS Tahoe and macOS Sequoia alongside Golden Gate in September 2026, and both versions support some Intel Macs. We expect Sequoia to continue receiving security updates until fall 2027 and Tahoe until fall 2028, which means a small number of Intel Macs could remain supported until then.

Despite this, we don’t recommend buying an Intel-powered Mac today. An M1 or newer Mac will have a considerably longer useful software life.

Which Macs are supported by Apple in 2026

With Apple now supporting macOS Golden Gate, Tahoe and Sequoia, security coverage extends back as far as the 2017 iMac Pro. It is likely that Macs that can only run macOS Sonoma, including the 2018 and 2019 MacBook Air, have now fallen out of Apple’s regular security-update cycle, although Apple has not confirmed this.

Macs supported by macOS 27 Golden Gate

macOS 27 Golden Gate supports Apple silicon Macs, including:

• MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 2026)
• MacBook Air (M1, 2020 and later)
• MacBook Pro (M1, 2020 and later)
• iMac (M1, 2021 and later)
• Mac mini (M1, 2020 and later)
• Mac Studio (all models)
• Mac Pro (Apple silicon, 2023 and later)

Macs only supported by macOS 26 Tahoe

The following Intel Macs can run macOS 26 Tahoe, but cannot be upgraded to macOS 27 Golden Gate:

• MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2020)
• Mac Pro (2019)
• Mac Studio (all models)

Macs only supported by macOS 15 Sequoia

The following Macs can run macOS Sequoia, but cannot be upgraded to Tahoe or Golden Gate:

• MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020, Intel)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018)
• Mac mini (2018)
• iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2019)
• iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2019)
• iMac Pro (2017)

For clarity, macOS 15 was the predecessor of macOS 26.

What are the oldest Macs supported by Apple?

• Oldest supported Mac: 2017 iMac Pro

As of September 2026, the oldest Mac still receiving regular Apple security updates is the 2017 iMac Pro, because it can run macOS Sequoia.

The 2018 and 2019 MacBook Air can only run macOS Sonoma and have now fallen out of Apple’s regular security-update cycle following the release of macOS 27 Golden Gate.

The 2018 MacBook Pro and Mac mini, and the 2019 iMac, can run macOS Sequoia and should therefore continue receiving security updates until around fall 2027, assuming Apple maintains its usual support pattern.

Which Macs aren’t supported by macOS?

We expect support for 2023’s macOS 14 Sonoma to have now ended, which means these Macs, which cannot be upgraded to macOS 15 Sequoia, are now unsupported:

• MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018)
• MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2019)

The following Macs lost support when Apple stopped issuing security updates for 2022’s macOS Ventura following the release of macOS Tahoe in September 2025:

• MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, 2017)
• MacBook Pro (2017)
• iMac (2017)

When Apple introduced Sequoia in 2024, it dropped support for macOS Monterey, meaning that Macs that couldn’t update beyond Monterey could no longer receive regular security updates:

• iMac (2015)
• MacBook Air (2017)
• MacBook Pro (2016)
• Mac mini (2014)
• Mac Pro (2013)

All Macs older than those listed above are also no longer supported by Apple’s regular software updates.

If your Mac is around a decade old, you should assume that it is no longer receiving regular security updates. In fact, we’d recommend avoiding any Mac that doesn’t have Apple silicon inside: M1 or newer.

Does it matter if my Mac won’t run a supported macOS?

Once you cannot update your Mac to run a supported version of macOS you are vulnerable to security breaches, which should obviously be a concern. You may also find that you can’t carry out transactions on the internet if you want to pay for things on your out-of-date Mac.

It’s also probably that the software you need won’t run on your Mac. Apple and other companies stop supporting older versions of the applications they make, so there could be issues with the versions of the software you are running. If you are experiencing random shutdowns, for example, it could be due to problems with an app you are running – problems that will not be addressed by the developer because that version of the app is no longer supported.

If you want to run fully supported software then you will need to update to a newer version of macOS – and that may mean that you need to update your Mac. Although, there are workarounds to install a new version of macOS on an old Mac if you need to.

Once Apple no longer supports your Macs with operating system updates, it’s probably a good time to replace your Mac.

When do Macs become obsolete?

But it’s not just software updates that determine the lifespan of a Mac. It’s also a question of whether it will be possible to fix your Mac should something go wrong with the hardware. Apple has two standards that indicate hardware support is waining: Obsolete or Vintage. The first stage is Vintage: you might be lucky enough to get parts for this Mac, the second is Obsolete: you are out on your own when it comes to any attempt to mend the Mac if it goes wrong.

If you look at Apple’s list of Obsolete Macs – those being the Macs that Apple will no longer provide spare parts for – you will see that the company stops providing parts for Macs that it hasn’t sold for more than seven years. In fact, the company may not even provide parts for Macs that haven’t been sold for more than five years (considered Vintage by the company).

This could mean that you won’t be able to get a faulty Mac fixed because the parts aren’t available.

Obsolete Macs

Obsolete Macs are generally Macs that Apple stopped selling more than seven years ago. Once a Mac is in Apple’s obsolete list you have little chance of getting it repaired if something does go wrong. You might be able to find spare parts yourself, but Apple won’t provide them.

You’ll find more details about the exact models on Apple’s US page and the equivalent UK page, but the lists below will give you a general idea.

Apple considers the following Macs and older Obsolete, now including the 2017 MacBook Pro models:

• 11-inch MacBook Air (early 2015 and older) 
• 12-inch MacBook (2016 and older)
• 13-inch MacBook Air (early 2015 and older)
• 13-inch MacBook Pro (2017 and older)
• 15-inch MacBook Pro (2017 and older)
• 27-inch iMac (2015 and older)
• 21.5-inch iMac (2015 and older)
• Mac mini (2012 and older)
• Mac mini Server (2012 and older)
• Mac Pro (2010 and older)
• Anything predating the Intel switch, obviously.

Petter Ahrnstedt

Vintage Macs

Apple also has a list of Vintage Macs. These are Macs that Apple stopped selling between five and seven years ago. (If you live in France where a law means you can get support for spare parts for up to seven years after Apple stops selling a Mac).

Apple Authorized Service Providers will repair vintage products, as long as parts are available.

Apple lists the following products as being vintage, now including the 2020 MacBook Air, 2019 MacBook Air, 2019 MacBook Pro and 2019 iMac, and the 2018 Mac mini:

• 12-inch MacBook (2017)
• 13-inch MacBook Air (2018, 2019 and 2020)
• 13-inch MacBook Pro (2017, 2018 & 2019)
• 15-inch MacBook Pro (2015, 2017, 2018, 2019)
• 21.5-inch iMac (2013, 2017)
• 27-inch iMac (2015, 2017 & 2019)
• Mac Pro (2012 & 2014)
• Mac mini (2014 & 2018)

Based on the above, we’d suggest that if your Mac is more than eight years old, it’s time to look for a new one. And, if you see a 2018 or earlier Mac on sale, it’s not wise to buy it. In fact you will note that there are even 2019 Macs on the vintage list. Read: Why you shouldn’t buy a second hand Mac.

See: Best Mac: Every Apple Mac and MacBook compared

How to extend the life of a MacBook

Petter Ahrnstedt

Extending the life of your MacBook involves a combination of optimizing software settings, maintaining battery health, and adopting hardware habits that protect the device’s physical integrity.

Battery health: One way to extend the life of a MacBook is to not leave it plugged in all the time. Apple added an Optimize Battery Charging feature in macOS Catalina that uses machine learning to limit charging to help extend battery lifespan by reducing wear from constant full charges. Since the arrival of this feature, users have been asking for the ability to manually set the charge limit below 100 percent. In response, Apple is adding the ability to stop charging between 80-100% in macOS 26.4.

Thermal Management: Avoid pushing the machine to the point of overheating. MacBook Pro models feature fans for better cooling during intensive tasks, whereas the fanless MacBook Air may throttle performance to maintain safe temperatures.

Using External Displays: If you frequently work at a desk, using your MacBook in “clamshell mode” (with the lid closed) can help organize your space and reduce the footprint on your desk. However, operating the laptop with the lid closed while connected to an external monitor may make it more likely to overheat. Because the MacBook’s chassis and keyboard area often assist in dissipating heat, closing the lid can trap thermal energy that would otherwise escape through the top of the device. This heat buildup is particularly concerning for fanless models like the MacBook Air. Without an internal fan to force air circulation, these models rely entirely on passive cooling, which is less effective when the lid is closed. We recommend using multiple external displays with your Mac, but with the MacBook open to allow for cooling.

Security: Ensure you update macOS often and only install applications from the “App Store & Known Developers” to prevent malicious software from compromising your system.

Should I fix or upgrade components in my Mac?

You may be wondering if spending money to improve your Mac, or fix a hardware problem, might be more savvy than buying a brand new Mac.

If your Mac is in the Obsolete category above and something goes wrong with it then you are going to struggle to get the necessary parts if you wanted to attempt to get it fixed as Apple won’t provide the parts. You might be able to buy an old Mac on eBay or similar and scrap if for the parts, but we’d suggest that it really wouldn’t be worth the effort.

Even if your Mac is in the Vintage list then Apple might be able to provide the required parts, but there is no guarantee. If you are lucky enough to get the part an Apple service provider might even be able to fix the Mac for you – but the cost of the work is likely to be prohibitive.

Similarly, if you are considering adding more RAM, or doubling your storage by adding a new SSD, you will be similarly prohibited because with most modern Macs there is no way to update the hardware.

It’s been years since it was possible to upgrade the RAM in a Mac. Now Apple solders RAM in place and hides components away to make access impossible (or at least impossible if you don’t want to completely destroy your Mac attempting to get to them). With M-series Macs memory, GPU and CPU are all integrated onto the chip, so it is impossible to upgrade them. Nor can you update the SSD as it is soldered onto the motherboard.

There are other ways to upgrade your Mac, though. Read: How to upgrade your Mac mini for ideas.

Apple repair programs

If your Mac develops a known hardware fault, check whether it is covered by one of Apple’s repair or service programs. If it is, Apple may repair the problem free of charge. However, many programs only run for a limited period, so older Macs may no longer qualify even if they suffer from the same fault.

If the Mac you own, or are considering buying, is affected by one of the problems below, that’s another factor to take into account.

Apple’s current Mac repair and service programs include:

• 15-inch MacBook Pro Battery Recall Program: Covers certain MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015) models with batteries that may overheat and pose a fire risk. Affected units were sold primarily between September 2015 and February 2017. Eligibility depends on the serial number.
• Mac mini Service Program for No Power Issue: Covers a small percentage of Mac mini (2023) models with the M2 chip that may fail to power on. Affected devices were manufactured between June 16 and November 23, 2024. The program covers eligible Macs for three years after their first retail sale.

A number of older Mac service programs have now ended, including:

• The MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro keyboard service program.
• The 13-inch MacBook Pro display backlight service program.
• The 13-inch MacBook Pro SSD service program.
• The 13-inch MacBook Pro battery replacement program.

Apple also limits how long it guarantees hardware service for older Macs. Generally, parts and service are available for at least five years after Apple stops selling a product, and sometimes for up to seven years, subject to parts availability. Mac laptops may be eligible for battery-only repairs for up to 10 years after Apple stopped selling them.

We have more information about Apple’s product recalls and repair programs here.

If your fault isn’t covered by one of Apple’s programs, you may be faced with an expensive repair bill. For an older Mac, it is worth comparing the cost of repair with the cost of replacing it, particularly if Apple no longer provides parts or service for the model. If you mainly need to retrieve important documents or photos, it may instead be worth looking at how to recover files from a damaged Mac or the best Mac data recovery software

How long do Macs last? Is a 7 year old Mac too old?

So, how long do Macs last? We’d say around five to eight years, although you may find it difficult to replace faulty parts once more than five years have passed since Apple last sold the model.

With macOS 27 dropping support for Intel-powered Macs entirely, we recommend avoiding an Intel Mac if you’re buying one today.

Our advice is to avoid buying a Mac that’s more than five years old, particularly if it has an Intel processor. If you’re still using an Intel Mac, it is time to start thinking about upgrading to an Apple silicon model.

• Best iMac deals
• Best Mac mini deals and Best time to buy a Mac mini
• Best MacBook Pro deals and Best time to buy a MacBook Pro
• Best MacBook Air deals and Best time to buy a MacBook Air
• Best place to buy a refurbished Mac

You may also want to read our Best Mac Buying Guide for help deciding which Mac to buy. We also have a guide to the Best MacBook.

Every New Apple Product Launched in 2026… so far

Here is what Apple has already announced in 2026:

• Mac mini M6 and M5 Pro: Faster storage, upgraded connectivity, and a strong focus on AI performance: New Mac mini 2026 guide.
• Mac Studio M5 Max and M5 Ultra: Faster AI and graphics performance, increased memory bandwidth: New Mac Studio 2026 guide.
• AirPods Max 2: Improved audio and the H2 chip. Find out more here: AirPods Max 2 guide.
• MacBook Neo: Apple’s brand new, low-cost Mac laptop. Find out more here: MacBook Neo guide.
• MacBook Air M5: Now with the M5 chip. Read about the 2026 MacBook Air here: MacBook Air M5 guide.
• MacBook Pro M5 Pro & M5 Max: A significant upgrade over the M4 series. Read: MacBook Pro M5 Pro & Max guide.
• Studio Display: Finally gets Thunderbolt 5 and a better webcam.
• Studio Display XDR: With mini-LED technology and ProMotion up to 120Hz.
• iPhone 17e: The new, entry-level, iPhone replaces the iPhone 16e. Read more here: iPhone 17e guide.
• iPad Air M4: The iPad Air now has an M4 chip. Read more here: iPad Air M4 guide.
• AirTag 2: Four years on Apple updated the AirTag, read our review here: AirTag 2nd gen review.

And… RIP Mac Pro: Apple has confirmed that it is discontinuing its tower workstation.

Read on to find out what new products to expect at Apple’s next event and throughout 2026.

Every New Apple Product Launching in 2026

In the sections below we’ve split the upcoming new products into categories including Mac, iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch, Home, AirPods, and some new product categories.

Apple Intelligence, Siri and AI

iOS 27 and macOS 27 Golden Gate, will introduce a massive overhaul to Siri and expanded Apple Intelligence capabilities.

The All-New Siri AI

The most significant update is the transformation of Siri into Siri AI, a conversational assistant powered by Apple Intelligence.

Key Siri AI features coming later in 2026 include:

• Onscreen Awareness: Siri will understand and interact with what is displayed on your screen. For example, if a friend texts you an address, you can ask Siri to save it to a contact without leaving the app.
• Dedicated Siri App: A new standalone app will allow you to revisit previous conversations, pin important chats, and sync history across all Apple devices via iCloud.
• App Actions: Siri will be able to perform tasks within apps using natural language, such as editing a recently sent message or adding a song to a specific playlist.
• Visual Intelligence: On iPhone, a new Siri mode in the Camera app will allow users to point their phone at objects to ask questions or perform actions based on what they see. On Mac, users can select onscreen content to ask Siri questions about images or documents.
• Voice Customization: Users can personalize Siri with more natural voices and adjust the pace and expressiveness of the speech. This feature requires a M3 Mac with 12GB RAM or newer, or iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone Air and newer.

Apple Intelligence Across Apps

Beyond Siri, Apple Intelligence is being integrated system-wide to automate tasks and enhance productivity. Apple Intelligence will play a larger role across the iPhone, iPad, Mac, smart home devices, and future product categories.

Major updates include:

• Safari Productivity: The browser will automatically group tabs into topics, monitor pages for changes (like price drops) with a “Notify Me” feature, and even build custom extensions based on natural-language descriptions.
• Smarter Photo Editing: New tools include Spatial Reframing to improve composition after a photo is taken, an Extend tool to fill in missing areas when straightening horizons, and an upgraded Clean Up tool for removing distractions.
• Writing Tools and Communication: Mail and Messages will gain smarter replies that mimic a user’s writing style . System-wide Writing Tools will generate text from scratch, rewrite drafts, and adapt tone to match specific contacts.
• Image Playground: This tool has been revamped with better language models to create more natural-looking photorealistic images. It also allows users to create custom wallpapers on iOS 27.
• Intelligent Automation: The Shortcuts app will feature a “Describe a Shortcut” ability, allowing users to create complex automations simply by explaining what they want in plain English.

What new iPhones are coming in 2026 (and should you wait)?

Foundry

Based on current industry analysis and supply chain information, Apple has some significant changes planned for the iPhone in 2026, with an iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max and the introduction of a foldable iPhone expected alongside the release of iOS 27.

iPhone 18 Pro & Pro Max

• September 9, 2026 update expected at event

The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to launch on September 9, 2026. The iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to be the first to use Apple’s own C2 modem instead of Qualcomm’s. The base model may see a RAM increase to 12GB to better support on-device AI functions. A major redesign is expected, which could include a new Dark Cherry color, some under-display Face ID components and a smaller Dynamic Island, and the front camera could move to the upper-left corner of the display. Read about the iPhone 18 Pro here: iPhone 18 Pro rumors.

Foldable iPhone

• September 9, 2026 introduction expected at event

After years of rumors, Apple’s first foldable phone, potentially named the iPhone Duo or the iPhone Ultra, is expected to debut on September 9 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models. It is expected to be a book-style foldable with a 7.8-inch inner display. Read more here: Apple’s folding iPhone rumors.

iPhone 18

• Spring 2027 launch expected

Reports suggest that Apple could delay the iPhone 18 and release that handset alongside the iPhone 18e in the spring of 2027.

Should you buy now or wait?

With prices expected to rise, buying an iPhone 17 Pro this summer was not the bad idea it would normally be, so if you bought one recently then don’t despair, you probably saved some money.

With the iPhone 18 launch not expected until the spring, now is a good time to buy an iPhone 17. Read: When is the best time to buy an iPhone.

What new iPads are coming in 2026 (and should you wait)?

Foundry

Don’t expect major redesigns for the iPads this year. Instead, Apple is likely to focus on faster chips and other internal upgrades. That said, both the iPad and iPad mini are due for an update – particularly the entry-level iPad, which currently lacks support for Apple Intelligence. Here’s what we expect Apple to announce:

iPad mini

• Late 2026 update possible

The current iPad mini (A17 Pro) was released in October 2024, and Apple’s update cycle for this model is generally infrequent. Based on current reports and analysis, the next significant update to the iPad mini is not expected until late 2026, with some speculation pointing toward 2027.

One rumored upgrade for the 2026 iPad mini is the transition to an OLED display, which could reduce manufacturing costs and improve battery life. There is also the possibility of a slightly larger screen, with a move from the current 8.3- to 8.7-inches suggested. There is also speculation that a future foldable Apple device could potentially replace the iPad mini line entirely, though this remains uncertain.

Internal code leaks suggest the future iPad mini could be upgraded to an A19 Pro chip, which would provide a significant performance boost over the current A17 Pro. An A18 Pro chip upgrade is also possible. Read our round up of iPad mini rumors.

iPad

• Late 2026 update possible

When the standard iPad was updated in March 11, 2025, the biggest disappointment was that it featured a A16 chip and therefore didn’t support Apple Intelligence. Apple looks set to rectify that in 2026 with an upgrade to the A18 or A19 chip, with the latter offering 50% better performance. The release timeline for an iPad with an A18 or A19 chip is anticipated before the end of 2026, in fact, Apple code suggests the company may be planning an update sooner-rather-than-later.

Read more about the 2026 iPad in our rumor round up.

Should you buy now or wait?

With the iPad prices increasing in June you may want to hold off buying one now. If you are going to pay more at least get the most up-to-date model, or buy from Apple’s Refurbished Store to get a bargain. Read Should I buy an iPad now or wait?

Which Macs are worth waiting for in 2026?

2026 is expected to be a significant year for the Mac, with Apple’s first touchscreen Mac rumored as part of a MacBook Pro redesign. March 3 saw the launch of the M5 MacBook Air and M5 Pro/M5 Max MacBook Pro and March 4 saw Apple introduce a new entry-level laptop – the $599 MacBook Neo.

The long expected Mac Studio and Mac mini updates came in August 2026 and go on sale September 22, although some high-memory Mac Studio configurations won’t arrive until later. These Macs have become popular for running AI models locally; however, global RAM shortages – driven by AI companies purchasing large amounts of memory for data centres – have been having a knock-on effect on availability during 2026 and these RAM shortages have also had an effect on prices, with Mac prices increasing by $300 to $500 in June and in the case of the Mac mini, by a further $100 with the 2026 lannch.

One Mac that won’t be getting an update is the long-neglected Mac Pro. Apple has confirmed that the Mac Pro will be discontinued in favor of the Mac Studio.

Touchscreen MacBook Pro

• Possible late 2026 introduction

Foundry

There are rumors that the MacBook Pro will get a redesign including notch-free OLED touchscreen, potential 5G connectivity and a thinner body. At one point it was expected that this new MacBook Pro would feature M6 Pro and Max chips, but the latest indications are that Apple will use M5 Pro and M5 Max chips instead in an effort to keep the project on schedule.

Read the rumors about the M6 MacBook Pro with a touch screen.

iMac

• Unlikely 2026 update

The current M4 iMac was released in October 2024, so an M5 update might seem timely and could be released alongside other potential M5 Mac updates.

The current iMac design was introduced in 2021 and is not expected to change soon. It is still considered fresh, and its components are not outdated. However, there are calls for Apple to introduce a larger screened iMac, something that has been missed since Apple discontinued the 27-inch model. Many feel that the 24-inch screen is too small. Read about the larger iMac rumors.

Should you buy now or wait?

With the prices of Macs increasing in June due to the global RAM shortages you may want to hold off buying one now. If you are going to pay more at least get the most up-to-date model, or buy from Apple’s Refurbished Store to get a bargain. Read the following for more guidance:

• Should you buy the MacBook Pro now or wait?
• Should you buy the MacBook Air now or wait?
• Should you buy a Mac mini now or wait?
• Should you buy a Mac Studio now or wait?

Upcoming Apple Watches in 2026

Mahmoud Itani / Foundry

Apple updated all the Apple Watches in September 2025. Launching the Apple Watch Series 11 a new Apple Watch Ultra and a new Apple Watch SE. In 2026 the Apple Watch Series 12 and a new Apple Watch Ultra 4 are expected.

With the Apple Watch rather than hardware changes the real interest tends to be the health and fitness related features. The following capabilities are expected in future iterations:

• Non-invasive blood glucose monitoring: This has been a long-rumored feature for the Apple Watch, but it is still considered to be a few years away with the technology unlikely to be ready for a 2026 release.
• AI-Powered Health and Fitness Coach: Apple has long been rumored to be working on a sophisticated AI coach. Recent reports from early 2026 suggest this project was “scaled back” to allow individual AI-driven features to ship sooner rather than waiting for a complete overhaul.
• Health+ Service Overhaul: There are ongoing rumors regarding a new service tier called “Health+” that would expand upon Fitness+. This service might integrate new AI-powered health features into a single subscription, potentially bundled with hardware purchases.
• Daily Readiness and Stress Tracking: Unlike competitors such as the Oura Ring 4 or Garmin, the Apple Watch currently lacks a “daily readiness” score or native stress tracking. Experts suggest these are obvious areas for future software or hardware updates.

Other new features could include Touch ID integration and microLED displays reaching 4,000 nits brightness. A thinner case, magnetic bands, and enhanced AI capabilities could also be on the cards.

If you have an older Apple Watch and are wondering whether to upgrade, this could be a good time as with watchOS 27 the compatibility list is smaller than ever and only the Watch SE 3, Series 9, 10 and 11, Apple Watch Ultra 2 and 3 – and the new models – will be compatible.

Apple Watch Ultra 4

• September 9, 2026 update expected at event

Expected to be a relatively modest update, with a faster S-series chip, improved health and fitness tracking and possibly better battery life, but no major redesign. Read more: Apple Watch 2026 updates. 

Apple Watch Series 12

• September 9, 2026 update expected at event

Rumored to bring a new S-series processor, longer battery life, enhanced health monitoring and possibly a ceramic finish, while retaining the familiar Series 11 design.

Should you buy now or wait?

If you need an Apple Watch today, the SE 3 is the safest buy, while the Series 11 and Ultra 3 are worth waiting on with new models expected in September. Waiting could bring new features, lower prices on current models, or both, making it the smarter choice for most buyers. Read more: Should I buy an Apple Watch now or wait?

Upcoming AirPods

According to a brief update in Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter for Bloomberg in August, Apple is aiming to launch camera-equipped AirPods this fall.

The new earbuds are expected to resemble the upcoming AirPods Pro 3, although it’s not yet clear whether they will also include a heart rate sensor.

The cameras are said to include both visible-light and infrared sensors, but they reportedly won’t be designed for taking photos or recording video, as their placement and image quality would make them unsuitable for those tasks. Instead, the cameras are expected to enable AI-powered features, such as hand gesture recognition, adapting audio based on the surrounding environment, and detecting whether someone is speaking directly to you or simply talking nearby.

Upcoming Apple Home devices

Mahmoud Itani / Foundry

Apple is expected to significantly expand its smart home ecosystem in 2026 and 2027 with new devices beyond its traditional Apple TV and HomePods.

Rumored products include a smart home hub that combines HomePod functionality with a touchscreen, an updated HomePod mini 2 and next-generation Apple TV are also expected.

This strategic push could help Apple catch up with competitors like Amazon and Google in the smart home market.

Apple’s push into the smart home market will be heavily reliant on a significantly improved Siri, which is expected to launch with iOS 27 and macOS 27 in the fall.

New and updated products are said to include:

HomePod mini 2

• Fall 2026 introduction

Foundry

A new HomePod mini is said to be on the way with a faster processor that can take advantage of the new Siri AI.

HomePod 3

• Fall 2026 introduction

A new HomePod with an updated chip is also expected.

Apple TV

• Fall 2026 update

The current Apple TV isn’t compatible with Siri so an update is needed. Apple TV leaks indicate a rumoured Apple TV is on Apple’s roadmap and that the update will bring Apple Intelligence to the set top box.

New Smart Hub

• Possible 2026 introduction

Multiple reports have suggested Apple will launch a smart home hub. Apple is said to be working on a number of HomeHub related products including a device said to mount a camera on a robot arm that can follow you around!

New Smart Display

• Possible 2026 introduction

Also rumored is an iPad-like smart display that allows you to control your home devices via HomeOS software. This may come with both a speaker base and a wall mount.

HomePod Touch

• Possible 2026 introduction

A new HomePod smart speaker with a screen is said to be coming. Read more here: New HomePod rumors.

Upcoming Vision devices, AR and spatial computing

Apple Smart Glasses

• Possible 2026 introduction, 2027 launch

Unlike the bulky Vision Pro headset, the upcoming smart glasses from Apple are expected to follow a form factor similar to the Ray-Ban Meta glasses. This will be Apple’s first product built specifically for “Visual Intelligence.” It will likely handle tasks such as live translations, music playback, phone calls, and turn-by-turn directions. Apple could provide a first glimpse or “preview” of the glasses by the end of 2026.

Vision Pro

• Possible 2027 update

Prior to 2026, Apple’s spatial computing strategy has focused on the high-end market, but reports indicate a more affordable version of the headset is in development. Apple has reportedly paused work on a successor to the high-end Vision Pro and will instead release a cheaper Vision Pro.