Apple’s Future Plans: iPhone 17e, M5 Chips, and New Smart Home Hub in the Works

Following the launch of the iPhone 17, Apple has several new products expected to arrive in the next year and beyond. Among the most anticipated is the M5-powered iPad Pro, which could arrive as early as October, featuring a second front-facing camera aimed at improving portrait-mode usage. The new iPad Pro would be the first Apple product to feature the M5 chip, with MacBook Pro and Air models following in early 2026. Another significant update is the rumored iPhone 17e, a budget-friendly model set to release in early 2026. The iPhone 17e will likely feature the same design as the 16e, with a minor upgrade in processing power via the new A19 chip. Additionally, Apple is working on updates for its Apple TV and HomePod mini, which will feature performance improvements, including the integration of a new version of Siri. The Vision Pro is also expected to receive an update, though a more substantial redesign is expected for 2027. One of the most exciting potential releases is a new smart home hub, code-named J490, which was originally slated for release in March 2025 but is now expected by spring 2026. The smart home hub would represent Apple’s first new major product category in years. Apple is also rumored to be updating its AirTags and releasing new monitors, including a pair of 27-inch displays aimed at replacing the aging Pro Display XDR and Studio display.