Here are the Apple products readers still expect in 2026
It’s already been a very busy year for Apple. Tim Cook announced he’ll be stepping aside for John Ternus. Siri AI finally made its big debut (in beta form) at WWDC 2026. Apple launched a new budget MacBook, and then raised prices just months later.
But don’t forget: We’re still expecting the launch of the iPhone 18, the first folding iPhone, and a ton more Apple devices in the months ahead.
So, Mashable and the rest of the CNET Group (ZDNET, PCMag, CNET, and Lifehacker) are hosting the Big Guessing Game: Apple Edition to give our readers a chance to predict the biggest Apple news. Every correct answer earns you one chance to win the new Apple Watch announced in September. (Read the full content rules.) Ahead of the September iPhone launch event, we have our readers’ answers from round two of the game.
Don’t forget to keep checking back, as round three of the Big Guessing Game: Apple Edition is coming soon.
Question 1: Will Apple announce that a foldable iPhone will be released in 2026?
The foldable iPhone — rumored to be called the iPhone Ultra, or some variation thereof — is the biggest open secret in Silicon Valley right now, but Apple still hasn’t confirmed its existence. However, 68 percent of respondents in Mashable’s Big Guessing Game said they expect the phone to arrive this year, while just 32 percent answered in the negative.
Question 2: Will the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max include a black color option this year?
The lack of a black color option was a major disappointment for many Apple fans after the launch of the iPhone 17 Pro last year. (Scratchgate may have been the reason why.) Rumor has it we won’t get a black phone this year either, though leaks suggest we are getting a dark grey that looks pretty close. So, what do Mashable readers think?
The breakdown here was almost identical to question one, with 68 percent of you expecting that we will get a black iPhone after all.
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Question 3: Will Apple announce a touchscreen MacBook in 2026?
Rumors of MacBook Pros with OLED screens and touchscreens have been spreading for awhile, and it’s very possible these high-end laptops will finally arrive in 2026.
We asked Mashable readers whether they expect to see the first-ever touchscreen MacBook this year, and our readers are almost evenly split on this question. In the end, 55 percent said yes, and 45 percent said no.
Question 4: Will Apple release new AirPods in 2026?
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who seems to have a direct line right into Apple Park, has reported that Apple is working on AirPods with built-in cameras. The cameras wouldn’t be for photography, but to support new Siri AI features. Regardless, we were curious what you think: Will we get any new AirPods this year?
On this question, only 26 percent of our respondents said no, with the majority (74 percent) answering in the affirmative.
Question 5: Will an M6 series chip be announced in 2026?
An M6 chip is expected to arrive this fall, based on Apple’s previous silicon release schedule. When we posed this question to Mashable readers, 35 percent predicted we would not see an M6 chip, while 65 percent believed that we will.
Enter our Big Guessing Game for a chance to win a new Apple Watch
Don’t forget to participate in the third and final round of the Mashable Big Guessing Game for another chance at winning a new Apple Watch. The last round will take place in the weeks leading up to the iPhone launch event, which we believe will be in mid-September.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY to enter or win the “CNET Group Big Guessing Game” Giveaway. Open to legal U.S. residents in the 50 U.S. & D.C., 18+ yrs of age. Other restrictions apply. Begins May 19, 2026 at 12:01 pm ET and ends Sept. 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm ET. Void where prohibited. Subject to Official Rules: https://www.mashable.com/article/mashable-big-guessing-game-apple-edition-official-contest-rules/. Sponsor: Ziff Davis, LLC.
Apple is not a sponsor of, affiliated with, or endorser of this sweepstakes. Apple Watch is a trademark of Apple Inc.