The beginning of the 12 months is usually moderately sluggish for Apple. The corporate not often releases new {hardware} in January, and the OS updates that land through the first few weeks are usually variations that convey solely very minor tweaks, organising greater releases within the spring.
Apple will doubtless observe the identical sample in 2026. There’s an out of doors probability of some new {hardware}, however whereas some straggler releases may arrive this month, we predict Apple will wait till March or April to launch its first spherical of main new {hardware}. And with the OS 26.3 releases seeking to be comparatively minor updates, that leaves Apple Arcade and Apple TV to present us one thing to actually sit up for.
New {hardware} releases
The final time Apple launched new {hardware} in January was in 2023, once we received up to date M2 Professional/Max variations of the Mac mini and MacBook Professional. It’s important to return a decade to seek out one other January launch for Apple {hardware}, and that was simply the Third-gen Apple TV.
Curiously, these are the precise merchandise rumored to be arriving in early 2026. Apple was anticipated to launch a brand new Apple TV 4K in 2025, however it by no means arrived, whereas the M5 MacBook Professional launched with out M5 or M5 Max variants. So it’s potential Apple decides to launch these this month. Plus, we’re nonetheless ready on an up to date HomePod mini and 2nd-gen AirTag. So Apple may have a flurry of minor updates to debut in January.
One main product that would make an look early within the 12 months is the low-cost MacBook that has been rumored to debut within the first half of the 12 months. In years previous, that will have been a shoo-in for the January Macworld San Francisco keynote, however we predict it’ll doubtless arrive—together with another {hardware}—nearer to the spring.
Apps and software program updates
Apple’s slate of 26.3 updates is presently in beta, and in previous years, the x.3 launch has often landed close to the tip of January or initially of February.
This seems to be a fairly timid replace, up to now. iOS 26.3 lays the groundwork for EU-mandated options on iOS like notification forwarding to third-party {hardware} and a setup process that makes it simpler to modify between iPhone and Android telephones (once more, to adjust to EU mandates).
It’s the 26.4 updates that we’re actually wanting ahead to—that is when, if the rumors are appropriate, we’ll get an entire new Siri that’s smarter, extra conversational, and has vastly expanded capabilities.
Companies
Apple TV+
Listed below are the reveals, collection, and films we anticipate to launch on Apple TV+ in TK. If you wish to know what’s coming later, examine our full information to approaching Apple TV+ content material.
Tehran (season 3): A Mossad hacker-agent infiltrates Tehran underneath a false id. After going rogue on the finish of season two and reeling from the lack of her closest allies, in season three, Tamar should discover a solution to reinvent herself and win again the Mossad’s assist if she is to outlive. January 9
Hijack (season 2): Season 2 of Hijack takes Sam Nelson from the skies to an underground prepare in Berlin. January 14
Drops of God (season 2): In season two of “Drops of God,” Camille and Issei are thrust into their most perilous problem but: to uncover the origin of the world’s biggest wine, a thriller so profound that even their legendary father, Alexandre Léger, couldn’t resolve it. January 21
Shrinking (season 3): Top-of-the-line reveals on Apple TV returns for its third season, following a grieving therapist who breaks the foundations as he tries to place his life again collectively. January 28
Yo Gabba GabbaLand! (season 2): Be a part of acquainted pals Muno, Foofa, Plex, Brobee and Toodee, and meet new magician Kammy Kam. Dance, sing, play and make studying enjoyable as children and fogeys bounce into Yo Gabba GabbaLand and uncover all of the issues that make this neighborhood so magical. January 30
Apple Arcade
Apple releases most Apple Arcade video games on the primary Friday of every month. Test our Apple Arcade FAQ for a full checklist of Apple Arcade video games and extra particulars on the service. Often, video games are launched with no forewarning, however you’ll often see subsequent month’s releases listed within the Coming Quickly part.
True Skate+: Use your fingers such as you would on an actual skateboard on this sensible, first-person skate sim. January 8
Cozy Caravan: Create an lovely animal and hit the highway in your little caravan for journey. January 8
Potion Punch 2+: Fantasy cooking minigames. January 8
Sago Mini Jinja’s Backyard: A comfortable gardening recreation for all ages starring the Sago Mini Pals characters. January 8
