The beginning of the 12 months is usually relatively sluggish for Apple. The corporate hardly ever releases new {hardware} in January, and the OS updates that land throughout the first few weeks are typically variations that deliver solely very minor tweaks, organising greater releases within the spring.
Apple will probably observe the identical sample in 2026. There’s an out of doors probability of some new {hardware}, however whereas some straggler releases might 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 offer us one thing to essentially look ahead to.
New {hardware} releases
The final time Apple launched new {hardware} in January was in 2023, once we acquired up to date M2 Professional/Max variations of the Mac mini and MacBook Professional. You need 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, but it surely 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 might have a flurry of minor updates to debut in January.
One main product that might 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 might have been a shoo-in for the January Macworld San Francisco keynote, however we predict it would probably 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 at first of February.
This seems to be a fairly timid replace, thus far. 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 change 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 a complete new Siri that’s smarter, extra conversational, and has vastly expanded capabilities.
Providers
Apple TV+
Listed here are the exhibits, collection, and flicks we count on to launch on Apple TV+ in TK. If you wish to know what’s coming later, verify our full information to approaching Apple TV+ content material.
Tehran (season 3): A Mossad hacker-agent infiltrates Tehran beneath 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 technique 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 practice 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): Probably the greatest exhibits on Apple TV returns for its third season, following a grieving therapist who breaks the principles as he tries to place his life again collectively. January 28
Yo Gabba GabbaLand! (season 2): Be part of acquainted mates Muno, Foofa, Plex, Brobee and Toodee, and meet new magician Kammy Kam. Dance, sing, play and make studying enjoyable as children and oldsters leap into Yo Gabba GabbaLand and uncover all of the issues that make this group so magical. January 30
Apple Arcade
Apple releases most Apple Arcade video games on the primary Friday of every month. Verify our Apple Arcade FAQ for a full listing of Apple Arcade video games and extra particulars on the service. Sometimes, 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 real looking, first-person skate sim. January 8
Cozy Caravan: Create an cute 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 comfy gardening sport for all ages starring the Sago Mini Mates characters. January 8
