Will Apple kick off 2026 with a bang or a whimper?

Macworld

The start of the year is typically rather slow for Apple. The company rarely releases new hardware in January, and the OS updates that land during the first few weeks are generally versions that bring only very minor tweaks, setting up bigger releases in the spring.

Apple will likely follow the same pattern in 2026. There’s an outside chance of some new hardware, but while some straggler releases could arrive this month, we think Apple will wait until March or April to launch its first round of major new hardware. And with the OS 26.3 releases looking to be relatively minor updates, that leaves Apple Arcade and Apple TV to give us something to really look forward to.

New hardware releases

The last time Apple released new hardware in January was in 2023, when we got updated M2 Pro/Max versions of the Mac mini and MacBook Pro. You have to go back a decade to find another January release for Apple hardware, and that was just the 3rd-gen Apple TV.

Curiously, those are the exact products rumored to be arriving in early 2026. Apple was expected to launch a new Apple TV 4K in 2025, but it never arrived, while the M5 MacBook Pro launched without M5 or M5 Max variants. So it’s possible Apple decides to launch those this month. Plus, we’re still waiting on an updated HomePod mini and 2nd-gen AirTag. So Apple could have a flurry of minor updates to debut in January.

One major product that could make an appearance early in the year is the low-cost MacBook that has been rumored to debut in the first half of the year. In years past, that would have been a shoo-in for the January Macworld San Francisco keynote, but we think it will likely arrive—along with some other hardware—closer to the spring.

Apps and software updates

Apple’s slate of 26.3 updates is currently in beta, and in past years, the x.3 release has usually landed near the end of January or at the start of February.

This appears to be a pretty timid update, so far. iOS 26.3 lays the groundwork for EU-mandated features on iOS like notification forwarding to third-party hardware and a setup procedure that makes it easier to switch between iPhone and Android phones (again, to comply with EU mandates).

It’s the 26.4 updates that we’re really looking forward to—this is when, if the rumors are correct, we’ll get a whole new Siri that is smarter, more conversational, and has vastly expanded capabilities.

Services

Apple TV+

Here are the shows, series, and movies we expect to release on Apple TV+ in TK. If you want to know what’s coming later, check our full guide to upcoming Apple TV+ content.

Tehran (season 3): A Mossad hacker-agent infiltrates Tehran under a false identity. After going rogue at the end of season two and reeling from the loss of her closest allies, in season three, Tamar must find a way to reinvent herself and win back the Mossad’s support if she is to survive. January 9

Hijack (season 2): Season 2 of Hijack takes Sam Nelson from the skies to an underground train 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 challenge yet: to uncover the origin of the world’s greatest wine, a mystery so profound that even their legendary father, Alexandre Léger, could not solve it. January 21

Shrinking (season 3): One of the best shows on Apple TV returns for its third season, following a grieving therapist who breaks the rules as he tries to put his life back together. January 28

Yo Gabba GabbaLand! (season 2): Join familiar friends Muno, Foofa, Plex, Brobee and Toodee, and meet new magician Kammy Kam. Dance, sing, play and make learning fun as kids and parents jump into Yo Gabba GabbaLand and discover all the things that make this community so magical. January 30

Apple Arcade

Apple releases most Apple Arcade games on the first Friday of each month. Check our Apple Arcade FAQ for a full list of Apple Arcade games and more details on the service. Occasionally, games are released with no forewarning, but you’ll usually see next month’s releases listed in the Coming Soon section.

True Skate+: Use your fingers like you would on a real skateboard in this realistic, first-person skate sim. January 8

Cozy Caravan: Create an adorable animal and hit the road in your little caravan for adventure. January 8

Potion Punch 2+: Fantasy cooking minigames. January 8

Sago Mini Jinja’s Garden: A cozy gardening game for all ages starring the Sago Mini Friends characters. January 8