The beginning of the 12 months is usually fairly sluggish for Apple. The corporate not often releases new {hardware} in January, and the OS updates that land throughout the first few weeks are usually variations that convey solely very minor tweaks, establishing greater releases within the spring.
Apple will probably comply with the identical sample in 2026. There’s an outdoor probability of some new {hardware}, however whereas some straggler releases may arrive this month, we expect Apple will wait till March or April to launch its first spherical of main new {hardware}. And with the OS 26.3 releases trying to be comparatively minor updates, that leaves Apple Arcade and Apple TV to offer us one thing to actually sit up for.
New {hardware} releases
The final time Apple launched new {hardware} in January was in 2023, after 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, 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 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 expect it is going to 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 top of January or firstly of February.
This seems to be a reasonably 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 a complete new Siri that’s smarter, extra conversational, and has vastly expanded capabilities.
Providers
Apple TV+
Listed below are the exhibits, collection, and films we count on 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 beneath a false identification. 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 strategy 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 best wine, a thriller so profound that even their legendary father, Alexandre Léger, couldn’t remedy 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 associates Muno, Foofa, Plex, Brobee and Toodee, and meet new magician Kammy Kam. Dance, sing, play and make studying enjoyable as youngsters and fogeys soar 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. Examine our Apple Arcade FAQ for a full checklist 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 sensible, 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 Pals characters. January 8
