Apple iPhone 17e and iPad 12th Gen on track for spring 2026 releases alongside downgraded budget MacBook that could start with just 8 GB RAM

Analyst Jeff Pu has weighed in on rumours about Apple's upcoming spring hardware releases. According to MacRumors, Pu has outlined that Apple hopes to introduce three new devices in spring 2026. Aligning with recent rumours, the analyst believes that Apple will replace the iPhone 16e with the iPhone 17e during this period.

Citing a new research report, MacRumors reports that Pu believes the iPhone 17e will depart from its predecessor in three main areas. Apparently, the iPhone 17e will join the base iPhone 17 in adopting an 18 MP Center Stage front-facing camera and an Apple A19 SoC. Moreover, the iPhone 17e is said to feature a C1 modem too.

While exact launch timelines remain unknown for now, Pu adds that the long-rumoured budget MacBook and iPad 12th Gen will receive global releases next spring as well. On the one hand, Pu expects Apple to distinguish the iPad 12th Gen from its predecessor with just an A18 SoC, replacing the A16 Bionic found in its 11th Gen counterpart. On the other hand, Apple's budget MacBook may feature the A18 Pro with more colour options than other MacBooks, including pink and yellow variants.

Unfortunately, the MacBook could also start with just 8 GB of RAM to hit a $699-$899 launch price. Other compromises apparently include the adoption of a single USB Type-C port and undefined 'older design or display components'. It is worth noting that Pu is not said to have mentioned the MacBook Air in his latest research report.

However, that does not necessarily mean that Apple's M5 refreshes have been delayed. For context, the company has introduced its last two 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air (curr. $949 on Amazon) generations just before spring starts in the northern hemisphere. Thus, we would not rule out new MacBook Air models arriving in early March 2026 with the cheaper MacBook joining in the spring, supported by the iPad 12th Gen and the iPhone 17e.