Will Apple start 2026 with a bang or simply ease into the new year? The tech world is watching closely to see what the first few months of the year hold for the Cupertino giant.

January has never been Apple’s peak season. Historically, the company rarely unveils new hardware in the opening weeks of the year.

Even software updates launched during this period typically serve as incremental refinements, setting the stage for more significant moves in spring.

Not expecting a January shake-up

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Unlikely that Apple will cause a “shockwave” this January. Photo: Apple

2026 appears to follow the same pattern.

There’s still a glimmer of hope for surprise product drops, but any major hardware reveal is more likely to happen in March or April.

While the upcoming iOS 26.3 update promises only modest improvements, Apple’s service platforms-especially Apple Arcade and Apple TV+-could be where users find early excitement.

Waiting for a hardware breeze

The last time Apple launched new products in January was back in 2023 with the Mac mini and MacBook Pro featuring M2 Pro and M2 Max chips.

Before that, you’d have to go over a decade back to find another January release: the third-generation Apple TV.

It’s a clear pattern-January is rarely the month for Apple’s blockbuster announcements.

Ironically, some of the very product lines that made brief January appearances in years past are now rumored to return in early 2026. A refreshed Apple TV 4K, originally expected in 2025, never materialized.

The MacBook Pro M5 has launched in its standard form, but the tech community is still waiting on the M5 Pro and M5 Max variants. Could Apple surprise us with a quiet release this month? Possibly.

Other products in the rumor mill include an updated HomePod mini and a second-generation AirTag. If Apple aims to spark some early buzz, a flurry of smaller-but noteworthy-product updates could do the trick.

A low-cost MacBook is also being rumored for the first half of 2026. Had this been a few years ago, it likely would have debuted at the now-defunct Macworld San Francisco event in January.

Today, however, most predictions suggest Apple will save its firepower for spring-possibly bundling it with multiple hardware announcements in a more coordinated rollout.

iOS 26.3 is just the setup, all eyes on 26.4

The iOS 26.3 update is currently in beta, and if Apple sticks to its usual cadence, it should roll out by late January or early February.

But so far, it doesn’t appear to be a game-changer.

The main updates in 26.3 are compliance-related, including support for third-party notification forwarding and a new setup process to help users switch more easily between iPhone and Android.

These legal adjustments are important, especially for the EU market, but they aren’t likely to wow consumers.

The real anticipation lies with iOS 26.4.

If the rumors hold, this is when Siri will undergo its most significant transformation yet-becoming smarter, more conversational, and far more capable than its current version.

A “reborn” Siri could be Apple’s biggest headline in the first half of 2026.

Apple TV+: Where the early energy is

While hardware may take a back seat for now, Apple’s services division is showing signs of early momentum.

Apple TV+ is gearing up for a slate of new content this January, promising to keep audiences hooked.

Coming soon on Apple TV+:

Tehran – Season 3 (Jan 9): The gripping spy series returns, following Mossad agent-hacker Tamar as she tries to regain trust and survive after the chaos of season 2.

Hijack – Season 2 (Jan 14): From the skies to the subways of Berlin, Sam Nelson faces a new kind of high-stakes crisis in this edge-of-your-seat thriller.

Drops of God – Season 2 (Jan 21): Camille and Issei embark on their most challenging mission yet-deciphering the origins of the greatest wine ever created, a mystery even Alexandre Léger couldn’t solve.

Shrinking – Season 3 (Jan 28): The heartfelt and humorous series returns, continuing the journey of a psychologist learning to heal himself through unconventional choices.

Yo Gabba GabbaLand! – Season 2 (Jan 30): Children’s entertainment expands with colorful characters and imaginative play that engages kids and parents alike.

Apple Arcade: A relaxing start with new games

As usual, Apple Arcade kicks off the month with fresh releases every first Friday. January 2026 brings a mix of laid-back, creative, and skill-based titles:

True Skate+ (Jan 8): A realistic skateboarding simulation in first-person view, controlled entirely by your fingers.

Cozy Caravan (Jan 8): Step into the shoes of adorable animal characters on a serene adventure in a cozy little caravan.

Potion Punch 2+ (Jan 8): A fast-paced, colorful fantasy cooking game offering casual yet addictive fun.

Sago Mini Jinja’s Garden (Jan 8): A gentle gardening game for all ages, imbued with the warm, familiar style of Sago Mini.

A quiet start-but not a dull one

Apple seems poised to begin 2026 on a calm note.

Major hardware may not arrive this January, but that doesn’t mean the start of the year lacks momentum.

Software updates are laying the groundwork for bigger features.

Apple TV+ continues to build a compelling content library.

Apple Arcade remains a steady source of fun.

More importantly, all signs suggest that the real action is being saved for spring-with a possible wave of new hardware, a reimagined Siri, and potentially game-changing moves that could set Apple’s course for the entire year.

Hai Phong