Apple is entering one of the most pivotal phases in its history. In 2026, the company will roll out a comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) strategy and expand into new product categories such as smart home devices, foldable iPhones, and augmented reality glasses. At the same time, it faces numerous legal challenges and high-level executive changes.

According to Bloomberg, although a U.S. court recently allowed Apple and Google to maintain their search revenue-sharing agreement, the rise of AI-powered search could disrupt the tens of billions of dollars Apple earns annually from this deal. Simultaneously, new tariff policies introduced by President Donald Trump threaten to drive up manufacturing costs in China.

However, Apple has had a solid start to the year. The company forecasts a 10-12% increase in holiday quarter revenue, reaching between $137 billion and $139 billion, nearly double Wall Street’s expectations. This could push Apple to a record-breaking $140 billion in quarterly revenue for the first time in its history.

On April 1, 2026, Apple will celebrate its 50th anniversary by launching a flurry of new products: the iPhone 17e, iPad Air M4, budget iPad A18, MacBook Air M5, MacBook Pro M5 Pro/Max, and a new Mac display.

By March or April 2026, Apple will enter the smart home era with its first smart display - available in both desktop and wall-mounted versions - and an upgraded Siri powered by Google’s Gemini AI technology. This will mark the beginning of Apple’s smart home security ecosystem, including cameras and sensors.

At its June WWDC event, Apple is set to unveil iOS 27, macOS 27, and watchOS 27, while advancing its unified AI platform, Apple Intelligence, across all devices.

The second half of the year promises major breakthroughs: the iPhone 18 Pro featuring Apple's in-house C2 modem and the long-awaited debut of the foldable iPhone, which is anticipated to redefine the premium smartphone segment. Suppliers are also trial-producing smart glasses that could be teased at Apple’s end-of-year event.

Additionally, Apple is preparing to release the MacBook Pro M6 Pro/Max with an OLED touchscreen and slimmer design, along with updates to the Mac mini and Mac Studio with M5 chips.

Despite these bold moves, risks remain. The next-generation Siri - central to Apple’s AI strategy - must prove itself intelligent and useful enough to regain consumer trust after years of stagnation. Meanwhile, Apple’s late entry into the smart home market means it must challenge the dominance built by Google and Amazon over the past decade.

The biggest question is whether consumers are ready to embrace the foldable iPhone, especially after the Vision Pro, once touted as a product of the future, quickly lost momentum.

Nevertheless, with its vast scale, cash reserves, and powerful brand, Apple possesses the resources to lead a new era of AI, foldables, and smart homes. Success in 2026 could cement another decade of dominance. But just a few missteps could expose vulnerabilities in the $4 trillion tech giant.

According to Bloomberg, the latest Apple Vision Pro mixed reality headset featuring the M5 chip is now being assembled in Vietnam, marking a shift from the first-generation model released in February 2024, which was manufactured in China.

Du Lam