Apple's big, bold 2026

Buckle up — 2026 looks like it’s gonna be a wild one!

From great new MacBooks and iPads to entirely new devices, the upcoming year should bring a bona fide bonanza for Apple fans.

For a look ahead, dive into our roundup of all the new Apple products coming in 2026. (If you prefer an audio or video version, check out the new Cult of Mac podcast.)

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

If looking in the rearview is more your thing, take a look at our list of the best and worst Apple products of 2025.
Get more out of your iPhone by tweaking StandBy mode to suit your lifestyle.
Speaking of iPhone customization … blinging out iPhones with tiny stickers is totally a thing.
A free strength-training app from fitness freak (and longtime Cult of Mac contributor) Graham Bower will help you maximize your gains in 2026 and beyond.
And finally, if you don’t already own an Apple Watch, kickstart your fitness goals with this best-ever deal on Apple Watch Series 11.

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

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Featured stories

15 new products to expect from Apple in 2026

Apple is preparing a wave of new products for 2026, including a folding iPhone, powerful new Macs, refreshed iPads and new smart home gear.

Plus, more on what’s coming in 2026:

How-tos

Unlock your iPhone's hidden potential with StandBy mode

Turn your phone into a smart display on your nightstand, at your desk or in the kitchen using iPhone StandBy mode.

Speed up Haptic Touch with this hidden iPhone setting [Pro Tip]

This hidden setting will speed up Haptic Touch, the iPhone feature that lets you preview links and bring up option menus.

Easy Apple Watch hack will keep you on time, even if you're always late [Pro Tip]

Always running late? Change your Apple Watch time a few minutes ahead of the actual time and you might trick yourself into punctuality.

News

Decorating your iPhone with tiny stickers is 2026's hot new trend

Personalize your iPhone 17 Pro camera plateau with stickers. Lots of people are doing it in fun and creative ways.

New fitness app Reps & Sets 26 gets serious about strength training

Designed exclusively for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, strength-training app Reps & Sets 26 was developed by a long-time Cult of Mac writer.

Why Apple Watch users stick with fitness goals longer than most

Turns out Apple Watch users stick with fitness goals longer than others -- and good reasons why include great new programs.

Deals

Price drop: AirPods airplane adapter makes in-flight entertainment sound great

Don't resort to freebie earbuds for airplane movies. Get the Eve II, a Bluetooth adapter that lets you use AirPods on airplanes.

Plus, more price drops from Cult of Mac Deals:

Apple Watch Series 11 hits record-low $299: Save $100 on latest smartwatch

Fresh discounts slash 100 bucks off the price of Apple Watch Series 11, in both sizes and many strap options.

This app lets you download videos directly from major streamers

Save videos you care about so you can watch them whenever you want with Keeprix streaming downloader. Works with Netflix, YouTube and more.

Grab great year-end deals on Samsung displays -- up to $1,400 off!

Year-end Samsung monitor deals could net you the display of your dreams to make the most of your Mac setup.

Reviews

Best and worst Apple products of 2025

Not every Apple product launched in 2025 deserves your money. Some were standout successes, while others missed the mark entirely.

This ultrawide display is a productivity powerhouse for Mac [Review]

Our hands-on Alogic Edge 40-inch Ultrawide 5K2K monitor review finds it a great display alternative for Mac users.

Top 10 Apple ads of 2025 showcase creativity, emotion and tech prowess

The best Apple ads of 2025 run the gamut from emotional tributes and playful satire to a crazy "Severance" promo in NYC.

7-port magnetic mini hub makes your iPhone way more useful [Review]

Unlock your iPhone's potential with the Satechi OntheGo 7-in-1 Multiport Adapter. Connect monitors, SSDs and more with ease.

3 apps to help you with your New Year’s resolutions [Awesome Apps]

It’s the new year, but if you haven’t given up on your New Year’s resolution already, I have three apps that’ll help you through it.