The year 2026 holds special significance for Apple as it celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking a watershed moment for the tech giant. From a financial perspective, Apple projects a robust 10% to 12% surge in revenue for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, with expectations soaring to between $137 billion and $139 billion.

In the realm of product development, Apple is gearing up to unveil a slew of cutting-edge hardware offerings in early 2026, headlined by the iPhone 17e. The spring season, spanning March to April, will witness the launch of Apple's ambitious smart home initiative, highlighted by the debut of its inaugural smart display.

Come June, the tech world will turn its attention to the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), where Apple will reveal a host of software enhancements. As autumn approaches, the spotlight will shift to iPhones and smartwatches, with the much-anticipated introduction of a foldable iPhone. The iPhone 18 Pro series is set to make waves by ditching Qualcomm's baseband technology, while new smart glasses could make a surprise appearance, with a preview and potential release before year-end, alongside refreshed MacBook Pro models and other product updates.

However, Apple's journey to 2026 is not without its hurdles. The company grapples with regulatory pressures, tariff uncertainties, and the challenge of gauging user acceptance for its revamped Siri. Leadership transitions and a relatively late entry into the smart home market further complicate the landscape.

In a move that has sparked curiosity, Apple retail stores are set to undergo 'overnight transformations' on the evening of November 11. This comes amid tightening inventory levels for Apple TV and HomePod mini, hinting at the imminent launch of updated versions before the year's end.

On the technological front, Apple is expanding its OLED product portfolio, while in the software realm, iOS 26.1 is slated for an update in the coming week, promising a host of new features and improvements.