It’s already been a very busy year for Apple. Tim Cook announced he’ll be stepping aside for John Ternus, Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering. Siri AI finally made its big debut at the WWDC 2026 keynote. The company released a new budget MacBook, and then raised prices just months later.
But, don’t forget: We’re still expecting the launch of the iPhone 18, the first folding iPhone, and a ton more Apple devices in the back half of the year.
So, Mashable and the rest of the CNET Group (ZDNET, PCMag, CNET, and Lifehacker) are hosting the Big Guessing Game: Apple Edition to give our readers a chance to predict the biggest Apple news. Every correct answer earns you one chance to win the new Apple Watch announced in September. (Read the full content rules.) Ahead of the September iPhone launch event, we have our readers’ answers from round two of the game.
Question 1: Will Apple announce that a foldable iPhone will be released in 2026?
The foldable iPhone — rumored to be called the iPhone Ultra, or some variation thereof — is the biggest open secret in Silicon Valley right now, but Apple still hasn’t confirmed its existence. However, 68 percent of respondents said they expect the phone to arrive this year, while just 32 percent answered in the negative.
Question 2: Will the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max include a black color option this year?
The lack of a black color option was a major disappointment for some Apple fans after the launch of the iPhone 17 Pro. (Scratchgate may have been the reason why.) Rumor has it we won’t get a black phone this year either. The breakdown here was almost identical to question one, with 68 percent of you expecting that we will get a black iPhone.
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Question 3: Will Apple announce a touchscreen MacBook in 2026?
Rumors of MacBook Pros with OLED screens and touchscreens have been spreading for awhile, and it’s very possible these high-end laptops will launch in 2026.
But what do Mashable readers think? Our readers are split on this question, with 55 percent saying yes, and 45 percent saying no.
Question 4: Will Apple release new AirPods in 2026?
On this question, only 26 percent our respondents said no, with the majority (74 percent) answering in the affirmative.
Question 5: Will an M6 series chip be announced in 2026?
An M6 chip is expected to arrive this fall based on Apple’s previous schedule of releases. When we posed this question to Mashable readers, 35% predicted we wouldn’t see an M6 chip, while 65% believe that we will.
Don’t forget to participate in the third and final round of the Big Guessing Game for another chance at winning a new Apple Watch. The last round will take place in the weeks before the iPhone launch event, which we believe will take place in mid-September.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY to enter or win the “CNET Group Big Guessing Game” Giveaway. Open to legal U.S. residents in the 50 U.S. & D.C., 18+ yrs of age. Other restrictions apply. Begins May 19, 2026 at 12:01 pm ET and ends Sept. 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm ET. Void where prohibited. Subject to Official Rules: https://www.mashable.com/article/mashable-big-guessing-game-apple-edition-official-contest-rules/. Sponsor: Ziff Davis, LLC.
Apple is not a sponsor of, affiliated with, or endorser of this sweepstakes. Apple Watch is a trademark of Apple Inc.
