Apple’s Next Month at a Glance: Key Dates to Watch From Late January to February 2026

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Apple’s early 2026 calendar is finally taking shape, and the weeks ahead signal a clear shift from a quiet start to a much busier stretch. While there is still no confirmed product launch on the horizon, Apple has lined up several important dates that touch its services, retail presence, developer ecosystem, and financial performance. Together, they offer a clear snapshot of where the company’s focus lies as the year gains momentum.

January 23: Apple Relocates Its Santa Rosa Retail Store

Apple’s first confirmed date arrives on January 23, when its Santa Rosa retail store in California reopens at a new location in Montgomery Village.

Retail store moves are often overlooked, but Apple treats them as an extension of its brand. New locations typically reflect updated store layouts, greater emphasis on services, and redesigned spaces for product demos and support.

January 28: Apple Creator Studio Officially Launches

One of the most notable developments comes on January 28 with the launch of Apple Creator Studio.

The new subscription bundle brings together Apple’s professional creative apps under a single plan. It includes tools for video editing, music production, motion graphics, and image editing, along with premium content across several Apple apps.

This launch highlights Apple’s growing focus on creators, positioning its software ecosystem as a long-term alternative to standalone app purchases and third-party creative suites.

January 29: Apple Reports Holiday Quarter Earnings

A day later, on January 29, Apple will report its earnings for the first quarter of its 2026 fiscal year, which covers the critical holiday shopping season.

The earnings call is expected to shed light on how Apple’s latest hardware updates performed during the holidays. Apple’s leadership will discuss the results during a live conference call, offering insight into sales trends and overall business performance, even if future plans remain closely guarded.

February 5: New Games Arrive on Apple Arcade

Apple Arcade continues to expand its library, with four new games arriving on February 5.

The upcoming additions include a retro-style arcade experience featuring classic titles, as well as an arcade adaptation of a popular strategy game. The update reinforces Apple’s steady investment in subscription-based, ad-free gaming across its platforms.

February 6: Swift Student Challenge Opens for 2026

On February 6, Apple will begin accepting submissions for the 2026 Swift Student Challenge.

The annual program gives students an opportunity to showcase their coding skills using Swift. Select winners will earn an invitation to visit Apple Park during WWDC 2026, making it one of Apple’s most visible efforts to engage the next generation of developers.

February 8: Apple Music Takes Center Stage at the Super Bowl

Apple Music takes on a high-profile role on February 8 as the official sponsor of the Super Bowl halftime show.

The partnership underscores Apple’s push to turn Apple Music into a cultural brand, using major live events to extend its reach beyond traditional music streaming.

February 10: Apple Ends Support for Older Home App Architecture

February 10 marks an important transition for Apple Home users. On this day, Apple will end support for the original Home app architecture.

Users who have not updated to the newer system may experience reliability issues, signaling Apple’s continued move toward a more modern and unified smart home platform.

Also read: Apple’s homeOS: Everything you need to know

February 24: Apple Holds Its Annual Shareholders Meeting

The month wraps up on February 24, when Apple holds its annual shareholders meeting. The event will once again take place virtually.

While these meetings are typically procedural, they remain a formal checkpoint for Apple’s leadership and investors, even if major announcements are unlikely.

The Bigger Picture

Taken together, these dates show Apple laying important groundwork rather than chasing headlines with new products. Services, subscriptions, and developer engagement are clearly in focus, while behind-the-scenes changes continue across retail and smart home platforms.

Hardware announcements may still come unexpectedly, but even without them, Apple’s next few weeks reveal a company steadily setting the tone for the rest of 2026.

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