Apple's March 4 Event: iPhone 17e, New MacBooks, and More Expected

Apple has officially announced its first major event of 2026, scheduled for March 4 across New York, London, and Shanghai. The tech giant is hosting what it calls a "special Apple experience" starting at 9AM ET/2PM GMT/10PM CST, though it remains unclear whether the event will be livestreamed or if Apple will simply release products through press statements.

iPhone 17e: The Budget iPhone Gets an Upgrade

The most anticipated device at this event appears to be the iPhone 17e, the successor to last year's iPhone 16e. According to recent rumors, Apple is positioning this as a more affordable option in its 2026 lineup while still packing significant upgrades.

The iPhone 17e is rumored to feature Apple's latest A19 chipset, representing a substantial performance leap over its predecessor. The device is expected to sport a 6.1-inch display with Dynamic Island integration, bringing the iPhone 17e's design language closer to Apple's flagship models.

Camera specifications suggest Apple is focusing on photography capabilities even in its budget segment. The 17e is rumored to include the same 18MP selfie camera found in the iPhone 17 series, along with a single 48MP rear camera system. This represents a significant upgrade from the iPhone 16e's camera setup.

Connectivity improvements include Apple's latest C1X modem, which should provide better 5G performance and reliability. The device will also support MagSafe charging and accessories, maintaining compatibility with Apple's growing ecosystem of magnetic accessories.

Perhaps most notably, the iPhone 17e is rumored to launch at $599, maintaining the same price point as its predecessor while offering these substantial hardware upgrades.

MacBook Refresh: Entry-Level Model and M5 Chips

Beyond the iPhone, Apple is expected to refresh its entire MacBook lineup. The most intriguing rumor involves a new entry-level MacBook powered by the A18 Pro chipset.

This device represents an interesting strategic move by Apple, potentially bridging the gap between iPad performance and traditional Mac capabilities. The A18 Pro-powered MacBook is rumored to feature an aluminum chassis and a sub-$1,000 price tag, making it one of the most affordable MacBooks ever offered.

Color options for this entry-level model could make it particularly appealing to students and budget-conscious consumers who want a Mac experience without the premium price tag of Intel or M-series MacBooks.

Apple is also expected to introduce new M5 MacBook Air models alongside M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros. These updates would continue Apple's transition to its custom silicon across all Mac product lines, offering improved performance and efficiency over previous M4 chips.

iPad and Display Updates

The March event may also include updates to Apple's iPad lineup. Rumors suggest new iPad Air models featuring the M4 chip, bringing tablet performance closer to MacBook levels. Additionally, a new baseline iPad equipped with the A18 chip could replace the current entry-level model.

New Mac displays are also rumored, potentially expanding Apple's monitor lineup beyond the existing Studio Display and Pro Display XDR options.

What This Means for Apple's 2026 Strategy

This March event appears to be Apple's attempt to refresh multiple product categories simultaneously, addressing different market segments from budget-conscious consumers to professional users.

The iPhone 17e's rumored specifications suggest Apple is doubling down on making its technology accessible across price points while maintaining feature parity where possible. The inclusion of the A19 chipset and Dynamic Island in a $599 device demonstrates Apple's ability to bring flagship features to more affordable products.

The entry-level MacBook with A18 Pro represents a potential shift in Apple's Mac strategy, possibly targeting markets where traditional x86 Macs have been too expensive. This could be particularly significant for education markets and emerging economies.

As March 4 approaches, more details will likely emerge about which products will actually debut and what features they'll include. The simultaneous timing across three major global cities suggests Apple is planning a coordinated global launch strategy for whatever products it unveils.

The tech community will be watching closely to see if these rumors materialize and how Apple positions these new products in an increasingly competitive mobile and computing landscape.