New low-cost MacBook, iPhone 17e: What could Apple launch on March 4?
Apple is set to host its first event of 2026. The Cupertino giant is expected to launch several new products ranging from affordable MacBooks to iPhone 17e. Here are all the details.
Apple is preparing for its first event of 2026, which will take place on March 4, 2026. The tech giant has been rumored to be working on several new products for quite some time now. From new affordable MacBooks to rumors of the iPhone 17e, there’s a lot to unpack here.
Unlike the traditional launch in Cupertino, Apple is inviting select media to a “special Apple experience” in New York, London and Shanghai. However, before we get into that, let’s take a look at all the new devices you can expect from the American tech giant.
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1. Affordable MacBook
According to reports, the centerpiece of the upcoming event could be a low-cost MacBook. The device will be the most affordable MacBook in the company’s lineup, although its name is not yet clear.
The affordable MacBook is expected to come with the A18 Pro chipset that we saw in the iPhone 16 Pro. It will probably come with a 12.9-inch LCD display. According to reports, Apple is planning to launch this device in some bright color options including blue, yellow and pink.
Please note that Apple’s launch invitation for this event featured a 3D Apple logo in the same colors.
Rumors indicate that the affordable MacBook could be priced around $500 (roughly Rs. 46,000) in the US.
2. iPhone 17e
The affordable MacBook may not be the only budget device at the event. Apple is also possibly planning to launch the iPhone 17e, the successor to the iPhone 16e. Previous reports indicate that the new E-series iPhones will use the A19 chipset from the iPhone 17 and will have MagSafe support.
It’s unclear whether the iPhone 17e will retain the notch, though some rumors suggest it may get a new 18-megapixel center stage selfie camera. The rear camera setup is expected to remain the same as the iPhone 16e.
The iPhone 17e may be priced similar to its predecessor which was launched in India at Rs 59,900.
3. Updated MacBook Pro
Last year, Apple released the M5 MacBook Pro. Now, the company is expected to launch M5 Pro and M5 Max variants of the device. Like the base M5 MacBook Pro, both new devices will likely retain the same design and other specifications. However note that the M6 MacBook Pro is rumored to get an OLED display.
4. New iPad Air and 12th generation iPad
Apart from the new MacBook, the iPad lineup may see a major update. Apple may finally bring the M4 chipset to the iPad Air. While the company is also expected to launch the 12th generation iPad with the A18 chipset from the iPhone 16.
However other features of both devices will likely remain unchanged from their predecessors.
5. Siri Update
Apple is also expected to launch iOS 26.4 with new Siri features powered by Google Gemini. However the complete overhaul of the Apple Assistant has reportedly been delayed.
Apple March 4 launch event format
It seems like Apple might be changing things up this time when it comes to the launch of these products. According to reports from Daring Fireball and Bloomberg, Apple may announce new products in preparation for the event through press releases. And the media can get their hands on each device on March 4th. However, there is no official word on such a format.
