Apple March 4 Event: New iPhone, Budget MacBook and iPads Expected

Tech giant Apple has confirmed a product launch event titled “Apple Experience” scheduled for March 4 at 9am ET. The company plans in-person gatherings in New York, London, and Shanghai, sparking speculation about a major hardware showcase. While Apple has not revealed the official agenda, analyst reports and supply chain leaks suggest several new devices — including an affordable iPhone, a budget MacBook, and refreshed iPads — could take center stage.

1. First Major Apple Event of 2026

The March 4 event is expected to be Apple’s first significant hardware announcement of the year. Traditionally, Apple uses its spring events to introduce updates to iPads, MacBooks, and entry-level devices. With multiple product lines rumored for refresh, this could be one of the company’s busiest early-year launches.

2. Budget MacBook Below MacBook Air?

One of the most talked-about rumors is a lower-cost MacBook positioned below the MacBook Air. Reports suggest Apple could power the device with the A18 Pro chip — typically used in iPhones — instead of Mac-class Apple Silicon.

This move could allow Apple to price the laptop between $699 and $799, making it more accessible to students and entry-level buyers.

3. A18 Pro Chip Inside a Mac

Using an iPhone-class processor in a Mac would mark a significant shift in Apple’s strategy. While it may help reduce costs, questions remain about performance compared to traditional M-series chips. The device is rumored to include 8GB of RAM, which may raise concerns as AI features demand more memory.

4. MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max

Apple has already introduced a base M5-powered MacBook Pro, but higher-end MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are widely expected. Analysts believe the new chips could feature improved thermal efficiency and increased CPU and GPU core counts.

Reports of delayed shipments for current models further hint at an imminent refresh.

5. Updated Entry-Level iPad

The base iPad is also due for an upgrade. The upcoming 12th-generation model is tipped to move from the A16 chip to the A18, potentially enabling support for Apple Intelligence features.

This would make the entry-level iPad more future-ready, especially as AI becomes central to Apple’s ecosystem.

6. iPad Air Could Get M4 Chip

The iPad Air may receive a more significant boost, upgrading from the M3 chip to the M4. Bringing Mac-class silicon into the lighter tablet lineup would strengthen its appeal to productivity-focused users.

7. Affordable iPhone 17e Expected

There is growing speculation around the iPhone 17e, Apple’s next affordable iPhone. Following last year’s iPhone 16e, the new model may feature the A19 chip and add MagSafe support, while keeping pricing around $599.

Though likely a modest upgrade, it would ensure Apple maintains a competitive mid-range offering.

8. Studio Display and Mac Studio Rumors

Beyond laptops and tablets, whispers about an updated Studio Display and refreshed Mac Studio persist. However, it remains unclear whether these products are ready for the March event or will be announced later in the year.

9. M5 MacBook Air Possibly Delayed

An M5-powered MacBook Air has also been rumored. However, industry insiders suggest Apple may hold this refresh until later in 2026, focusing instead on broader lineup updates in March.

10. Hardware-Focused Event, Not Software

Unlike WWDC, which focuses heavily on software announcements, the March 4 event is expected to spotlight hardware. A major Siri overhaul and deeper AI platform updates are likely reserved for later in the year.

Conclusion

With rumors pointing to a budget MacBook, refreshed iPads, updated MacBook Pro models, and a new affordable iPhone, Apple’s March 4 event could reshape its 2026 lineup. If even half the speculation proves accurate, the “Apple Experience” may deliver one of the company’s most diverse spring hardware launches in recent memory.