Apple has just confirmed its first major event of 2026. The company sent invitations for a "Special Apple Experience" to be held simultaneously in New York, London, and Shanghai on March 4 at 9:00 AM ET. It's the first time Apple has organized a launch event in three cities at the same time.
What products will Apple unveil on March 4
According to leaks from Bloomberg and multiple industry sources, these are the expected products:
iPhone 17e: the most affordable iPhone with a new chip
The star of the event will be the iPhone 17e, the successor to the iPhone SE. Here are the leaked specs:
- Processor: A19 chip (same as the regular iPhone 17)
- Rear camera: 48 MP with improved sensor
- Front camera: 18 MP
- Connectivity: C1X modem designed by Apple (first time without Qualcomm)
- MagSafe: Confirmed compatibility
- Estimated price: Starting at $599 USD
The iPhone 17e is designed for students and users who want a powerful iPhone without paying $999 or more. With the A19 chip, it will have full support for Apple Intelligence, Apple's AI suite.
Cheap MacBook: Apple's most affordable laptop ever
The big surprise is a completely new MacBook positioned below the MacBook Air:
- Processor: A18 Pro chip (iPhone-based architecture, not M-series)
- Estimated price: $699 - $799 USD
- Colors: Multiple color options (similar to iMac)
- Target: Students and basic users
It would be the cheapest Mac ever launched by Apple, breaking the $999 barrier that traditionally marked the entry point to the Mac ecosystem.
Other expected products
- MacBook Pro: With M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, possible OLED display
- MacBook Air: Updated with M5 processor
- iPad (12th generation): With A18 chip and Apple Intelligence compatibility
- iPad Air: Updated with M4 chip
Why this event is different
Apple has never organized a simultaneous event in three cities before. This suggests the company wants to generate immediate global impact with its announcements, likely because the products will be of massive interest (especially the cheap MacBook and iPhone 17e).
How this affects you if you're looking to buy Apple
If you were thinking about buying an iPhone or Mac, wait until March 4. The new prices could drive current models' prices down, and the $699 MacBook could be the best entry point into the Apple ecosystem ever.
Our recommendations:
- Don't buy an iPhone SE now — the 17e replaces it with much better value
- If you need an affordable laptop — wait for the new MacBook, it could cost less than many premium Chromebooks
- If you want a MacBook Pro — the M5 Pro/Max will be a significant performance leap
Date and how to watch the event
The event will be on Tuesday, March 4, 2026 at 9:00 AM ET. It will be streamed live on apple.com and Apple's YouTube channel.
We'll be covering all announcements in real time. Follow us to stay updated on the biggest Apple event of 2026.
