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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Apple has confirmed a March 4 event.
- Multiple Macs and iPad models are expected.
- Rumors also point to a possible iPhone 17e.
While I’m aware that Apple is working on some kind of iPad and Mac launch this spring, there is finally a confirmation and, more importantly, a date. Apple last week sent out invitations to an event scheduled for March 4 at 9 a.m. in New York.
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The invitations went out to members of the media and featured a layered-glass Apple logo front and center, its three-dimensional shape reminiscent of both older Mac branding and Apple’s Liquid Retina display on iOS.
What to expect
Rumors about what Apple plans to announce this spring have been swirling for months, and if past years are any indication, you can expect a new iPad and MacBook, all the way up to an iPhone 17e.
1. New MacBook, Air, and Pro
I’m expecting a good number of new Apple products in 2026, though not all are likely to be announced during the March 4 event.
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According to the rumor mill, Apple is working on a new budget-friendly MacBook, a new MacBook Air with M5, and MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max.
2. New 12th-gen iPad and iPad Air
On the iPad side, Apple is rumored to release an A18 base-model iPad, which would be the 12th-generation iPad, and an iPad Air with M4.
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While it’s possible Apple could delay the new iPad 12 release, putting the A18 Bionic chip on the iPad would finally bring Apple Intelligence to Apple’s base-model tablet. This would bring Apple’s AI features to a broader audience, specifically those in the market for the most affordable iPad.
3. New iPhone 17e
Apple is also poised to release the iPhone 17e, which may feature the Dynamic Island. Though this new iPhone may also launch later this year, rumors have narrowed its release date to early 2026.
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The iPhone 17e is expected to feature a binned version of the A19 chip, an upgraded 18MP front camera, MagSafe support, and 256GB of storage, starting at $599.
What’s unlikely?
The biggest MacBook rumor, however, is unlikely to come true during the March 4 announcement. While consumers have been widely expecting a touchscreen MacBook from Apple, this isn’t expected until at least late 2026, if at all. That said, a touchscreen demo experience is a compelling reason to have an in-person event for what has traditionally been a digital-only release.
