Apple Announces 'Special Apple Experience' Event on March 4

New M5 Macs, iPads, and Potential iPhone 17e Expected

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Apple has announced a 'special Apple Experience' event on March 4, 2026, in New York, London, and Shanghai. The event is expected to focus on updates to Apple's silicon, including new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips powering refreshed MacBook Pro models, as well as a more affordable MacBook powered by an iPhone-class chip. Updates to the iPad lineup, including an M4-powered iPad Air and a refreshed entry-level iPad, are also anticipated. The potential introduction of an iPhone 17e, a more budget-friendly iPhone model, is another rumored announcement.

Why it matters

These announcements are significant as they demonstrate Apple's continued focus on iterative improvements to its silicon, allowing for performance and efficiency gains without requiring major hardware overhauls. The potential low-cost MacBook could also help expand Apple's reach, particularly among students and office workers who may have previously found MacBooks out of their price range.

The details

The M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are expected to power new MacBook Pro models, focusing on performance and efficiency gains. A new, more affordable MacBook powered by an iPhone-class chip is also rumored, aiming to broaden Apple's ecosystem. iPad updates include an M4-powered iPad Air and a refreshed entry-level iPad with either an A18 or A19 chip, enhancing the iPad's versatility. The potential iPhone 17e could represent a strategic move by Apple to capture a larger share of the budget-conscious smartphone market.

  • Apple has announced the 'special Apple Experience' event will take place on March 4, 2026.

The players

Apple

A multinational technology company that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, and online services.

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What’s next

Consumers should keep an eye on tech news sites and social media for live updates from the event on March 4th, as many journalists will be attending and sharing their insights in real-time.

The takeaway

These announcements demonstrate Apple's continued focus on iterative improvements to its silicon, allowing for performance and efficiency gains without requiring major hardware overhauls. The potential low-cost MacBook and iPhone 17e could also help expand Apple's reach and capture a larger share of the budget-conscious market.