Apple Announces March 4 Event

New Delhi, February 17, 2026: Apple has officially broken its silence for 2026, sending out invitations for a “Special Apple Experience” scheduled for March 4. Moving away from the traditional high-octane keynotes at Apple Park, this event appears to be a globally distributed affair, with simultaneous in-person gatherings hosted in New York, London, and Shanghai.

The branding of the event as an “experience” rather than a “launch” has sparked intense speculation. Industry analysts suggest this indicates a more hands-on, intimate showcase for the media, potentially focusing on how Apple’s latest hardware integrates with its rapidly evolving AI suite, Apple Intelligence.

The Star of the Show: A “Budget” MacBook

The most buzzing rumor surrounding the March 4 date is the debut of an entirely new laptop category: a low-cost MacBook.

• Silicon Shift: To achieve a lower price point—rumored to be between $699 and $799—Apple may ditch the M-series chips for this model, instead utilizing an A18 Pro chip (the same powerful silicon found in the iPhone 16 Pro).
• Design & Color: The invitation features a 3D Apple logo with a vibrant yellow, green, and blue gradient. This has led experts to believe the new MacBook will move away from “Space Gray” toward a playful, multi-color palette reminiscent of the iconic iMac G3.
• Target Audience: With a rumored 12.9-inch display, this device is expected to target the education sector and entry-level users, providing a more premium alternative to Chromebooks.

Mac Updates: The Powerhouse M5 Transition

For the professional crowd, March 4 is expected to mark the next chapter in Apple Silicon.

1. MacBook Pro (M5 Pro / M5 Max): Apple is likely to refresh the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. While a major redesign isn’t expected until 2027, the jump to M5 chips will focus on enhanced AI processing power and thermal efficiency.
2. M5 MacBook Air: Following the success of the M3 and M4 variants, the world’s most popular laptop is tipped for an M5 upgrade, maintaining its fanless design while boosting performance-per-watt.
3. Mac Studio & Displays: Some reports suggest we might see a sneak peek at an M5 Mac Studio or a long-overdue update to the Studio Display, potentially featuring mini-LED technology.

Beyond the Mac: iPhone 17e and New iPads

While the Mac is the headliner, Apple’s spring cycle usually includes several “supporting acts.”

• iPhone 17e: The successor to the budget-friendly iPhone 16e is expected to debut. Rumors point toward the inclusion of the A19 chip, the introduction of the Dynamic Island (finally retiring the notch), and the addition of MagSafe charging.
• iPad Refreshes: The iPad Air is slated for a jump to the M4 chip, while the base-model 12th-Gen iPad will likely receive the A18, bringing Apple Intelligence to the company’s most affordable tablet.

Software and AI: The Siri Overhaul

The timing of the event aligns with the anticipated release of iOS 26.4. This update is rumored to include the first major “Siri 2.0” features, backed by a partnership with Google Gemini. This “Experience” might be the first time the public sees Apple’s virtual assistant performing complex, on-screen actions with true contextual awareness.

How to Watch

Unlike the September iPhone launches, Apple has not yet confirmed a public livestream for the March 4 event. With the focus being on “experiences” in three different time zones, the company may opt for a series of press releases and localized demo videos rather than a single pre-recorded film.