Apple’s March 4 ‘Special Experience’ Event: What to Expect
Apple is set to host a “Special Experience” event on March 4, 2026, simultaneously in Latest York, London, and Shanghai. Unlike traditional Apple events, this one will focus on in-person experiences for press following a rollout of product announcements in the days leading up to the event. Here’s a breakdown of what’s anticipated, from new MacBooks and iPads to a potential budget iPhone.
Event Format: A Multi-Day Launch
Apple is deviating from its usual event format. Instead of a single keynote, the company is expected to announce new products daily on March 2nd, March 3rd, and March 4th, culminating in a press event on March 4th where attendees can experience the new devices firsthand. This approach, as reported by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, suggests a series of press releases accompanied by shorter videos alongside each product launch. [9to5Mac]
Potential New Products
Lower-Cost 12-Inch MacBook
Rumors suggest Apple may reintroduce a 12-inch MacBook, potentially priced around $599. [iPhoneLife] This model could feature an Apple A-series processor, similar to those found in iPhones and iPads, rather than the more powerful M-series chips. The potential availability in colors like pink, blue, yellow, and light green aligns with the multicolor Apple logo featured in event invitations. [iPhoneLife]
M5 MacBook Pro and MacBook Air
Updates to the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air lines are also expected. The 14-inch MacBook Pro received an update with the base M5 processor in October, earning a positive review from PCMag. [CNET] The March 4th event could see the introduction of M5 Pro and M5 Max chips for both the 14-inch and 16-inch Pro models. The 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air are also anticipated to receive a performance boost with the M5 chip. [CNET]
iPad with Apple Intelligence
The base iPad, currently equipped with an A16 chip, is expected to receive an upgrade to the A18 Pro chip, enabling support for Apple Intelligence. [iPhoneLife] While the design is expected to remain largely unchanged, the addition of Apple Intelligence features could broaden the iPad’s appeal.
M4 iPad Air
The iPad Air is also likely to be updated, potentially receiving a performance boost with the M4 chip, along with upgrades to Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 connectivity, and a C1 modem for 5G and LTE. [iPhoneLife]
iPhone 17e
A more budget-friendly iPhone option, the iPhone 17e, may also be unveiled. This model is expected to feature the same A19 chip as the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup, along with N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and the C1X modem for 5G and LTE connectivity. [iPhoneLife] It is anticipated to start at $599, the same price as its predecessor. [iPhoneLife]
Event Details
The “Special Experience” event will take place on March 4, 2026, at the following times:
- New York City: 9:00 a.m. ET
- London: 2:00 p.m. GMT
- Shanghai: 10:00 p.m. CST
It remains unconfirmed whether the event will be streamed online publicly. [iPhoneLife]