Bold opening: Apple’s March reveal is shaping up to unpack a budget-friendly iPhone, refreshed iPads, and a potential entry‑level MacBook — and many details still hinge on rumors. But here’s where it gets controversial: will Apple really shake up the lineup with a cheaper MacBook, or will it play it safe with incremental updates? Let’s break down what’s circulating and what it could mean for you.
Apple has invited press to an in-person event in New York on March 4, starting at 9 a.m. ET. The invitation hints at an “Apple Experience” but offers little more in the way of clues, and there’s no explicit livestream or tagline. PCMag will be on the scene to bring you the latest, and in the meantime, here’s what people are speculating might appear from Cupertino.
iPhone 17e
The most talked-about device is likely the iPhone 17e. Rumors suggest it could keep the iPhone 16e’s design while receiving a few internal upgrades. Expected enhancements include the A19 chip from the iPhone 17, Apple’s C1X modem for 5G and LTE, and the N1 chip to enable Wi‑Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 connectivity.
Apple has claimed that the C1X is about twice as fast as the original C1, and the N1 chip is said to improve overall performance and reliability for features like Personal Hotspot and AirDrop. With C1X (and C1) paired with iOS 26.3, there’s also support for a “Limit Precise Location” setting, which lets you restrict how precisely your location data is shared with your cellular network.
In PCMag’s experience, the iPhone 16e was praised for delivering the core iPhone experience at a more accessible price. It started at $599 for 128GB, placing it about $100 cheaper than the base iPhone 16 and $200 cheaper than the standard iPhone 17. Whether Apple can maintain a $599 price point for the 17e remains to be seen, especially in light of broader memory and supply dynamics that could influence pricing.
At this point, the 17e is the strongest candidate for the March 4 reveal. The iPhone 16e debuted in late February last year, and there had been chatter about multiple iPhone 18-era devices arriving at Apple’s usual September events, including higher-end Pro models and a potential foldable. The standard iPhone 18 and the 18e aren’t anticipated until early 2027, according to current speculation.
Timing and competition
Whatever Apple shows, the event is positioned about a week after Samsung’s Unpacked event on February 25, where the Galaxy S26 series is expected to be unveiled. The timing suggests Apple is aiming to respond quickly to market momentum and consumer interest in more affordable devices.
Apple Intelligence for the 12th-Gen iPad
For iPad fans, a refresh is also in the air. Rumors point to an iPad Air lineup updated with an M4 chip, while the entry-level iPad may receive an A18 processor. The current iPad Air models run on an M-series chip, and earlier generations of the entry-level iPad used the A-series lineup. The A18 upgrade would bring enhanced performance and, importantly, enable Apple Intelligence features, complementing the existing AI capabilities already present in the higher-end iPad Air models.
Low-cost MacBook and new MacBook Pros?
Speculation is strong about a budget MacBook option. Some reports suggest a compact, 12-inch MacBook powered by an A-series chip (the same family found in iPhone and iPad), rather than a traditional M-series processor. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has floated the idea that this device could use the A18 Pro chip from the iPhone 16 Pro line and might arrive with new color options. In previous discussions, outlets explored how an A-series-based MacBook could fit into today’s market, potentially addressing a gap created by the M-series lineup.
Meanwhile, there are whispers about a refreshed MacBook Pro lineup, including potential M5 Pro and M5 Max models. Signs pointing to an imminent launch include tighter supply and slower shipments for existing high-end MacBook Pros, suggesting Apple may accelerate new arrivals to refresh the top tier.
Bottom line
As always, keep an eye on official announcements and hands-on reporting from trusted outlets. The March 4 event could bring a more affordable iPhone, updates to iPad Airs and the entry-level iPad, and either a budget MacBook or refreshed Pro machines. For the latest, follow PCMag’s coverage as more leaks and official details emerge.
