Apple’s March 4 event: Budget MacBook, iPhone 17e and more could be on the way

Apple is preparing for its first product showcase of 2026, scheduled for March 4. While the company has not officially confirmed what is launching, leaks and reports suggest this could be a hardware-heavy update. From a more affordable MacBook to a new “e” series iPhone, Apple may be looking to widen its reach across price segments.

Here is a breakdown of what could be unveiled.

A More Affordable MacBook

The highlight of the event is expected to be a lower-priced MacBook. If reports are accurate, this would become the most accessible MacBook in Apple’s lineup. Interestingly, the device is rumoured to run on the A18 Pro chip, the same processor seen in the iPhone 16 Pro models. That would mark a shift from Apple’s M-series silicon in MacBooks. The laptop is tipped to feature a 12.9-inch LCD display and could arrive in brighter finishes such as blue, yellow and pink. Apple’s event invite, which features a colourful 3D logo, hints at this possibility. Pricing in the US is expected to sit around the $500 mark, which roughly translates to Rs 46,000. If that holds true, it would significantly undercut existing MacBook models.

iPhone 17e: The Next Affordable iPhone

Apple is also believed to be working on the iPhone 17e, a successor to the iPhone 16e. The new model is said to feature the A19 chip from the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup and may finally include MagSafe support. There is still uncertainty around the display design. It is not clear whether Apple will stick with a notch or move to a revised front layout. Some reports suggest an upgraded 18-megapixel front camera with Center Stage functionality. The rear camera system is likely to remain similar to the previous generation.

In India, the iPhone 16e launched at Rs 59,900, and the 17e is expected to follow a similar pricing strategy.

Updated MacBook Pro Models

Alongside the budget MacBook, Apple may introduce upgraded MacBook Pro variants powered by M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. These models are expected to retain the existing design language but deliver improved performance. There are also early rumours that a future M6 MacBook Pro could transition to OLED, though that update may not arrive just yet.

iPad Lineup Refresh

Apple’s tablet portfolio could see updates as well. The iPad Air is rumoured to receive the M4 chip, bringing it closer to Pro-level performance. Meanwhile, the 12th-generation standard iPad could adopt the A18 chip from the iPhone 16 series.

Beyond processor upgrades, major design changes are not expected.

Siri and iOS 26.4

On the software front, Apple may roll out iOS 26.4 with new AI-driven Siri enhancements. Reports suggest that some of these capabilities could integrate Google Gemini. However, a full-scale Siri transformation is said to have been pushed to a later date.

A Different Event Format?

This launch may not follow Apple’s traditional keynote style. Reports indicate that product announcements could roll out gradually through press releases in the days leading up to March 4. Select media in cities such as New York, London and Shanghai have reportedly been invited for hands-on sessions. Apple has not confirmed this approach, but if true, it would mark a subtle shift in how the company introduces new hardware.

For now, all eyes are on March 4. If even half of these rumours materialise, Apple’s first event of 2026 could reshape its entry-level and mid-range product strategy in a big way. Stay tuned to Economic Times for more updates on launch day.