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ZDNET Highlights
- Apple CEO Tim Cook has confirmed the arrival of new products from 3/2.
- Multiple Mac and iPad models are expected.
- Rumors also point to a possible iPhone 17e.
While rumors have long been flying that Apple is working on some sort of iPad and Mac launch this spring, there’s finally a confirmation and, more importantly, a date to go with them. Apple last week sent out invitations for an event to be held in New York on March 4 at 9 am.
And today, the company’s CEO Tim Cook Confirmed on social media The new products will be announced from Monday, March 2.
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The invitation went out to members of the media and featured a layered glass Apple logo front and center, its three-dimensional shape reminiscent of both the old Mac branding and Apple’s Liquid Retina display on iOS.
what to expect
Rumors about what Apple is planning to announce this spring have been swirling for months, and if past years are any indication, you can expect a new iPad and MacBook, and possibly the iPhone 17e.
1. A more powerful MacBook (and a cheaper one)
I’m expecting a good number of new Apple products in 2026, although not all are likely to be announced during the March 4 event.
Too: MacBook Pro vs MacBook Air: We tested both models, and here’s which model to buy in 2026
According to rumors, Apple is working on a new budget-friendly MacBook, a new MacBook Air with the M5, and MacBook Pro models with the M5 Pro and M5 Max.
2.Studio display with mini LED?
Apple first launched the Studio Display in 2022, and it is positioned as a worthy monitor for consumers, creators, and professionals in both home and office. That’s why a successor next week will matter so much.
While the design and general form factor of the new monitor will likely be similar to its predecessor, Apple may integrate a new mini LED panel beneath the glass, allowing the Studio Display 2 to deliver brighter, higher-contrast imagery. It will also need an updated chipset to optimize itself for such capabilities, as the existing A13 Bionic chipset probably won’t cut it.
3. Refresh iPad and iPad Air
On the iPad side of things, Apple is rumored to release an A18 base model iPad, which will be the 12th generation iPad, and an iPad Air with the M4.
Too: I tested every iPad model Apple currently sells – here’s my advice for Pro users in 2026
Although it’s possible that Apple could delay the release of the new iPad 12, putting the A18 Bionic chip on the iPad would eventually bring Apple Intelligence to Apple’s base-model tablet. This will bring Apple’s AI features to a wider audience, especially in the market for the most affordable iPad.
4. iPhone 17e gets a modern look
Apple is also set to release the iPhone 17e, which may feature Dynamic Island. Although this new iPhone may also launch later this year, rumors have pegged its release date to early 2026.
Too: I Broke My 5-Year-Old iPhone Upgrade Rule With the Latest Model – Here’s Why I Don’t Regret It
The iPhone 17e is expected to feature a binned version of the A19 chip, an upgraded 18MP front camera, MagSafe support, and 256GB of storage, with a price starting at $599.
What is impossible?
However, the biggest MacBook rumor is unlikely to come true during the March 4 announcement. While consumers are widely expecting a touchscreen MacBook from Apple, it isn’t expected until at least late 2026. That said, a touchscreen demo experience has traditionally been a compelling reason to hold an in-person event for a digital-only release.
