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Key takeaways
- Apple's CEO Tim Cook has confirmed new products coming starting 3/2.
- Multiple Macs and iPad models are expected.
- Rumors also point to a possible iPhone 17e.
While rumors have long been swirling that Apple is working on some kind of iPad and Mac launch this spring, there is finally a confirmation and, more importantly, a date to go along with them. Apple last week sent out invitations to an event scheduled for March 4 at 9 a.m. in New York.
And today, the company's CEO Tim Cook confirmed on social media that new products will be announced starting on Monday, March 2.
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The invitations went out to members of the media and featured a layered-glass Apple logo front and center, its three-dimensional shape reminiscent of both older Mac branding and Apple's Liquid Retina display on iOS.
What to expect
Rumors about what Apple plans 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 an iPhone 17e.
1. More powerful MacBooks (and a cheaper one)
I'm expecting a good number of new Apple products in 2026, though not all are likely to be announced during the March 4 event.
Also: MacBook Pro vs. MacBook Air: We tested both models, and here's which one to buy in 2026
According to the rumor mill, Apple is working on a new budget-friendly MacBook, a new MacBook Air with M5, and MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max.
2. Studio Display with Mini LED?
Apple first launched the Studio Display in 2022, and it's held up as a worthy monitor for consumers, creators, and professionals alike, both at home and in the office. Which is why a successor next week would make a lot of sense.
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'll need an updated chipset to optimize itself for such capabilities, too, as the existing A13 Bionic chipset likely won't cut it.
3. Refreshed iPad and iPad Air
On the iPad side, Apple is rumored to release an A18 base model iPad, which would be the 12th-generation iPad, and an iPad Air with an M4.
Also: I tested every iPad model that Apple currently sells - here's my advice for Pro users in 2026
While it's possible Apple could delay the new iPad 12 release, putting the A18 Bionic chip on the iPad would finally bring Apple Intelligence to Apple's base-model tablet. This would bring Apple's AI features to a broader audience, specifically those in the market for the most affordable iPad.
4. iPhone 17e gets a modernized look
Apple is also poised to release the iPhone 17e, which may feature the Dynamic Island. Though this new iPhone may also launch later this year, rumors have narrowed its release date to early 2026.
Also: I broke my 5-year iPhone upgrade rule with the latest model - here's why I'm not regretting 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, starting at $599.
What's unlikely?
The biggest MacBook rumor, however, is unlikely to come true during the March 4 announcement. While consumers have been widely expecting a touchscreen MacBook from Apple, this isn't expected until at least late 2026, if at all. That said, a touchscreen demo experience is a compelling reason to have an in-person event for what has traditionally been a digital-only release.
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