Apple officially announced its first major event in 2026 which will be held on March 4. The company calls it a "Special Apple Experience" and has sent invitations for simultaneous events in New York, London, and Shanghai.
The event is scheduled to start at 09.00 US Eastern Time (14.00 UTC). Until now, Apple has not announced a live broadcast, which has led to speculation that this will be a media-only event and a limited invitation, not a global keynote as usual.
iPhone 17e Expected to Be the Spotlight
One of the most anticipated products is the successor to the iPhone 16e, namely the iPhone 17e. This model is said to continue to target the entry-level segment, but with increased features that were previously exclusive to higher variants.
A number of leaks mention support for MagSafe, the use of the A19 chip, as well as the possibility of adopting an OLED screen in the style of Dynamic Island. In addition, there are also rumors of an improvement in the front camera. If accurate, this step will narrow the gap between the specifications of the "e" model and the regular iPhone line.
Mac Line and Cheap MacBook Updates
In addition to the iPhone, the Mac line update is also expected to be announced. The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models are said to switch to M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, while the MacBook Air is likely to adopt the basic version M5 chip. This update is predicted to be generational without major design changes.
What's more interesting is the potential launch of a low-cost MacBook powered by an A-series chipset, not the M-series as usual. If Apple actually brings a MacBook under $800 with the latest generation of iPhone processors, it will be a significant strategy shift in its laptop portfolio.
The device is rumored to still use an aluminum body to maintain a premium impression, but with a more efficient manufacturing approach to reduce production costs. Some reports also mention more expressive color options than the modern MacBook, which generally comes in neutral colors.
iPad and Studio Display Also Rumored
In addition to the iPhone and Mac, the iPad and iPad Air updates are also rumored to come with chipset upgrades. There is also speculation about the refresh of the Apple Studio Display with a Mini-LED panel and a higher refresh rate, although this information is still uncertain.
With the label "Special Apple Experience", Apple seems to want to present a more interactive event format, allowing invited guests to try the device directly, instead of just watching a structured presentation like a traditional keynote.
If all of the rumors are realized, the March 4 event will be an important moment for Apple's strategy in 2026, especially in expanding the entry-level segment without abandoning its signature design and premium ecosystem.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)