Apple is gearing up for a busy start to March. While the company recently announced a special in-person Apple Experience set for March 4 in multiple cities worldwide, this will not follow the traditional keynote format. Instead, according to Bloomberg and its Power On newsletter by Mark Gurman, Apple is planning a multi-day rollout featuring at least five new product announcements.
Here is everything we know so far about Apple’s upcoming March launches and what they could mean for its 2026 lineup.
A three-day wave of Apple announcements
Rather than hosting a single live-streamed keynote, Apple is reportedly preparing a “three-day flurry of announcements” starting Monday, March 2 and culminating in the March 4 in-person experience.
This format suggests:
- Multiple press releases across three days
- Pre-recorded launch videos instead of a traditional keynote
- A mix of hardware, software, and potentially new silicon
Apple has increasingly adopted staggered online announcements for Mac and iPad refreshes, so this approach aligns with recent strategy. It also allows the company to spotlight individual products without overwhelming consumers in a single presentation.
Products that could launch in early March
According to Gurman, at least five new products are expected. The final mix could include hardware devices, new Apple Silicon chips, and software updates.
Here are the most likely candidates:
1. New Low-Cost MacBook
A new entry-level MacBook is described as “very likely.” Rumors suggest new color options, which may align with the graphics in Apple’s March 4 invite artwork.
If accurate, this device could:
- Target students and budget buyers
- Expand Apple’s affordable Mac strategy
- Potentially debut with an A18 Pro or A19 Pro chip
A competitively priced MacBook would strengthen Apple’s position in the mainstream laptop market heading into mid-2026.
2. iPhone 17e
The rumored iPhone 17e could make an appearance if it does not launch beforehand. Apple has been refining its lower-cost iPhone strategy, and a spring update would mirror previous mid-cycle releases.
Inventory shortages of the iPhone 16e at Apple Stores suggest a refresh may be imminent.
3. M5 MacBook Air
A new MacBook Air powered by Apple’s next-generation M5 chip is widely anticipated. If announced, it would follow Apple’s consistent annual silicon upgrade cadence.
The current MacBook Air models with M4 are reportedly running low in supply, reinforcing the likelihood of an update.
Expect:
- Improved efficiency and performance
- Enhanced AI capabilities
- Possible battery life improvements
4. M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro
Apple may also refresh the MacBook Pro lineup with M5 Pro and M5 Max variants.
Gurman notes that existing M4 Pro and M4 Max configurations are in short supply, often a strong signal that replacements are imminent. These machines would target professional users needing high-end performance for video production, software development, and AI workflows.
5. iPad updates
Two iPad models could see upgrades:
- M4 iPad Air
- A18 or A19-powered entry-level iPad
The current iPad Air models are reportedly low in stock, increasing the odds of a refresh. An A18-based standard iPad would modernize Apple’s most affordable tablet with improved performance and efficiency.
6. Mac Studio and Studio Display 2
The Mac Studio and Studio Display are also in the pipeline.
However, Gurman suggests launching both simultaneously during this event may be overkill. While possible, these devices may instead debut later in the year.
If included, we could see:
Inventory shortages hint at imminent refreshes
Apple Store supply constraints often signal upcoming hardware transitions. Several current-generation products are reportedly running low, including:
- iPhone 16e
- M3 iPad Air
- M4 MacBook Air
- M4 Pro/Max MacBook Pro
Apple typically reduces production ahead of refresh announcements to clear distribution channels. The timing strongly aligns with early March launches.
Could software and chips be included?
Importantly, Gurman indicates that not all announcements will necessarily be hardware. Apple could also introduce:
- New Apple Silicon chips (M5 family)
- Software updates tied to upcoming devices
- AI-focused platform improvements
If chips are formally unveiled during this window, it would reinforce Apple’s continued push into performance efficiency and on-device AI acceleration.
Why this March launch matters
This three-day announcement strategy could set the tone for Apple’s 2026 roadmap. Instead of concentrating everything into one large keynote, Apple appears to be:
- Spreading attention across product categories
- Maintaining sustained media coverage over several days
- Aligning hardware, chips, and software updates more tightly
For consumers, that means multiple opportunities to see new Macs, iPads, and potentially iPhones announced in quick succession.
Even without a traditional keynote, Apple’s early March rollout sounds substantial. With at least five products expected, potential new M5 chips, refreshed iPads, and possibly a new low-cost MacBook, this could be one of Apple’s busiest non-keynote launch windows in recent memory.
If the reports from Bloomberg hold true, Apple’s March 4 experience will serve as the finale to a rapid-fire product week that officially kicks off the company’s 2026 hardware cycle.
