Apple March event LIVE: iPhone 17e, low-cost MacBook and every big announcement

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2026-03-02T14:31:34.897Z
Everything you need to know the iPhone 17e
(Image credit: Apple)
Apple is offering some significant upgrades to the iPhone 17e. The most significant are probably the A19 chip, a doubling of storage to 256GB, and MagSafe support.
You can snag the new affordable iPhone for $599, with pre-orders starting at 6.15 am PST on Wednesday, March 4, and full availability will come on March 11. You can get it in Black, White and Soft Pink, so there’s a standout color if you want something less basic.
If you want to know more about Apple’s new budget-friendly phone, here’s the full breakdown:
iPhone 17e and iPad Air
(Image credit: Apple)
Apple just announced the new iPad Air and iPhone 17e. We’ll have more on them shortly, but these are definitely exciting ways for the company to kick off its big week of news.
(Image credit: Apple)
2026-03-02T14:00:27.008Z
MagSafe for every iPhone?
(Image credit: Apple)
One of the biggest rumors surrounding the iPhone 17e suggests it may fix one of the biggest issues of the iPhone 16e — namely the fact the 16e lacks MagSafe. It has wireless charging, but none of the magnets that make Apple’s wireless charging experience so great.
iPhone 17e may change that, ensuring that all iPhones on sale come with the magnetic charging experience. That means a better experience too, since the magnet will ensure even more efficient by perfectly aligning the wireless charging coils. Not to mention it’ll let you use all kinds of magnetic accessories in the process.
2026-03-02T13:43:59.848Z
Don’t expect many more cheap Apple products
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
All the talk of cheaper iPhones and MacBooks is worth reminding people that this may be the last time we see “cheap” Apple products for a while. The RAMageddon crisis is to blame for that.
Samsung, which supplies Apple’s RAM for iPhones and Macs, just confirmed that Apple has agreed to a 100% price increase on all RAM orders. Which inevitably means Apple products will be going up in price. We don’t know how much of the cost Apple will pass on, but we wouldn’t expect Apple to absorb much, if any, of it.
2026-03-02T13:31:09.584Z
What could we sacrifice for a cheaper MacBook?
(Image credit: Future)
One of the most exciting things about this week’s Apple reveals is the prospect of a much cheaper MacBook. Possibly even $599 cheap. The question is, how is Apple going to make the cuts to justify that price tag?
The chipset is the obvious one, since it’s expected to come with an A18 Pro chipset — which powers the iPhone 17 Pro. However, other sacrifices may see the machine arrive without a backlit keyboard, no larger TB storage options, no fast charging support and more.
They’re all quite small features, but they could easily add up to rather large cost savings.
2026-03-02T13:16:24.403Z
What should Studio Display 2 come with?
(Image credit: Future)
One of the more extravagant reveals we’re expecting this week is a brand new Studio Display. It’s been some years since Apple released the first Studio Display, and we’re about due for an upgrade.
The question is, what sort of improvements and changes can we expect from a Studio Display 2? Tom’s Guide’s Anthony Spadafora has a few ideas, and here are seven new upgrades he’d like to see on Apple’s next ultra-premium display.
2026-03-02T13:01:31.672Z
What are you excited for? Let us know!
Will iPhone 17e come with a Dynamic Island cutout?
(Image credit: AorS Mobile / YouTube)
The iPhone 17e may be in the cards this week, and while we’re expecting the same 6.1-inch display with a 60Hz refresh rate, 48MP main and 12MP selfie cameras, along with an upgraded A19 chipset, will it come with a Dynamic Island cutout like today’s iPhones?
We’ve heard one rumor claim the 17e will ditch the older notch for a more modern Dynamic Island cutout, making Apple’s full lineup of smartphones sport the same look. However, more recent reports don’t believe this will be the case.
In any case, expect the entry-level iPhone we saw last year, this time with upgrades under the hood. And yes, hopefully all for the same $599 cost. Will Apple make the big announcement this week? We’ll keep you in the know!
2026-03-02T12:25:48.729Z
MacBook Air with OLED expected in 2028
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
While we’re expecting to see an updated MacBook Air M5 this week, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman claims he expects a MacBook Air with an OLED display by 2028. It’s still a while away, and we’re hoping to see an OLED touchscreen MacBook Pro by the end of 2026. Still, with Apple’s “Air” laptops looking to shift from LCD to OLED now, it’s an exciting upgrade to get.
The MacBook Air has yet to see a major revamp since the MacBook Air M2, so an OLED transition would see a significant change coming to the laptop. If Apple continues its rollout of upcoming devices, it won’t be until the MacBook Air with M7 that we see OLED arrive.
It appears Apple will be moving nearly all of its products to OLED over the next few years, but for now, we’re here for refreshes with upgraded chips.
2026-03-02T12:03:37.831Z
Here’s how the MacBook with A18 Pro compares to M1
(Image credit: Future)
With the low-cost MacBook expected to come with an A18 Pro chip (yes, an iPhone chipset), you may be thinking this will pale in comparison to the usual M-series chips. Well, the A18 Pro actually proves to be quite a powerhouse (for this budget price range, of course).
Now, when it comes to multitasking heavy-duty tasks, including video rendering and the like, the A18 Pro isn’t looking to be up for this task. That said, for most, especially those who prefer a MacBook for scrolling online, working on documents, watching shows and more, the A18 Pro should have more than enough power to handle it all.
Get ready for MacBooks!
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
Along with the low-cost MacBook, we’re hoping to see Apple finally announce the MacBook Pro M5 Pro and M5 Max, along with the MacBook Air M5. Don’t expect major revamps on these, just more of a spec bump. Still, adding more power to some of the best laptops we’ve tested is always welcome.
As for the MacBook Air M5, we’ll see the might of the Pro come to Apple’s popular thin and lightweight 13- and 15-inch machines. The new architectural changes to the GPU cores with neural accelerators and the higher memory bandwidth over the MacBook Air M4 should see a major performance boost.
Put these on your bingo card!
2026-03-02T11:08:39.454Z
Low-cost MacBook A18 Pro: What colors will we see?
2026-03-02T10:51:17.235Z
Don’t forget the iPad 12!
(Image credit: Future / Tom’s Guide)
Apple tends to stick with its routine of spring announcements, which is why we’re expecting the next iPad Air M4 to drop. But we’re also looking to see the next entry-level iPad 12, and this one actually comes with a big upgrade.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman claims it’s on the way, and the iPad 12 is expected to feature an A18 chip (or possibly an A19, though given the base iPad generally skips just one generation, A18 makes sense).
While we expect the same design, the boost from the A18/A19 chip should finally bring Apple Intelligence to the base iPad. So, not just a simple refresh with better performance, but added capabilities. Another reported upgrade is the iPad 12 moving to 8GB of RAM, compared to the usual 6GB.
I’m a big fan of the iPad 11, and if it’s getting even bigger performance gains, it’s a tablet that should be on most people’s radars.
2026-03-02T10:36:20.699Z
Is a Mac Studio and Studio Display coming?
(Image credit: Future)
It’s unlike Apple to fit this many announcements into a spring showcase, but it looks to have three days of announcements on its hands, so we may just see an updated Mac Studio and Studio Display slip into the mix.
Since we’ve seen hints of an M5 Ultra chip, there’s a strong chance that there will be a new Mac Studio with M5 Ultra in the near future, and there’s also been word of two new Studio Display monitors coming in 2026.
According to Gurman, while Apple’s next Studio Displays are ready to ship, the new Mac Studios are still a little behind. So, the Cupertino company may be waiting to release these a little later in the first half of 2026 instead.
Plus, with rumors of an iMac and Mac mini refresh, Apple may hold the Mac Studio and Studio Display until a later date to bundle these reveals. They’re part of the same family of products, after all. But who knows, they could make an appearance, so keep these on your radar!
2026-03-02T10:25:48.531Z
Apple is gearing up for a ‘major rush’ of customers
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Apple appears to be preparing for a flock of customers after the announcements this week, and I can see why with the number of products we’re expecting to be unveiled!
As Gurman notes, the MacBook with A18 Pro should “drive a serious number of switchers from Windows machines and Chromebooks,” due to its price. Well, we’ll just have to see what the tech giant has up its sleeves.
2026-03-02T10:17:57.166Z
Low-cost MacBook price
(Image credit: David Paul Morris/Getty)
The biggest question I have for this anticipated low-cost MacBook with A18 Pro is how much will it cost? I’m sure it’s on everyone’s minds, considering it’s set to hit the budget laptop market to take on Chromebooks and cheap Windows machines for students and beyond.
What we can expect is a price “well under $1,000,” as Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman claims. As we’ve here, many reports indicate pricing could be between $599 and $799, which makes sense, considering the MacBook Air M4 is priced at $999. Although this often dips, dropping to as low as $749. So, it’s likely we’re looking at a cheap MacBook for around $599 to $699.
That said, Apple’s budget MacBook may not be so cheap after all, according to a leak. Apparently, it may be priced between $699 and $749 (thanks, RAM crisis), but that higher cost would leave a sour taste in our mouths. So, here’s hoping for something more affordable!
2026-03-02T10:09:20.646Z
Wait, an iPhone 17e too?
(Image credit: AorS Mobile / YouTube)
It isn’t all about MacBooks, iPads and more, as Apple is tipped to be dropping its next affordable iPhone: the iPhone 17e.
Otherwise, expect a similar design to the 16e, just with a spec bump. We’re not even sure if Apple’s e-series will get an annual refresh, but considering its numbered naming, it makes sense that there will be a 17e. Either way, we’re on watch for it!
2026-03-02T10:02:07.773Z
When can we expect announcements?
(Image credit: Apple)
As Cook so generously claims, the first announcement should kick off today (March 2) in the morning!
That’s in U.S. time, by the way, so we could expect something to drop as soon as 9 a.m. EST / 2 p.m. GMT (or possibly a little later to give everyone a chance to wake up and log in for the day).
Be on the lookout for then. We’re expecting reveals to drop as a press release, so keep an eye on the Apple Newsroom.
Prepare for refreshes
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
So, the low-cost MacBook may be Apple’s new product, but there are many devices we’re here to see get a refresh, too.
That includes the MacBook Pro M5 Pro and M5 Max (these laptops have been a long time coming), MacBook Air M5, iPad Air M4, iPad 12 (with A18?) and Mac Studio with M5 Ultra, along with a Studio Display.
It’s a lot of products, which is why Apple appears to be gearing up for a three-day rollout of devices. We’ve heard at least five products will be on the way, so there’s a chance not all of these will be announced. We’re here to stay on alert on the latest developments; we’ll keep you in the know!
What’s coming today?
A big week ahead. It all starts Monday morning! #AppleLaunch pic.twitter.com/PQ9gM2Gl2rFebruary 26, 2026
This is anyone’s guess, as at least five products could steal the spotlight today.
As CEO Tim Cook notes, announcements are kicking off this morning (possibly from 9 a.m. EST / 2 p.m. GMT onwards), but he also teases us with a brief Apple logo video.
Is that the surface of a MacBook? It looks like it, but it’s hard to tell considering all of the rumored devices up for launch could have that surface. With the Special Apple Experience expected to be dedicated to the low-cost MacBook (and other announcements), we may not see this launch until later in the week.
Instead, Apple may dedicate a day to MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iPad Air and iPad refreshes, another day for the iPhone 17e, and the final day for the all-new MacBook.
2026-03-02T09:35:33.112Z
The BIG announcement
(Image credit: Future)
While there are many products we’re hoping to see, one stands out from the rest: the low-cost MacBook with an A18 Pro. That’s the same chip found in the iPhone 16 Pro, and it will mark the first time Apple brings an entry-level MacBook without an “Air” or “Pro” moniker in over a decade.
As we’ve heard, we’re expecting a 12.9-inch MacBook that’s aimed to take on the budget market, including Chromebooks and cheap Windows laptops. This is apparently what the Special Apple Experience is mainly for, and that Apple invitation with the colorful logo is teasing us with the colors it will come in.
Will it be announced today? It won’t be long until we finally see what Apple is dishing out first, as we’re also anticipating an iPhone 17e, MacBook Pro and Air refreshes, along with iPad updates. Oh, and maybe even an all-new Mac Studio and Studio Display.
2026-03-01T20:47:09.004Z
It all begins today!
(Image credit: Future)
And Apple’s big week begins! This is the first time we’re seeing the Cupertino tech giant kick off its spring showcase with multi-day announcements in a row, and we can expect at least 5 products to be unveiled.
While the Special Apple Experience is set for March 5, we already know the first launch is happening today (March 2), with Tim Cook stating on X, “it all starts Monday morning!”
With the number of products we’re anticipating, it’s anyone’s guess what the first reveal will be. For now, we’ll be keeping our eyes open for anything to drop from 9 a.m. EST / 2 p.m. GMT onwards. Stay tuned!
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