Apple to host first major event of the year on 4 March
Apple plans a major product event on 4 March, with new MacBooks, iPads, and other hardware widely expected.
Apple has scheduled its first product event of the year for 4 March, signalling a busy period of hardware announcements for the technology company. The event, described as an “Apple Experience”, will take place in New York City at 9 AM Eastern Time and is expected to draw media attention from around the world.
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The company has invited members of the press to attend in person, but it has not confirmed whether the event will be livestreamed for the wider public. According to MacRumors, parallel sessions branded as Apple Experience are also planned in London and Shanghai, suggesting a coordinated global launch strategy.
Apple prepares for a wave of hardware announcements
The event is widely expected to focus on Apple’s Mac and iPad line-ups, with several new devices likely to be introduced. Industry watchers point to recent reporting by Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, who said earlier this month that Apple was preparing to announce new hardware “as early as the week of 2 March”. The timing aligns closely with the planned event, reinforcing speculation that major product updates are imminent.
Apple traditionally uses early-year events to refresh its core computing products, and this year appears no different. The company has been steadily updating its Mac range with new custom silicon chips, and analysts believe the next generation of processors will be unveiled during the March showcase.
The possibility of multiple regional events on the same day also highlights Apple’s intention to deliver a unified message across key markets. London and Shanghai are strategic hubs for Apple in Europe and Asia, and synchronised launches could help the company maintain momentum in highly competitive markets.
New MacBooks and a potential entry-level model are in focus
One of the most anticipated announcements is a new MacBook Air, which could receive performance improvements and design tweaks. In addition, refreshed 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models are expected to debut with Apple’s next-generation M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. A MacBook Pro powered by the base M5 chip was introduced in October, so that the upcoming models would complete the high-end range.
There is also growing speculation that Apple may introduce a new entry-level MacBook aimed at a broader audience. Reports suggest this device could be available in several pastel colours, including light yellow, light green, blue, and pink. Such a move would align with Apple’s recent strategy of offering more affordable devices with distinctive design elements to attract students and casual users.
If Apple unveils this lower-cost MacBook, it could mark a shift in how the company positions its laptop portfolio. Historically, Apple has focused on premium pricing, but increased competition from Windows-based manufacturers and Chromebooks has encouraged the company to explore more accessible options.
iPads and other devices are expected to follow later in the year
Beyond Macs, Apple is also expected to refresh parts of its iPad range, although some announcements may come after the March event. One rumoured update includes an entry-level iPad equipped with an A18 chip, which would enable support for Apple Intelligence features. This would represent a significant step in bringing artificial intelligence capabilities to more affordable devices.
The iPad Air is also tipped for an upgrade, potentially adopting the M4 chip used in higher-end models. Such an update would further blur the line between Apple’s tablets and laptops, particularly as the company continues to promote the iPad as a versatile productivity device.
Other hardware updates are anticipated later in the year, including new versions of the Mac Studio, Studio Display and Mac mini. These devices cater to professional users and creative industries, and Apple has been gradually enhancing them with improved performance and connectivity features.
Overall, the 4 March event is shaping up to be an important milestone for Apple’s 2026 product roadmap. While the company remains tight-lipped about specific announcements, the combination of Mac and iPad updates suggests a strong focus on computing devices rather than smartphones. If Apple chooses to livestream the event, it could attract significant global interest as consumers and developers look for clues about the company’s broader strategy, particularly around artificial intelligence and custom silicon.
