Apple Announces “Special Apple Experience” on March 4: Low-Cost MacBook and iPhone 17e Expected

By: Ajay Ajay

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Updated on: 17-Feb-2026

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Key Highlights

• Apple schedules “special Apple Experience” on March 4, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. ET (7:30 p.m. IST)
• Events to occur simultaneously in New York, London, and Shanghai; invite-only for media, no traditional keynote or confirmed livestream
• Invitation features 3D Apple logo in yellow, green, and blue discs, aligning with rumored colors for a new budget MacBook
• Expected announcements include low-cost MacBook (A18 Pro chip), M5-powered MacBook Air, MacBook Pro with M5 Pro/Max, and iPhone 17e
• Format departs from standard Apple Park events, focusing on hands-on media previews

Apple has officially announced a “special Apple Experience” set for March 4, 2026, fueling speculation about multiple product debuts, including a rumored low-cost MacBook, updated MacBook models, and the iPhone 17e.

Event Details and Format

Apple sent press invites for the March 4 gathering, described as a “special Apple Experience” rather than a conventional product event. The primary location is New York at 9:00 a.m. ET, with parallel sessions in London (2:00 p.m. local time) and Shanghai (10:00 a.m. CST). Reports from sources like 9to5Mac, MacRumors, and Bloomberg confirm the multi-city setup targets select media for in-person previews. No public livestream has been detailed yet, suggesting a more intimate, hands-on format over a broad keynote.

Low-Cost MacBook Emerges as Key Focus

The invitation's color scheme, yellow, green, and blue discs, matches leaks about Apple's first sub-$1,000 MacBook. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports the device uses the A18 Pro chipset (from iPhone 16 Pro models) to reduce costs, features a display slightly under 13 inches (likely 12.9-inch LCD), and an aluminum build via a new manufacturing process. Tested colors include light yellow, light green, blue, pink, silver, and dark gray, though not all may launch. Pricing targets around $599–$699, positioning it against budget competitors like Chromebooks for students and enterprise users.

Other Mac Updates Expected

Additional Mac announcements could include:

• MacBook Air with M5 chip
• MacBook Pro models powered by M5 Pro and M5 Max chips

These align with Gurman's prior reports of M5-series refreshes in early 2026, potentially tied to macOS updates.

iPhone 17e Details

The iPhone 17e, Apple's next affordable model (successor to iPhone 16e), is widely tipped for this timeframe. It retains a similar design to its predecessor, with no confirmed Dynamic Island upgrade. Upgrades focus on internals:

• A19 chip (from iPhone 17 series)
• C1X modem for improved connectivity
• MagSafe support for faster wireless charging
• Potential pricing holds at $599

Earlier rumors pointed to a February debut, but the March 4 timing now appears more likely.

Timeline and Implications

If announcements occur on March 4, pre-orders and availability could follow shortly after, consistent with Apple's patterns for non-iPhone flagships. This early-year push positions Apple ahead in the 2026 lineup, offering budget options across iPhone and Mac categories. More details, including official teasers or confirmations, are expected in the coming days as the date approaches.

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What to Watch Next

Apple's website events page may update closer to March 4. Trusted sources like Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and outlets such as 9to5Mac and MacRumors continue to track developments. The multi-city format indicates a targeted media rollout, potentially signaling a shift in how Apple handles mid-cycle product introductions.