Apple is poised to unveil a series of new products this week, beginning Monday, March 2nd, with announcements expected through Wednesday, March 4th. The company teased the “big week” in a social media post last Thursday, signaling a significant refresh across several product lines, including iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks.
Among the anticipated releases is the iPhone 17e, positioned as a more affordable entry into Apple’s smartphone ecosystem. The 17e is expected to address key omissions from the iPhone 16e, notably the inclusion of MagSafe wireless charging and an upgraded 18MP selfie camera, according to leaked information. The device will too reportedly feature the Dynamic Island, replacing the traditional notch, and will be powered by the A19 chip, offering improved performance for tasks including Apple Intelligence features. The iPhone 17e is expected to maintain a price point of $599.
Beyond the iPhone, Apple is rumored to be introducing a new MacBook powered by the A18 Pro chip, currently found in the iPhone 16 Pro. This model, potentially priced between $599 and $699, aims to offer a more accessible entry point into the MacBook lineup, potentially appealing to students and casual users. Yet, it may come with trade-offs, such as the exclusion of Thunderbolt support and a potential 8GB RAM ceiling.
The MacBook Air is also slated for an update with the M5 chip, promising a 15% CPU speed boost and a 30% GPU performance increase. A new Neural Accelerator within the GPU is expected to enhance AI capabilities. The MacBook Pro line will witness high-end 14-inch and 16-inch configurations powered by the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, offering a reported 25% performance uplift and a redesigned architecture for improved efficiency. These models are expected to launch on Wednesday, March 4th, with a starting price of $1,999 for the 14-inch Pro.
On the iPad front, Apple is expected to release the iPad 12, featuring the A18 or A19 chip and 8GB of RAM, bringing Apple Intelligence support to the entry-level iPad for the first time. The iPad Air is also receiving an upgrade to the M4 chip, delivering a 30% CPU speed increase and an enhanced Neural Engine. The iPad Air M4 will also include Wi-Fi 7 support.
Finally, Apple is expected to unveil a significant update to the Studio Display, with new 27-inch and 32-inch configurations. The headline feature is the anticipated inclusion of ProMotion technology, offering a 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR support. The displays will be powered by the A19 chip and feature Thunderbolt 5 connectivity. A 32-inch “Pro” variant could bridge the gap to the Pro Display XDR with mini-LED backlighting.
Apple will host in-person hands-on sessions for media in New York, London, and Shanghai on Wednesday, March 4th, at 2pm GMT. Pre-orders for the new devices are likely to open later this week, with general availability expected the following Friday.
