Apple has unexpectedly announced a media event for March 4, 2026, inviting journalists and influencers to in-person gatherings in New York City, London, and Shanghai. The “Special Apple Experience” is scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM Central European Time (CET) on Wednesday, according to reports from MacRumors and AppleMagazine.
Details regarding what Apple will unveil remain closely guarded, but the company appears to have successfully orchestrated a surprise. Industry analysts and Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman did not anticipate a return to a spring event, having instead expected a series of individual hardware releases, as noted by AppleMagazine.
New MacBook with A18 Chip Expected
A more affordable MacBook is widely considered a likely announcement. This device could feature an A18 chip, currently used in iPhones and lower-cost iPads. The color scheme of the event invitation – featuring spring-like yellows and greens – aligns with rumors that Apple may adopt bolder color options for the new model. Gurman reported over the weekend that the device will likely have an aluminum enclosure and target students and businesses, according to AppleMagazine.
A more budget-friendly iPhone could accompany the new MacBook. A successor to the iPhone 16e has been anticipated for some time, and it remains to be seen whether Apple will unveil the iPhone 17e at the event or at a later date. The potential lineup also includes a new MacBook Air with the M5 chip, MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, updated Mac displays, an iPad with A18, and an iPad Air with M4, as reported by MacRumors and Forbes.
Event Format and Potential Reveals
Whether Apple will accompany the event with a video presentation remains uncertain. Previous in-person events for media representatives have typically been followed by the release of a video showcasing the new products, allowing attendees to examine the devices firsthand, according to USA Today. The choice to use the term “experience” rather than “event” suggests a more focused, hands-on presentation for invited media, as highlighted by MacRumors.
The event’s invite-only format suggests a targeted product showcase rather than a broad developer-focused presentation, as AppleMagazine points out. This approach differs from Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), which primarily emphasizes software platforms.
Looking ahead, the March 4th “Special Apple Experience” will likely provide a clearer indication of Apple’s strategy for the first half of 2026. The announcements made will set the stage for further product releases expected later in the year. Industry observers will be closely watching to see how Apple positions these updates within its existing product ecosystem and how they address evolving consumer needs.
What are your expectations for Apple’s March 4th event? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
