February 17, 2026, 1:41 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Apple has announced a “special Apple Experience” for March 4, 2026. The event will take place simultaneously in New York, London, and Shanghai and is expected to introduce a range of new devices.
Not an Event, but an “Experience”
Apple events are typically major announcements with an audience–such as the iPhone unveiling in the fall and the WWDC in June. While virtual product launches have occurred in recent years, the “special Apple Experience” is an in-person event, albeit on a limited scale in select cities.
A major keynote is not expected as part of the Experience. However, a host of new products could be unveiled during the event.
MacBooks for Beginners and Pros
The invitation, as usual, features an Apple logo–this time made up of slices with a yellow, green, and blue gradient. This could hint at the new entry-level MacBook. The budget-friendly model may come in several vibrant colors, similar to the iBook G3 from 1999.
Instead of an M-series chip, the A18 Pro, known from the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, is likely to be used. With a relatively low price, the device aims to compete with Chromebooks and affordable Windows laptops.
New chips are also in store for the MacBook Pro. While the base model with a 14-inch display has featured the M5 since 2025, only the launch of the high-end options is pending. Code in iOS 26.3 already points to refreshed 14- and 16-inch models with M5 Pro and M5 Max.
Model Updates for iPads
New hardware is also on the horizon for the base iPad and the iPad Air. The 12th-generation iPad is set to receive a current chip for the first time–in this case, the A19, which we know from the iPhone 17.
With 8 gigabytes of RAM, the hardware finally brings support for Apple Intelligence. The base iPad is currently the only device in Apple’s lineup that does not offer advanced AI features. Additionally, the tablet will get the Apple N1 for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections.
Only minimal changes are planned for the iPad Air. As usual, the device will receive a chip that is one year older than in the iPad Pro. In this case, that means M4 instead of M5. Apart from that, no major upgrades are expected.
Other possible unveilings during the Apple Experience include the Studio Display, a new Apple TV, and a refreshed HomePod mini.
Also of interest: What new devices does Apple have in the works?
iPhone 16e and iPad Air Shortages–Are Successors on the Way?
Apple Leaks New Entry-Level MacBook in Advance
Early Launch of the iPhone 17e?
Recent leaks suggested that the iPhone 17e could be released as early as February 19. However, the announcement of the Apple Experience calls this information into question. The 17e is expected to feature several upgrades over its predecessor–including the A19 chip and, for the first time, MagSafe for magnetic accessories and faster wireless charging.
Additionally, the iPhone is expected to be equipped with the C1X modem and the N1 wireless chip, which are also used in the iPhone Air.
Access by Invitation Only
Even though the Apple Experience will take place in Apple Stores in New York, London, and Shanghai, access is limited to media representatives and influencers. While Apple has not disclosed details about the proceedings, a brief product presentation in the form of videos with a concluding hands-on session is conceivable.
The event is scheduled for March 4, 2026, at 3 p.m. Central European Time. Whether Apple will also make the Experience digitally accessible remains to be seen.