After months of whispers, the “Big Week” at Cupertino has officially arrived.
Apple CEO Tim Cook kicked things off with a post on X, stating: “A big week ahead. It all starts Monday Morning! #AppleLaunch.” And according to leaks and rumors, he wasn’t exaggerating.
From a new budget-friendly iPhone to a revamped MacBook that Apple hopes will steal students away from Chromebooks, here’s everything we’re expecting to see roll out over the next few days.
First product released: iPhone 17e
Just over a year after the iPhone 16e debuted, Apple is ready to refresh its most affordable iPhone. The new iPhone 17e was just released today, keeping the same $599 starting price while packing meaningful upgrades that address complaints about its predecessor.
The new model keeps the 6.1-inch display and single rear camera design seen on its predecessor. It will remain limited to a 60Hz refresh rate and will continue without support for an always-on display. But it includes Apple’s new A19 chip, which brings improved performance and stronger on-device AI processing, and boasts 256 GB of storage.
One major upgrade is the addition of MagSafe charging, something missing from the previous model. This supports Apple’s magnetic accessories ecosystem and enables faster wireless charging.
The MacBook is back, but not as you remember it
Remember the 12-inch MacBook? Apple discontinued it years ago, but the company is reportedly reviving the concept with a twist. This won’t be a pro machine or even an Air. Instead, it’s a low-cost laptop aimed at students and budget-conscious buyers.
According to multiple reports, the new MacBook will feature a 12.9-inch display, come in fun colors, and be priced between $599 and $799. That price point is crucial as Apple competes with Chromebooks that dominate schools.
Instead of an M-series chip, this MacBook will run on an A18 Pro processor, the same chip found in the iPhone 16 Pro. That means this little laptop should handle everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video streaming with ease. But don’t expect Thunderbolt speeds or support for multiple external displays. You’ll likely get USB-C ports running at 10GB/s and support for just one external monitor.
Apple is reportedly making some trade-offs to hit that lower price point. Rumors suggest the MacBook may lack a backlit keyboard, skip True Tone display technology, and use slower SSD storage. Some reports even hint at a starting storage option of 128GB, though that remains unconfirmed.
iPad Air and Base iPad get smarter
Apple’s tablet lineup is also due for refreshes.
The iPad Air is expected to move from the M3 chip to the M4, bringing faster CPU and GPU performance while keeping its current 11-inch and 13-inch designs. No major physical redesign is rumored, though connectivity improvements could include Apple’s newer networking components and modem technology in cellular models.
Meanwhile, the entry-level iPad may receive a bigger functional boost. By upgrading to an A18 or A19 chip and increasing RAM to 8GB, the device would gain support for Apple Intelligence features for the first time. Pricing is expected to stay the same: $349 for the base iPad and $599 for the 11-inch iPad Air.
MacBook Pro expands with M5 Pro and M5 Max
Apple already introduced the base M5-powered 14-inch MacBook Pro last year. Now, higher-end models are expected to follow.
Updated 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro versions are likely to debut with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. While no design changes are rumored, performance improvements are expected thanks to the newer 3-nanometer architecture and AI-focused enhancements.
The MacBook Air could also receive an M5 chip update. The design would remain the same, but users could see faster graphics performance and improved efficiency. Pricing is expected to stay unchanged.
Possible extras: Studio display and Mac Studio
There is also speculation that Apple may introduce a refreshed Studio Display, possibly with a 120Hz ProMotion panel and HDR support. An updated Mac Studio could appear as well, marking the return of an Ultra chip configuration after skipping a generation.
A week of rolling announcements
Apple isn’t holding a traditional keynote for these announcements. Instead, expect press releases to drop starting Monday morning, with products likely appearing on Apple’s website throughout the week.
The company is hosting a “Special Experience” for media on Wednesday, March 4, in New York, Shanghai, and London. That’s when journalists will get hands-on time with whatever Apple unveils.
For more on Apple’s global expansion, read how Apple Pay is set to launch in India with bank partnerships and biometric payments in 2026.
