(VIDEO) Apple’s iPhone 17e and New MacBooks Release Date Set for March 2026 Launch

Apple is gearing up for its first major product reveal of 2026 with a “Special Experience” event scheduled for March 4 in New York, London and Shanghai, where the company is widely expected to unveil the iPhone 17e — the successor to last year’s budget-friendly iPhone 16e — alongside refreshed MacBook models powered by the new M5 chip family.

The unusual in-person-only format, not listed on Apple’s standard events page and without a traditional live stream, has fueled speculation about staggered announcements leading up to the event. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported in his Power On newsletter that Apple may drop product details via press releases starting as early as March 2 or 3, with one category per day, culminating in the March 4 experience for select media.

The iPhone 17e, codenamed V159, is positioned as the entry-level model in Apple’s 2026 lineup, replacing the iPhone 16e launched in February 2025. Rumors from supply chain sources and analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo point to a spring release, aligning with the pattern established by its predecessor. While some early leaks suggested a February debut, most now converge on the week of March 4, potentially announced via press release before the event.

Key upgrades for the iPhone 17e include the A19 chip — the same processor expected in the standard iPhone 17 series — promising better performance and efficiency than the A18 in the iPhone 16e. The device is rumored to gain MagSafe wireless charging support, a long-requested feature missing from last year’s model, and possibly swap the display notch for Dynamic Island for a more modern look. The screen is expected to retain a 60Hz refresh rate, keeping costs down.

Design-wise, the iPhone 17e should resemble the iPhone 16e closely, with a single rear camera and similar dimensions. Pricing is anticipated to hold steady at $599 for the base 128GB model with 8GB RAM, allowing Apple to market it as offering more features at the same cost. Production has reportedly entered test runs, with mass manufacturing ramping up ahead of launch.

The iPhone 17e fits into Apple’s evolving strategy for affordable devices, following the introduction of the “e” line as a value-focused option. It arrives amid the full iPhone 17 series, which launched in September 2025 with models including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max and the ultra-thin iPhone Air.

On the Mac side, multiple updates are expected. The MacBook Air is poised for an M5 chip refresh in both 13-inch and 15-inch variants, maintaining the current design while gaining performance boosts from the new silicon. No major redesigns are rumored, with focus on efficiency and Apple Intelligence enhancements.

A lower-cost MacBook, sometimes called the “budget MacBook” or “MacBook e,” could debut as an even more accessible option, potentially starting around $699-$799 and powered by an A-series chip like the A18 Pro. This model would slot below the MacBook Air, targeting students and first-time buyers with a simpler configuration.

High-end MacBook Pro models in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes are expected to receive M5 Pro and M5 Max chips early in 2026, delivering substantial gains in CPU, GPU and AI capabilities. These refreshes are described as iterative, with no dramatic design changes anticipated until later in the year or 2027, when OLED displays and touchscreens may arrive for the MacBook Pro lineup to mark its 20th anniversary.

The March timing aligns with Apple’s recent pattern of early-year product drops for non-flagship iPhones and select Macs, allowing the company to refresh its portfolio ahead of the fall iPhone cycle. The “Special Experience” in three global cities suggests a focus on immersive, hands-on demos for invited press, possibly highlighting AI features, new Siri capabilities and ecosystem integration across devices.

Analysts view the event as a low-key but important kickoff to 2026, bridging the gap between last fall’s iPhone 17 series and future innovations like foldables. With the iPhone 17e and M5-powered Macs, Apple aims to maintain momentum in a competitive market while emphasizing value and performance.

Pre-orders for the iPhone 17e and any announced Macs could begin shortly after announcements, with availability following in the weeks ahead. As details emerge from leaks and official channels, attention will turn to how these devices enhance Apple’s lineup for everyday users and professionals alike.