Apple is hosting a series of exclusive events on in New York City, London, and Shanghai, inviting a select group of tech experts and media. Unlike typical product launch events, Apple is framing this as a “Special Apple Experience,” offering few details beyond that label.
The invitation, first publicized by 9to5Mac Editor-in-Chief Chance Miller, has sparked speculation about potential announcements. While Apple’s typical large-scale events are reserved for major product reveals like the iPhone 17 launch in September 2025, the short notice and vague nature of this event suggest a more focused presentation.
Several possibilities are circulating within the tech community. One prominent theory centers around the recently announced Apple Creator Studio, a subscription bundle offering access to the company’s suite of creative applications for $12.99 per month or $129 per year, launching on . The “Special Apple Experience” could provide select creators with a hands-on preview of the bundle, including briefings with Apple product managers and in-depth demonstrations.
Adding fuel to the speculation is the potential for new MacBook Pro hardware. Apple introduced the base M5 model last fall, and industry observers have been anticipating the release of M5 Pro and M5 Max variants. Shipping delays for certain configurations of the M4 Pro and M4 Max MacBook Pro models have been noted, often signaling an imminent refresh. The event in Los Angeles on through – an event focused on creators – could have been a precursor to this wider rollout, allowing creators to test new hardware before a broader announcement.
Beyond the Creator Studio and MacBook Pro possibilities, rumors suggest potential updates to other product lines. An upgraded iPad, iPad Air, and MacBook Air are all possibilities, likely featuring improved computer chips. There’s also ongoing speculation about Apple’s long-awaited entry into the smart home hub market, potentially a Siri-powered competitor to Amazon’s Alexa, and a corresponding security camera.
Apple’s fiscal Q1 earnings report, scheduled for release on , coincides with the Los Angeles event, raising the possibility of hardware announcements tied to the earnings call. However, the March events in New York, London, and Shanghai appear to be a separate, more exclusive gathering.
The limited scope of the invitation – extended to a select group of tech influencers and media – suggests Apple isn’t planning a widespread product launch akin to its typical September showcases. Instead, the company appears to be prioritizing targeted engagement with key members of the tech community.
The “Special Apple Experience” format is a departure from Apple’s usual approach. The emphasis on “experience” rather than a traditional product unveiling suggests a focus on showcasing existing technologies and fostering relationships with creators and influencers. It remains to be seen whether any significant hardware or software announcements will emerge from the event, but the industry will be watching closely for any clues about Apple’s future direction.
The Apple TV app is also seeing updates. A dedicated channel for Formula 1 racing has appeared, allowing subscribers to stream all races, starting with the Melbourne Grand Prix on . This channel is included in the base Apple TV subscription, priced at $12.99 per month or $99 per year.
iOS 26.4 brings several updates, including a battery Charge Limit feature to Mac devices, previously exclusive to iPhone and iPad. This feature allows users to set a maximum charge level to help extend battery health. The iOS 26.4 beta 1 also includes enhancements to the Apple Podcasts app, offering an “enhanced video podcast experience.” A key theft prevention feature will also be activated on all iPhones with the release of iOS 26.4.
