Apple is planning a series of product announcements in the days leading up to a “Special Apple Experience” event scheduled for in New York, London, and Shanghai. However, unlike typical Apple keynotes, this event will primarily serve as a hands-on preview for media representatives, allowing them to test upcoming devices.
According to reports, Apple intends to unveil new products via press releases between and . The anticipated lineup includes a new entry-level iPhone, updated iPad models, and refreshed MacBook configurations.
New iPhone 17e: A Budget-Friendly Option
Among the expected announcements is the iPhone 17e, positioned as a more affordable option within Apple’s iPhone family. This device is expected to largely retain the design of the iPhone 16e, but with internal specification upgrades. These upgrades include the A19 chip – the same processor expected in the iPhone 17 – along with Apple’s C1X modem for improved 5G and LTE connectivity, and the N1 chip for enhanced Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 performance. The C1X modem is reportedly twice as fast as the C1, and the N1 chip is designed to improve the reliability of features like Personal Hotspot and AirDrop.
The iPhone 17e will also support a new “Limit Precise Location” setting, allowing users to restrict the precision of location data shared with their cellular network. The device is expected to maintain a starting price of $599 for the 128GB model, consistent with the iPhone 16e’s pricing.
iPad Updates: A18 and M4 Chips
Apple is also preparing updates to its iPad lineup. A new entry-level iPad is anticipated, powered by the Apple A18 chip. Alongside this, new iPad Air models are expected in both 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, featuring the more powerful Apple M4 chip. This represents a significant performance boost for the iPad Air series.
MacBook Refresh: A18 Pro and M5 Series
The MacBook range is also slated for updates. Notably, Apple is expected to finally release its long-awaited entry-level MacBook (referred to as J700 internally). This model will be equipped with the A18 Pro chip and will be available in multiple color options – yellow, green, and blue, mirroring the colors of the event invitation. Other rumored color options include pink, silver, and space gray.
Beyond the new entry-level model, Apple is also preparing to release updated MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models featuring enhanced M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max chips. These chip refreshes will deliver performance improvements across the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air lines.
A Phased Rollout
Industry analyst John Gruber suggests a phased rollout of these new products. He predicts the iPhone 17e will be announced on , followed by the new iPads on , and the updated MacBooks on . This approach differs from Apple’s typical single-event product launches, and suggests a more deliberate strategy focused on maximizing media coverage and allowing for focused attention on each product category.
While Apple is likely saving its most significant redesigns for its annual September event, the March announcements demonstrate a commitment to refreshing its product lines throughout the year and offering consumers a wider range of options at different price points.
