Apple is gearing up for a hardware event on , hosting “special Apple Experience” events in New York, London, and Shanghai. While not a traditional keynote, the invites sent to journalists and content creators suggest a significant refresh of several product lines is on the horizon, potentially marking Apple’s most hardware-focused early-year event in recent years.
iPhone 17e: An Iterative Update
The most anticipated announcement is likely the iPhone 17e, positioned as a successor to the iPhone 16e and aiming to maintain its accessible $599 price point. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the 17e will incorporate the A19 chip and introduce MagSafe charging compatibility. This represents a notable upgrade for Apple’s budget iPhone offering.
However, reports suggest the A19 chip within the iPhone 17e may be a “binned” version – meaning a slightly reduced GPU core count compared to the flagship iPhone 17 models. Macworld also indicates the device could feature 8GB of RAM and potentially increased storage options. This approach allows Apple to offer a performance boost without cannibalizing sales of its higher-end devices.
iPad Updates: M4 and A18 Chips
Apple’s tablet lineup is also expected to receive attention. The base iPad is reportedly slated to receive the A18 chip, bringing Apple Intelligence features to its most affordable tablet. This move aligns with Apple’s broader strategy of integrating its AI capabilities across its product ecosystem. Design changes for the base iPad are not expected.
The iPad Air is poised for a more substantial upgrade, with Gurman reporting it will feature the M4 chip. This would narrow the performance gap between the iPad Air and the iPad Pro, further consolidating Apple’s silicon strategy and offering consumers a compelling mid-range option.
MacBook Pro and a New Entry-Level MacBook
Updates to the MacBook Pro line are also anticipated, with new 14-inch and 16-inch models expected to feature M5-class chips. Tightening supply of current MacBook Pro models often signals an impending refresh, lending credence to this expectation.
Perhaps the most intriguing potential launch is a new, more affordable MacBook, priced under $1,000. This device will reportedly be powered by an iPhone-class chip, rather than Apple’s traditional M-series processors. This represents a significant departure for Apple’s laptop strategy, potentially opening up the MacBook ecosystem to a wider audience.
Crucially, this new MacBook will feature an aluminum chassis – a departure from the plastic construction often associated with entry-level laptops. This is enabled by a new manufacturing process that reduces production costs. The display is expected to be slightly under 13 inches, and Apple is reportedly testing color options geared towards students and enterprise customers.
Smart Home Products Still on the Horizon
While the March 4th event is expected to focus on the devices mentioned above, several smart home products remain on Apple’s roadmap. MacRumors reports that Apple is still developing an updated Apple TV, an updated HomePod mini, and an all-new Apple home hub. However, it remains unclear whether these devices will be unveiled alongside the other announcements, particularly given the ongoing development of a more personalized Siri assistant.
The lack of progress on a revamped Siri is a notable point. The integration of a more intelligent and personalized assistant is seen as crucial for the success of Apple’s smart home strategy, and its continued delay suggests challenges in achieving Apple’s desired level of functionality and privacy.
Even if not all of these products are unveiled on , the event promises to be a significant one for Apple, showcasing a range of updates and potentially introducing a new entry point into the MacBook ecosystem. The focus on iterative improvements and strategic silicon integration underscores Apple’s commitment to refining its existing product lines and expanding its reach within the consumer technology market.
