Apple schedules March 4 event – iPhone 17e, new Macs, and iPads expected

Apple has sent out invites for a press event happening March 4 in New York City. The company is expected to announce multiple hardware launches simultaneously: an affordable iPhone 17e, at least one new Mac lineup, and updated iPads. The event looks like an effort to fill out Apple’s spring product pipeline ahead of summer software releases.

What Apple will unveil on March 4

A clear picture of the expected devices has already emerged through leaks and industry reports. Official confirmation will come only at the event, but for now, this serves as the closest reference point for retailers and component suppliers.

• MacBook powered by an Apple Silicon A18 Pro chip – positioned as an affordable “in-house” silicon option.
• MacBook Air featuring the new M5 chip.
• MacBook Pro in higher-end configurations with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips.
• New Mac monitors.
• iPhone 17e – a budget model in the iPhone 17 lineup.
• Entry-level iPad with an A18 chip and an iPad Air equipped with the M4 chip.
• First beta builds of iOS 26.4 featuring an updated Siri powered by Google’s Gemini model (possible announcement of Apple Intelligence details).

How A18 Pro in Mac differs from the M series

The most intriguing development is the appearance of an “A18 Pro” chip in a Mac laptop. Typically, A-series chips power iPhones and iPads, while Macs run on M-series chips. If this Mac really features an A18 Pro, it could mean one of two things: Apple is exploring ways to reduce costs on base Mac models, or it’s testing a more mobile, energy-efficient core for lighter laptops.

This isn’t a brand-new trend: Apple’s desktop SoCs have long borrowed mobile core architecture. Using A-series chips in affordable laptops makes sense to control costs and thermal output but also risks creating confusion for consumers – buyers will need to pay closer attention to chip branding when choosing a Mac.

What’s up with iOS 26.4 and Siri based on Google Gemini

The debut of Siri powered by Google Gemini in the iOS 26.4 beta signals that Apple isn’t fully insistent on AI built solely on its own stack. Integrating a major external model reflects Apple’s desire to rapidly boost its assistant’s capabilities, but it raises concerns around privacy nuances, offline functionality, and data usage.

Against competitors like Microsoft’s Copilot and Google’s Gemini, Apple is trying to catch up on smart assistant features without compromising its privacy-first messaging. Exactly what trade-offs Apple chooses will become clearer at the event.

Who this affects and what’s next

Users will get more options across various price points: if the iPhone 17e is indeed cheaper, some demand may shift away from older models. Retailers and supply chains will prep for waves of Mac and iPad refreshes – especially if the M5 Pro and M5 Max deliver significant performance jumps as rumored.

The bigger story is Apple clearly shaping a robust spring hardware lineup while experimenting with AI partnerships. Open questions remain – how the Mac chip families will be divided, how deeply Gemini will be integrated into Siri, and the impact on user privacy. Answers will start to emerge on March 4, though many details will unfold over subsequent product launches and beta programs.

If you’re planning an Apple upgrade or purchase this spring, watch the March 4 announcement closely: this lineup could shift the balance between “budget” and “pro” hardware options at Apple.