 |
| The new MacBook will be available with a bunch of "playful" colorways. |
Forget everything you know about the typical Apple Calendar. While the world is used to circling dates for Tim Cook’s pre-recorded reality distortion fields, Apple is flipping the script this March with a three-day product avalanche.
The Cupertino giant has officially confirmed a first-of-its-kind "Apple Experience" hands-on event scheduled for the 4th of March, taking place simultaneously in three global fashion hubs: London, New York, and Shanghai.
However, before influencers and media get their hands on the hardware, Apple is expected to drop a series of press releases on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th of March, unveiling a host of new silicon and refreshed designs.
Thanks to a fresh report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman—a tipster with a track record that borders on clairvoyant—we finally have a roadmap of what to expect from this unconventional product rollout. And it looks like the rumor mill was spot on: we are looking at a new low-cost MacBook with an A-series SoC, a refreshed entry-level iPad, the much-anticipated iPhone 17e, and the next generation of MacBook Air and high-end MacBook Pros.
Why No Keynote? The "Annual Bump" Theory
If you are wondering why Apple is skipping the Hollywood-style production for what appears to be a massive hardware refresh, the answer lies in the nature of the updates.
According to industry insiders, while the volume of products is high, the level of change is moderate. For years, Apple has utilized press releases for products receiving "annual spec bumps"—internal upgrades that don't necessarily warrant a full-stage presentation. The MacBook Pros, for example, are finally receiving the M5 Pro and M5 Max treatment (though the base M5 variant of the Pro, currently sitting at $1,499 on Amazon, will likely remain untouched for now). Similarly, the MacBook Air is expected to shed the M3 for the base M5 SoC, keeping the same beloved thin-and-light chassis.
The Star of the Show: The "Fun" Low-Cost MacBook
So, if everything is just a spec bump, why bother with the in-person "Apple Experience" on March 4th?
The answer is color and design.
Apple is reportedly preparing a low-cost MacBook that breaks the mold. This isn't just a cheaper version of the Air; it is rumored to boast a chassis that has "never been seen before." We are likely looking at a revival of the 12-inch form factor, housing a stunning 12.9-inch display.
But the real hook? The colors.
If you look closely at the official Apple invite art for the March event, the speculation is that Apple has hidden the new color palette in plain sight. Leakers like Abhishek Yadav have pointed out that the swirling, vibrant artwork teases a departure from the standard Space Gray and Silver.
We could be looking at a return to the playful era of the original colored iBooks or the recent iPhone 15/16 vibrancy. Think deep purples, sunset oranges, and maybe even a pop of lavender to match the new iPhone. This device is designed to be fun, affordable, and instantly recognizable—and it’s the perfect product to shove into the hands of the media for those glossy "hands-on" photos.
iPhone 17e and the Lavender Haze
Perhaps the most intriguing consumer device in the lineup is the iPhone 17e. Following the successful rebranding of the SE into the "e" series last year, Apple is ready to give the budget-friendly line a major visual identity.
For the first time, the "e" series will adopt the Dynamic Island. This marks the death of the notch in the entire Apple smartphone lineup. By shoving the pill-shaped cutout into the more affordable tier, Apple ensures a unified software experience across the board.
To sweeten the deal, Apple is expected to launch this device in a fresh new lavender colorway. Given Apple’s history with purple tones (think iPhone 14 and 12), a soft, pastel lavender could be the "hero" color that drives sales this spring.
What About the iPad?
Don't sleep on the iPad refresh. The entry-level iPad (currently the 10th generation) is long overdue for a chip upgrade. We expect it to jump to the A18 chip, bringing Apple Intelligence capabilities to the masses at a sub-$449 price point. This would make the base iPad a powerhouse for students and casual users, bridging the gap between the A-series and the M-series tablets.
The Big Picture
Apple’s strategy here is clear: Flood the zone with press releases to capture tech headlines all week, then let the physical product shine on the final day.
By focusing the "Apple Experience" on the low-cost MacBook, they ensure that the most visually distinct product gets the most attention, rather than getting lost in a sea of M5 chip jargon.
Whether you are upgrading your workstation to the M5 Max MacBook Pro or just looking for a lavender iPhone to match your spring aesthetic, next week is shaping up to be one of the most hardware-dense weeks in recent Apple history.
Stay tuned for our coverage starting March 2nd.
 |
| Apple's invite art has apparently revealed the colors of the upcoming low-cost MacBook. |