The first week of March is set to be a bustling time for Apple, with a series of product announcements scheduled from Monday through Wednesday, culminating in the highly anticipated ‘Apple Experience’ event on March 4. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reported that Apple anticipates a surge in activity at its retail locations due to these launches and is preparing its stores to handle the increased sales volume effectively.
Among the products likely to be unveiled are the iPhone 17e, updated MacBook Pros and Airs, refreshed entry-level iPad and iPad Air models, and the much-awaited low-cost MacBook powered by an iPhone chip. Gurman has hinted at several exciting specifications for these devices.
The upcoming low-cost MacBook is expected to incorporate a new aluminum manufacturing process, the A18 Pro chip from the iPhone 16 Pro Max, and a 12.9-inch display. In terms of connectivity, it will feature a USB 3.2 Gen 2 controller capable of providing data transfer speeds up to 10Gb/s. Oddly, it will include a haptic trackpad but will not have a backlit keyboard. Apple may also offer a variety of vibrant color options, such as light yellow, light green, blue, pink, classic silver, and dark gray, with a retail price anticipated to be around $749.
The iPhone 17e is another focal point for the event, rumored to boast a 6.1-inch LTPS OLED screen with a 60Hz refresh rate, the Dynamic Island feature, an A19 chip, and a C1-series modem. It will support magnetic wireless charging and includes a 12MP selfie camera alongside a 48MP rear camera, with a projected price tag of $599.
Additionally, Apple is expected to release updated M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro devices and a refreshed base iPad along with the iPad Air, each equipped with improved chips.
To accommodate the anticipated demand, Apple is preparing its retail staff for longer working hours reminiscent of the busy periods that follow their annual iPhone launch events in September. Gurman notes that new product displays will be prominent, with dedicated tables for showcasing the exciting low-cost MacBook.
This product blitz is likely to enhance Apple’s market presence, captivating both loyal customers and attracting new users eager to experience the latest technological advancements.