Apple’s March 4 event may unveil the iPhone 17e and a new budget MacBook under $1,000, along with refreshed Mac and iPad models.
Apple Schedules March 4 ‘Special Experience’ Event
Apple has announced its first major event of the year, set for 4 March, with what it calls a “special Apple experience” taking place across New York, London and Shanghai. For audiences in Pakistan, the event is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. local time, making it easy for fans to follow evening coverage as details emerge.
The company has not yet confirmed whether the event will be livestreamed in the usual way or if some of the announcements will be made through press releases and smaller, location-specific sessions. However, the scale and multi-city format suggest that Apple is preparing to showcase more than just minor refreshes.
Leaked information and analyst reports point to an event focused on more affordable hardware, with both a new entry-level iPhone and a cheaper Apple laptop expected to be at the centre of the show.
iPhone 17e: A Cheaper Entry Into the iPhone 17 Lineup
The most talked-about product ahead of the event is the iPhone 17e, which is expected to replace last year’s iPhone 16e as the entry-level model in the new lineup. Early reports suggest that Apple plans to position the 17e as a more affordable way to get core iPhone 17 features without paying flagship prices.
Rumours indicate that the iPhone 17e will feature a 6.1-inch display with Dynamic Island, bringing Apple’s newer screen design to a lower price tier. The phone is also said to carry the same 18-megapixel front camera used across the wider iPhone 17 series, promising improved selfies and clearer video calls.
Under the hood, the device is expected to use Apple’s A19 chipset along with a C1X modem for connectivity. On the back, the 17e is rumoured to ship with a single 48-megapixel main camera, focusing on strong primary image quality rather than multiple lenses. MagSafe support is also expected to be included for wireless charging and accessories, with a starting price around $599.
Apple’s First Budget MacBook Under $1,000
Alongside the iPhone 17e, Apple is widely reported to be working on its first truly budget MacBook. This new entry-level laptop could launch with the A18 Pro chipset and a price tag below $1,000, making it one of the most accessible MacBooks Apple has ever offered.
The device is expected to feature an aluminium chassis, keeping the familiar premium MacBook look and feel even at a lower price. Multiple colour options have also been rumoured, which would help the budget MacBook stand out from the more conservative finishes seen on higher-end models.
For students, freelancers and everyday users, a cheaper MacBook could act as a gateway into the macOS ecosystem, pairing well with iPhone and iPad for those who want tight integration without committing to Apple’s most expensive hardware.
Expected Updates to MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and iPad
Beyond the entry-level MacBook, Apple may also use the March event to refresh its existing notebook lines. A new MacBook Air powered by the M5 chip is rumoured to be on the way, offering improved performance and efficiency over previous-generation models.
Updated MacBook Pro variants featuring M5 Pro and M5 Max processors are also expected. These chips would target power users, creators and professionals who need stronger CPU and GPU performance for video editing, 3D work, coding and other demanding workflows.
On the desktop side, reports point to new Mac displays joining the lineup, possibly alongside updated iPad models. The iPad Air could receive Apple’s M4 chip, while the baseline iPad may be refreshed with the A18 chip, bringing more desktop-class performance to tablets used in homes, schools and offices.
What Apple Fans Should Watch for on 4 March
For Apple users and prospective buyers, the key theme of this event appears to be accessibility: more power and modern features at lower entry prices. The iPhone 17e and the rumoured budget MacBook both fit this pattern, offering new ways to join the Apple ecosystem without paying flagship-level amounts.
Pakistani buyers will be watching closely for final specifications and official launch prices, knowing that local retail prices and taxes can push costs higher than US dollar figures. Even so, cheaper base models usually help bring down the overall cost of entry compared to previous generations.
Until Apple officially confirms its plans, all details remain subject to change. However, the mix of leaks and pre-event reports suggests that 4 March could be an important date for anyone considering a new iPhone, MacBook or iPad in 2026.
