Apple is preparing for one of its largest launch cycles in years. Five new products will launch in the days leading up to the company’s Apple Experience event on March 4. The information comes from Mark Gurman’s latest Power On newsletter for Bloomberg, which details Apple’s multi-day rollout strategy and its broader distribution across Macs, iPhones and iPads.
The main cast is upon us
According to Gurman, Apple plans to unveil a new low-cost MacBook, updated MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models, an updated iPhone 17e and at least one new iPad between March 2 and March 4. These staggered announcements mark a departure from Apple’s usual single-keynote approach and underscore a more global, experience-focused strategy.
The March 4 event itself will take place simultaneously in New York, London and Shanghai, with practical sessions expected to play a larger role than traditional stage presentations.
Gurman notes that at the heart of this wave is the low-cost MacBook
This is designed to compete directly with entry-level Windows laptops and Chromebooks. Instead of using an M-series chip, the device is expected to run on the A18 Pro, the same class of processor used in iPhones – a move that will allow Apple to reduce costs while keeping performance competitive.
At the same time, the updated MacBook Air and Pro models will continue Apple’s premium performance push and will likely use the latest generation of its M-series chips. This enables Apple to cover both ends of the market: affordability for casual and educational users and high-end options for creatives and professionals.
For buyers, this rapid launch cycle means a large refresh window
Anyone considering upgrades across the entire Mac, iPhone, or iPad lineup may benefit from waiting until the rollout is complete. Gurman’s report suggests that the low-cost MacBook could become one of Apple’s most important products in 2026, potentially reshaping the laptop landscape by offering a full macOS experience at a lower entry point.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 17e and new iPads could help Apple strengthen its mid-range offering, an increasingly competitive segment in global markets.
Wider strategic context
Although the March 4 event won’t focus on wearables, Gurman writes that Apple’s longer-term roadmap includes a significant push toward AI-driven wearables and visual intelligence. This falls in line with CEO Tim Cook’s recent suggestions that AI-first hardware will define Apple’s next decade. The company is accelerating the development of next-generation smart glasses and wearables that deeply integrate with Apple Intelligence software.
What’s next?
There is expected to be a steady stream of announcements over the next two weeks, culminating in Apple’s global unveiling. Analysts will be keeping a close eye on the low-cost MacBook’s pricing, performance specs and positioning relative to the broader market. As Gurman points out, this rollout marks the start of a transformative year for Apple, combining aggressive hardware updates with an increasing shift toward AI-centric product design.
