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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The $599 MacBook Neo was unveiled on March 4.
- Apple introduced the MacBook Professional with M5 Professional and M5 Max, in addition to a brand new Studio Show, on March 3.
- iPhone 17e and iPad Air debuted on March 2, forward of the March 4 occasion.
Whereas rumors had lengthy been swirling that Apple is engaged on some sort of iPad and Mac launch this spring, we lastly bought to witness Apple’s first main product launch of 2026 earlier this week. Apple held an occasion on March 4 in New York, the place it unveiled the brand new MacBook Neo, an reasonably priced $599 laptop computer. A number of product launches preceded this occasion, nevertheless.
Apple additionally introduced the launch of an iPhone 17e and a brand new iPad Air with an upgraded M4 processor on March 2, in addition to a MacBook Professional with a brand new M5 Professional and M5 Max processors and a Studio Show on 3/3. These bulletins got here after Apple’s CEO Tim Cook dinner confirmed on social media final week that new merchandise can be introduced starting on Monday, March 2.
Each product Apple introduced in March 2026
Rumors about what Apple deliberate to announce this spring have been swirling for months, and we had been already anticipating at the least one new MacBook to affix the brand new iPad Air and iPhone 17e. All merchandise introduced can be found for preorder immediately, with basic availability on March 11.
1. MacBook Neo
Harking back to the previous colourful iMacs, the MacBook Neo is Apple’s reasonably priced laptop computer. At $599, the Neo is an enormous distinction to the previously most cost-effective Apple laptop computer, the MacBook Air, which begins at $1,099. The MacBook Neo includes a 16-hour battery life, the A18 Professional processor with Apple Intelligence assist, a multi-touch trackpad, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage.
Additionally: Apple’s $599 MacBook Neo first look: The funds Mac we have been ready for?
Apple’s new MacBook Neo has a 13-inch Liquid Retina show, a light-weight aluminum building that makes it solely 2.7lbs, and shall be out there in 5 colours: Blush, Indigo, Silver, and Citrus.
2. iPad Air with M4
The most recent iPad Air options upgraded processing energy, bigger reminiscence bandwidth, an improved Middle Stage digicam, and sooner connectivity with N1 and C1X, the chips within the iPad Professional M5.
Additionally: Apple’s new M4 iPad Air is twice as quick as your previous M1 mannequin
The 11-inch iPad Air begins on the identical $599 worth because the earlier mannequin with an M3 processor, whereas the 13-inch begins at $799. Apple is opening preorders for the iPad Air with M4 and the iPhone 17e on March 4, with basic availability on March 11.
3. iPhone 17e
Apple additionally launched the iPhone 17e, although it does not function the Dynamic Island, which was rumored to be within the works. Rumors had narrowed the iPhone 17e’s launch date to early 2026.
Additionally: iPhone 17e is right here: 6 methods Apple simply upgraded its most cost-effective cellphone
The iPhone 17e includes a binned A19 chip, a 48MP rear digicam, MagSafe assist, and 256GB of storage, beginning at $599. It additionally is available in a brand new Comfortable Pink shade, on high of final yr’s Black and White.
4. MacBook Professional with M5 Professional and M5 Max
The MacBook Professional laptops with new M5 Professional and M5 Max processors at the moment are out there for preorder as effectively, although you will need to shell out $200 greater than the earlier technology. The unified reminiscence cap for the M5 Professional laptop computer, nevertheless, has elevated, with as much as 64GB and 1TB of baseline storage. The laptops function the N1 wi-fi networking chip, which add assist for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.
Additionally: MacBook Professional vs. MacBook Air
The MacBook Professional with M5 Professional begins at $2,199, whereas the M5 Max laptop computer begins at $3,599.
5. Studio Show XDR
Apple first launched the Studio Show in 2022, and it is held up as a worthy (albeit expensive) monitor for customers, creators, and professionals alike, each at dwelling and within the workplace. The brand new 27-inch Studio Show XDR options mini-LED backlighting, a 120Hz refresh fee, a 12MP Middle Stage digicam with Desk View, and a pair of,000 nits peak HDR brightness.
Additionally: Why an ultrawide monitor should not be your default selection for productiveness
Apple additionally introduced a brand new Studio Show with a 5K Retina panel, 600 nits of brightness, Thunderbolt 5, and a 12MP Middle Stage digicam.
What Apple did not announce
On Monday, Apple started saying merchandise forward of its scheduled occasion, together with a brand new “entry-level” iPhone and iPad Air. But we did not see the whole lot that had been rumored to come back to the market — at the least, not but.
1. A touchscreen Mac
The largest MacBook rumor, nevertheless, didn’t come true in the course of the March 4 announcement. Whereas customers have been broadly anticipating a touchscreen MacBook from Apple, most sources say it is not anticipated till at the least late 2026.
Additionally: Lenovo confirmed me its modular ThinkBook laptop computer, and I want it wasn’t only a idea
Whereas Tim Cook dinner’s social media submit hinted at touchscreen Mac interplay and a touchscreen demo expertise is a compelling motive to carry an in-person occasion, it seems this product is not hitting shops simply but.
2. iPad 12
On the iPad facet, Apple continues to be rumored to launch an A18 base mannequin this yr, the Twelfth-generation iPad, to affix the iPad Air with M4, later this yr.
Additionally: I examined each iPad mannequin that Apple at the moment sells – here is my recommendation for Professional customers in 2026
Placing the A18 Bionic chip within the iPad would lastly convey Apple Intelligence to Apple’s base mannequin pill. This might convey Apple’s AI options to a broader viewers, particularly these looking for the most reasonably priced iPad.
