Apple March event LIVE: will day 2 bring new MacBooks?

The rumoured Studio Display 2

The sleeper hit of the new announcements could be the Studio Display 2. While this isn't the sparkliest headline news, it is one of the most urgent updates needed in the Apple ecosystem. The Studio Display falls far behind its competitors – it doesn't appear in any of our monitor guides because the ASUS and BenQ tech (among others) is so much better than the Studio Display – especially for creatives.

The new Studio Display 2 is rumoured to close that gap and then some.

Why it’s a game-changer for creatives

For designers and editors, the original Studio Display’s biggest flaw was its 60Hz limit and lack of HDR. The refresh is expected to solve both. With a move to Mini-LED backlighting, photographers and colourists will finally get the deep blacks and high contrast ratios required for modern HDR workflows – features currently reserved for the $5,000 Pro Display XDR or the MacBook Pro’s built-in screen.

Furthermore, the addition of ProMotion (likely 90Hz or 120Hz) will make timeline scrubbing in Final Cut Pro and cursor movement in Illustrator feel significantly more fluid, reducing eye strain during long editing sessions.

Expected specs at a glance:

• Panel: 27-inch 5K Mini-LED (offering true blacks and 1,000+ nits HDR).
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz ProMotion (a massive jump from the current 60Hz).
• Intelligence: A19 chip inside for improved 12MP Center Stage camera processing.
• Audio: Upgraded six-speaker system with enhanced Spatial Audio.
• Ports: Inclusion of at least one Thunderbolt 5 port for high-bandwidth daisy-chaining.

Poll: Apple's frequent updates

With criticisms of Apple's mainline updates being too iterative, many are convinced that Apple should stop updating hardware for the sake of it. That could mean spacing out the updates to make sure there's more of a difference between each iteration. Others are happy to have smaller updates because you can dip in and out of upgrading as you see fit.

Do you think Apple should keep dropping yearly updates?

Compromises: MacBook A18 Pro

But of course there are some compromises.

To hit that sub-$700 price point, Apple is reportedly making some un-Apple-like compromises to create an "experience gap" between this and the MacBook Air:

No Backlit Keyboard: A common cost-saving measure on Chromebooks that we rarely see on Macs.

Dimmer Display: Rumors suggest a 400-nit panel without True Tone or P3 wide color.

MediaTek Networking: Instead of Apple’s custom N1 chip (Wi-Fi 7), it may use a standard MediaTek Wi-Fi 6 solution to save on licensing.

And I'd also argue it isn't that cheap if you consider that the MacBook Air M3 now drops to $799 in sales. The benefits of the portability will need to far outweigh the loss of power from the Air.

MacBook A18 Pro rumours dissected

Though I've been comparing Apple's rumoured MacBook to a standard ChromeBook

The fundamental difference between this rumoured MacBook and a standard Chromebook comes down to local vs. cloud power:

The chip: Most $300-$500 Chromebooks use low-tier Intel N-series or MediaTek chips that struggle with local video rendering. This new MacBook is rumored to use the A18 Pro (from the iPhone 16/17 Pro). While it's a mobile chip, it delivers M1-level performance, meaning it can handle local 4K video editing and heavy AI tasks that would freeze a ChromeOS device.

The creativity gap: A Chromebook is essentially a portal to the web. This MacBook would run full macOS. For a student, that’s the difference between using a web-based editor and running the actual Adobe Creative Cloud or Final Cut Pro.

While the iPhone 17e might not carry the same clout as the 17, one thing's for sure – it's a massive improvement on the disappointing 16e. The addition of MagSafe is worth the upgrade alone, and the doubled base storage (now 256GB) is certainly nice to have.

Oh, and if, like me, you're prone to dropping anything and everything, that massively durable Ceramic Shield 2 display could be a lifesaver.

So what about the MacBook Pro M5 Pro and MacBook M5 Pro Max?

We've been waiting for the bigger versions of the newest, most powerful MacBook since the 14-inch model dropped last year. We loved it in our review – and it narrowly missed replacing the top laptop in many of our guides because of the smaller screen. So we're expecting it to fly right to the top of our creative laptop guides when the bigger screens release.

Though only the most power-hungry creative workflows need this monster of a laptop, we know you exist out there! So anyone running intensive software really doesn't need a desktop anymore due to the raw power of the MacBook Pro and Pro Max line.

Just as a refresher, the tech-y bits are below:

• CPU: Expect a 15-25% increase in multi-core performance over the M4 generation.
• GPU: This is where the M5 Max is expected to shine. Rumours suggest up to a 30-45% leap in graphics performance, with a new Neural Accelerator integrated into each GPU core to supercharge AI-based creative workloads.
• Memory: The M5 Pro is rumoured to start with a minimum of 24GB or 48GB of RAM, while the M5 Max could support configurations exceeding 128GB.

Connectivity:

• Wi-Fi 7: Unlike the base M5 models, the 16-inch Pro and Max variants are expected to feature the N1 chip (borrowed from the iPhone 17 series), bringing native Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support.
• Thunderbolt 5: The 16-inch model will maintain Thunderbolt 5 ports for massive data throughput (up to 120Gbps).
• Design: Don't expect a visual change today. The chassis is expected to remain identical to the current M4 models. The big redesign – featuring OLED displays and touchscreens – is currently rumoured for the M6 generation in late 2026 or 2027.

A quick side note – another let down, and slightly weird branding move from Apple on the new iPad Airs is that the wallpaper hasn't changed. It sounds like a small thing, but given Apple is being criticised for boring iterative updates to its main lines, you'd think they'd try to make the new models look a bit more exciting in any way that they can – and wallpapers would be a good way of doing that.

It wouldn't take much effort and would mark the different iterations against each other.

Read our design editor Dan's opinion on the new iPad Air wallpapers right here.

MacBook A18 Pro rumours

The most exciting rumour for me is the MacBook A18 Pro. An Apple 'Chromebook' would be a welcome and innovative addition to the MacBook lineup – and if Apple is trying to target content creators on the move then this is the way to do it. Brands like ASUS are ahead of the game with this (sometimes in quite weird ways – like this smelly laptop), and so far the MacBook Air is as close to that goal as Apple has been.

Yesterday I ran through the value of upgrading to the potential new MacBook, and there are very few users who will be wanting to upgrade if they want a like-for-like machine. But interestingly, the MacBook A18 Pro will be nippier than the Intel MacBook Airs, so if you're still rocking that vintage beauty you could go for an upgrade.

Though it's potentially not an upgrade situation, I can imagine plenty of people who have been avoiding Chromebooks so far but would buy into the idea of an Apple version. And I bet it'll look beautiful, if the colour rumours are true!

DAY TWO

Hello! Welcome to Day 2 of our Apple March event live blog. As discussed above we've seen the (sort-of) affordable iPhone 17e, and the M4 iPad Air so far. Though we have mixed opinions on these products, the iPhone 17e is offering something new – building on the 16e by offering double storage, MagSafe and an improved camera.

The iPad with an M4 chip isn't surprising – and actually the design hasn't changed at all. The M4 chip gives it a 30% speed boost, which could be appreciated by some creatives.

Stick around here and we'll discuss the upcoming products and source opinions from experts, users and more.

In case you're weighing up your options, the iPad Air M3 is currently at its lowest ever price – along with some very good offers on the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard. This is the setup I'd currently recommend over waiting for the new M4 model – especially at this price point.

And here's the promo video for the iPad Air M4:

Introducing iPad Air with M4 - YouTube

Watch On

Apple has just released promo videos for both products announced today. First up, here's the ad for the iPhone 17e:

Meet iPhone 17e: A Powerful iPhone at a Great Price - YouTube

Watch On

So, with today's announcements out of the way, attention is turning once again to the MacBook. Apple is widely expected to announce a low-cost laptop this week, one that is reportedly considered to be 'incredible value' internally at Apple. Will it come it nostalgic Y2K colours? We can but hope.

It's hard not to feel a little disappointed by the iPad Air M4. Sure, it's speedier and more powerful, but have we ever seen such an incremental product update from Apple? Not only has it kept the same design and colours, but even the wallpapers are the same last time. The wallpapers!

Now then. Design Editor Dan here taking over from Rosie for a while. As expected, Apple has announced the iPhone 17e, the latest iteration of its budget (if you can call $600 'budget') iPhone. But strangely enough, it's tempting me towards a different iPhone entirely.

Is the new iPhone 17e as good as it sounds? Well, MacWorld doesn't seem to think so. It points out that MagSafe charging is actually 15W, which is less power than the iPhone 17 or 17 Pro/Max. And is apparently using 'binned' A19 chips, which means they have failed manufacturing tests and don’t have the full complement of cores. Don't panic though, MacWorld says they will have failed the tests in some very minor way, and most people won't notice the difference.

Let's take a closer look at the new iPad Air M4 that's just been released. Apple says it is 30 per cent faster than the previous iPad Air (M3), and up to 2.3 times faster than the iPad Air with the M1 chip.

But who really needs this much speed? It kind of depends where you're coming from to be honest, if you have the previous iPad Air you probably don't need something that's 30 per cent faster, but if you're working with an M1 iPad Air or an even older version, then you'll probably notice the difference.

Video editors, 3D artists or other creatives dealing with heavy files will be the ones that will most benefit from this upgrade. If you're just using your iPad to watch films or read magazines or recipes, then you probably won't notice much of a difference, as this thread on Reddit points out!

What's on my absolute dream list? Well... it's the iPod of course. Bring back the iPod! In my dream world, the iPod works with a variety of streaming platforms but is more of an offline experience than simply playing music on your phone. Perhaps you could curate your favourite albums and only have access to a smaller number of them at a time, to make it more like the old days. Maybe? I can but dream.

For more on this dream, see our piece, Apple: bring back the iPod, you cowards

Hello there! It's Rosie Hilder taking over for a short while while Georgia takes a well-earned break. I've been writing about Apple since I worked on Mac|Life in 2018, and am a huge Apple fan. I haven't been wowed by the latest announcements so far today but here's hoping there's something more exciting coming up tomorrow.

Rosie Hilder

Rosie Hilder is Creative Bloq's Deputy Editor. After beginning her career in journalism in Argentina – where she worked as Deputy Editor of Time Out Buenos Aires – she moved back to the UK and joined Future Plc in 2016. Since then, she's worked as Operations Editor on magazines including Computer Arts, 3D World and Paint & Draw and Mac|Life. In 2018, she joined Creative Bloq, where she now assists with the daily management of the site, including growing the site's reach, getting involved in events, such as judging the Brand Impact Awards, and helping make sure our content serves the reader as best it can.

I assume that's the only announcement for today (though I could be surprised). So what could happen tomorrow?

My instinct is we'll get another product pairing – maybe the MacBook A18 Pro paired with the new iPad 11. Or the Studio Display 2 with the new Macbook Pro M5 Pro/M5 Pro Max. Where will the predicted MacBook Air M5 fit in?

But until then – watch this video all about the new iPad Air with an M4 chip.

Introducing iPad Air with M4 - YouTube

Watch On

One thing to note with that wished-for MagSafe is that its power is far below that of the flagship range. As MacWorld notes, that 15w of power vs the 25w of the 17 and 17 Pro/Max means charging will be slower.

It is harder to find an excited response to the iPad Air on the internet. What do you think? Do you eagerly wait for the yearly Apple upgrade? Did the iPad Air need an M4 chip? Tell me in the comments.

One notable omission from the actual 17e vs some of the predictions is the retention of the controversial notch. It would have looked so much better with the dynamic island in place, but I guess the storage bump takes the place of that upgrade.

Besides that, the reception on the internet is widely positive, with most commentators recognising the need for a basic iPhone that doesn't compromise too heavily. Some are lamenting the lack of a really decent camera, but that's not really its job. Unlike with the Air, which I think appeals to the kind of demographic that really needs a decent camera, the user base for this phone isn't in drastic need of an expensive camera.

Meet iPhone 17e: A Powerful iPhone at a Great Price - YouTube

Watch On

When can you buy the iPhone 17e and the iPad Air M4?

Both devices will be available at the same time:

• Pre-orders: Begin this Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
• Official Availability: In-store and shipping starts next Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

Pricing and storage:

• iPhone 17e: Starts at $599 (Now with 256GB base storage).
• iPad Air M4 (11-inch): Starts at $599 (Now with 12GB RAM).
• iPad Air M4 (13-inch): Starts at $799.

This rollout coincides with the "Apple Experience" media events scheduled for March 4th in New York, London, and Shanghai, where we expect to see hands-on demos of these devices alongside the rumoured new MacBooks.

For most creatives, the iPad Air was already a brilliant option – with its super smooth speeds, glorious screen and sleek design suiting the workflows of most. And this update will only make it better. Compared to the Pro it's actually a great option if your tasks aren't supercharged.

So which one should you buy? The iPad Pro M5 or the iPad Air M4?

Choose the iPad Air M4 if:

You prioritise value: You're getting the desktop-class M4 chip and a massive 12GB of RAM for just $599. This is the ultimate student pro machine.

Compatibility: It still works with the Apple Pencil Pro and the standard Magic Keyboard, making it a versatile tool for illustrators and writers.

You use standard software: For 90% of creative tasks Photoshop, Procreate, and LumaFusion – the M4 is more than enough power.

Choose the iPad Pro M5 if:

You need a premium display: Once you see the Tandem OLED and 120Hz ProMotion, it’s very hard to go back to the Air’s 60Hz LCD. If you colour grade or draw professionally, the ink-blacks are worth the premium.

Maximum portability: Ironically, the "Pro" is actually thinner and lighter than the "Air." If you carry your tablet all day, every gram counts.

AI powerhouse: The M5 chip features a Neural Accelerator in every GPU core, making it up to 2x faster than the M4 for heavy-duty AI image generation (like Image Playground or stable diffusion).

iPad M4 confirmed!

And the iPad M4 as well! This is a powerhouse update that brings Pro-level performance to the mid-range. While the design remains familiar (it is our favourite iPad for most creatives, and tops many of our guides) the internals have seen a significant glow up to keep pace with Apple’s AI-forward plans – which can only be a good thing, right?

The jump to the M4 chip means a 30% speed boost over the previous M3 model and a staggering 2.3x increase over the M1. But for creators, the real story is the memory: Apple has increased the base unified memory to 12GB, providing a 50% boost in bandwidth that’s essential for heavy multitasking and the new iPadOS 26 AI features.

Connectivity also gets an upgrade with the new N1 and C1X chips, bringing Wi-Fi 7 and faster 5G to the Air for the first time. Whether you opt for the ultra-portable 11-inch or the expansive 13-inch model, you’re getting a device built for serious editing, gaming, and Image Wand creativity.

Okay! Here we go! Apple has officially kicked off its "Big Week", dropping the press release for the iPhone 17e. While we expected a modest refresh, this looks like a strategic overhaul of the entry-level experience.

The headline? Apple has effectively killed the entry-level storage struggle. The iPhone 17e starts at a massive 256GB, double the capacity of the previous generation, while remarkably holding the line on its $599 price point.

The A19 chip brings flagship-tier performance to the masses, paired with Apple's first-ever in-house C1X cellular modem. Apple claims this new silicon is up to 2x faster than the 16e’s modem, promising vastly improved 5G efficiency. For creators, the 48MP Fusion camera is the star, utilising an 'optical-quality' 2x Telephoto crop that mimics a dual-lens setup.

The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display also gets a durability glow-up with Ceramic Shield 2, offering 3x better scratch resistance and a new anti-reflective coating to combat glare. And yes, the rumours were true (our design editor will be delighted!) MagSafe has finally arrived, alongside groundbreaking satellite features like Emergency SOS and Messages via satellite, ensuring budget users aren't left in the dark.

It's official! The iPhone 17e has been announced.

We've finally reached the time that Tim Cook suggested real news could start to be released – so we're expecting to have some solid updates for you soon. In the meantime, scroll down for all the juice so far – plus some advice rooted in many years experience covering Apple tech.

Will the Studio Display 2 bring Apple back into the pro monitor game?

Creative pros are probably wondering what to do about the Studio Display 2. Apple's last monitor release was so long ago that it doesn't even appear in our best monitor for graphic artist guide – but could this rumoured release earn Apple a spot in there?

The short answer is yes. If the rumours are true, the Studio Display 2 won't be just a minor spec bump, it is set to be a blow to the monitors that are currently riding high in our recommendation list (like the ASUS ProArt and BenQ PD series).

Here is how the rumoured Studio Display 2 compares to current creative favourites like the ASUS ProArt PA32UCDM (see the review) and the BenQ MA320U (and that review, too).

1. Retina (Apple wins)

For graphic designers and typographers, the Studio Display 2 remains untouchable. Most pro monitors from ASUS or BenQ are 4K at 32 inches, which creates "fuzzy" text on macOS due to non-integer scaling. Apple’s rumoured 6K 32-inch and 5K 27-inch models hit the 218 PPI sweet spot that makes macOS look like high-quality print.

2. HDR (Apple catches up)

The biggest complaint from video editors (and is the reason it isn't in our top 10 of monitors) was that the original Studio Display was SDR-only. By adding Mini-LED and 1,000+ nits of sustained brightness, Apple is finally matching the HDR capabilities of the MacBook Pro. This makes it a legitimate monitor for colour grading, though it probably won't beat the infinite contrast of the OLED ASUS ProArt in a pitch-black room.

3. Smoothness and motion (it's a draw)

The addition of 120Hz ProMotion is huge for video editors working with high-frame-rate footage. While the ASUS 240Hz panel is technically faster, the jump from 60Hz to 120Hz on the Studio Display 2 removes the ghosting and lag that previously made the Apple monitor feel dated next to modern pro displays.

4. Single cable (Apple wins)

No pro monitor matches Apple’s integrated tech. The rumored A19 chip inside the display could power a much-improved 12MP Center Stage webcam and a speaker system that acts as a native spatial audio hub. For many pros, not needing a separate webcam, mic, and speakers on their desk is worth the Apple Tax.

So, yes the Studio Display 2 is going to be a serious contender for your attention if you work in the Apple ecosystem already.

Which rumoured new Apple product are you most excited about?

You can choose two, because I'm kind like that.

The other lineups are a bit more straightforward - if you want a new iPad or MacBook we generally advise jumping a couple of iterations at a time.

If you're researching, we have a lineup of brilliant guides onsite that will help you to make a decision. First try our iPad generations explainer, which tells you all about every model available (so far).

And there's our iPad for drawing guide, which tells digital artists which tablet they should go for.

We've tested every single iPad so we really do know our stuff.

Upgrade to the MacBook A18 Pro?

The rumoured MacBook A18 Pro is perhaps the most interesting proposition from the new lineup. I am attached to my MacBook Air M2, but I could probably run most of my daily workflow on the specs attached to the new budget MacBook as my creative tasks are light – and I have no doubt it'll be excellent for content creators on the move.

In essence, it sounds a lot like an Apple version of a Chromebook – and a well-made Chromebook (like the Acer Chromebook Spin 714) is worth its weight if you don't need the chops of a roomier, more powerful laptop.

I'd be really into the design aesthetics proposed (I loved the new iMac range), and to have something light and portable enough for the smallest backpack would be welcome.

But is there even an upgrade conversation to have with this model?

You certainly can't have a conversation about anyone using the Pro, but is there a worthwhile upgrade from any of the Airs?

Actually, yes.

1. Upgrade from: Intel-based MacBook Air (2020 or older)

If you are still running a fan-cooled Intel Mac, the jump to the A18 Pro will be monumental. Even though it's a phone chip, the A18 Pro outperforms Intel Airs in almost every metric while remaining completely silent and cool. You'll gain Apple Intelligence support, significantly better battery life (rumoured up to 15+ hours), and a much more vibrant display.

2. Upgrade from: MacBook Air M1 (2020)

This is the most interesting comparison. Benchmarks suggest the A18 Pro has faster single-core speeds than the M1, meaning web browsing and app launches will feel speedier. However, the M1 still holds an edge in multi-core tasks like video rendering. You should only consider this if you want the new design, colours and AI-readiness.

Note: Do not upgrade from anything after an M2 Air. Same goes if you work in 4K video.

Upgrades?

Your next question is probably about the value of upgrading on all of those new potential models.

Let's start with the iPhone 17e.

This phone will never be in our best iPhone for Photography guide but does have value for some users. Should you upgrade?

Of course, it you simply like the specs then that will answer the question for you. But if you're on the fence of when and what to upgrade to, the model you currently have will determine whether it's a viable and valuable upgrade for you. Anything newer than a 14 in the flagship line and you probably won't see any benefit, fyi. But here are three valid options for upgrade.

1. Upgrade from: iPhone SE (3rd Gen) or older

If you’re still using the home button and a tiny 4.7-inch screen, the 17e will feel like a device from the future. You’re moving from an LCD to a 6.1-inch OLED, gaining Face ID, and jumping from a measly 12MP camera to a 48MP sensor. Plus, the 17e is rumored to be the cheapest entry point for Apple Intelligence, which the SE 3 simply can't run.

2. Upgrade from: iPhone 13 or iPhone 14

For owners of these older base models, the 17e is a surprisingly logical move. You’ll finally get the Action Button, USB-C charging, and, most importantly, the Dynamic Island (replacing that dated notch). While the screen size is the same, the A19 chip and 8GB of RAM provide the headroom needed for modern AI tasks that the iPhone 13 and 14 struggle with.

3. Upgrade from: iPhone 16e

This is probably rare, but if you bought the 16e and immediately regretted the lack of MagSafe or the presence of the notch, the 17e fixes both. It’s a refined version of the budget experiment, adding the magnetic ecosystem and a more efficient Apple-designed C1X modem for better battery and 5G speeds.

We haven't heard anything of plans for Apple's Studio Display since 2022. I use it everyday, and a juicy creative-focused update is well overdue.

The latest rumours suggest a massive upgrade is coming this week. Reports from Macworld and internal macOS 26.3 code point to not one, but two new models (codenames J427 and J527).

The headline feature? ProMotion. We might finally see a 120Hz refresh rate on an Apple desktop monitor, though some leakers suggest a 90Hz 'middle ground' for the standard model. Pro-users should keep an eye on the rumoured 32-inch 'Pro' variant, which could bridge the gap to the Pro Display XDR with mini-LED backlighting and Thunderbolt 5. Inside, an A19 chip is expected to replace the ancient A13, potentially bringing Center Stage improvements and HomePod-level audio processing to the six built-in speakers.

If true, this sounds like fantastic news for creatives, and also for Apple which has been falling behind innovators like ASUS when it comes to monitors.

• Sizes: New 27-inch and 32-inch configurations.
• Display: ProMotion (120Hz) and HDR support.
• Processor: Upgraded to the A19 chip.
• Connectivity: Thunderbolt 5.

iPad Air M4: all the rumours

The rumoured iPad Air M4 looks set to solidify the sleekest tablet around as a 'good for everyone' model. While it won't be chasing the Pro’s OLED glory just yet, it’s reportedly making the expected leap to the M4 chip – the same powerhouse currently found in the 2025 iPad Pro. We love the iPad Air (it's great for so many creative workflows as you can see from our iPad Air M3 review).

Creative pros who can't afford the iPad Pro will be pleased because this update is all about power. The M4 is expected to deliver a 30% CPU speed bump over the current M3 model, alongside a souped-up Neural Engine designed to tackle the next generation of AI features in iPadOS. There's also talk of the N1 networking chip bringing Wi-Fi 7 to the Air for the first time. Expect the same sleek 11-inch and 13-inch liquid retina displays, but with potentially punchier new color options to mark the refresh.

Rumours at a glance:

• Processor: Jumping to the M4.
• Display: Sticking with LED (OLED expected in 2027).
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support.
• Price: Expected to hold at $599.

And what about the MacBook Pro M5 and M5 Pro Max?

As we know from our years spent covering MacBooks for creatives, the M5 Pro and M5 Pro Max MacBook Pros are the performance titans – ideal for serious creative pros. For example, the MacBook M4 Pro is topping our best laptops for 3D modelling list right now.

Though the base 14-inch M5 model debuted late last year (see our MacBook Pro M5 review here) this 'big week' is expected to culminate in the release of the high-end 14-inch and 16-inch configurations. This means our guides are all likely to update to this new contender in the Pro laptop field.

Leakers are calling the M5 Max a monster, with rumours of a 25% performance uplift and a new architecture that separation of CPU and GPU cores for better efficiency. We’re also hearing about a Neural Accelerator in every GPU core, specifically designed to crush complex AI workloads. Don't look for a redesign – that’s reportedly saved for the 2027 OLED transition. For now, the focus is pure power: Wi-Fi 7, Thunderbolt 5, and a staggering 128GB RAM ceiling.

Rumours at a glance:

• Chips: M5 Pro and M5 Max (built on TSMC's N3P process).
• Price: Expected to start at $1,999 for the 14-inch Pro.
• Connectivity: Support for up to four 6K displays on the Max variant.
• Launch: Predicted for Wednesday, March 4th.

It's not all brand-new concepts like the MacBook A18 Pro and iPhone 17e, there are also rumours abound about expected upgrades to the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro lineups.

While these are more predictable, they're also welcome – especially because the Macbook Air is fast becoming more than enough power for the average creative. Our MacBook Air M4 review lauded the speed and power, and pointed out that the performance covers most creative tasks from moderate video editing to light 3D work, and that the price point it remains at makes it a really valuable option in Apple's lineup. It's always been my favourite model – I'm typing on the M2 version right now.

So what do we expect from the MacBook Air M5?

While the rumoured "budget" MacBook is for the value-hunters and light content creator, the M5 MacBook Air is being positioned as the ultimate AI workhorse for mainstream creators.

Inside, the M5 chip (built on an enhanced 3nm process) is expected to deliver a 15% boost in CPU speed and a massive 30% jump in GPU performance (wow). But its a new Neural Accelerator in each GPU core that make this the AI monster of the thin-and-light world.

But don't expect a design revolution just yet. Leaks suggest the Air will keep the current 13-inch and 15-inch fanless chassis. However, with Wi-Fi 7 support and a starting 16GB of RAM, the classic and much-loved design is getting a serious internal makeover.

At a glance:

• Launch: Rumoured for Tuesday, March 3rd.
• Price: Expected to start at $1,099.
• Display: Retina LCD (OLED likely held for 2028).
• Speed: 153GB/s memory bandwidth for smoother multitasking.

The rumoured iPad 12

Apparently, the base-model iPad is getting an upgraded inside. Rumours for the iPad 12 (12th Gen) suggest that Apple is ditching the aging A16 chip for the A18 (or potentially the A19), a massive leap that finally brings Apple Intelligence to the entry-level lineup.

Design-wise, don't expect a revolution – it's likely to stick with the reliable 11-inch Liquid Retina display and the landscape selfie cam. However, the real story is the rumoured upgrade to 8GB of RAM, a necessary move to handle the upcoming Siri 2.0 and on-device AI tools. While we might still be looking at a 60Hz screen and non-laminated glass to keep costs down, the inclusion of the N1 wireless chip for Wi-Fi 7 means this budget tablet is built for the future.

Rumours at a glance:

• Price: Holding the line at a very reasonable $349.
• Processor: A18 or A19 chip with 8GB RAM.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support.
• AI: Full support for Writing Tools and Image Wand.

The expected MacBook A18 Pro

This is one of the most exciting rumours for the majority, including creators and students. An ultra-affordable MacBook powered by the A18 Pro – the powerhouse found in the iPhone 16 Pro – rather than M-series chip.

For the budget-conscious student, an on-the-move freelancer or a content creator, this could be a game-changer. Leaks suggest a portable 12.9-inch design that ditches the classic Silver and Space Gray for a more vibrant palette of yellow, blue, and green (this kind of design is what we hoped the logo was pointing to). While the model might lose Thunderbolt support and a backlit keyboard to hit the rumoured $599 price point, the A18 Pro’s NPU is more than capable of handling Apple Intelligence tasks.

If the 'Special Experience' events or preceding announcements deliver this "iPhone-in-a-laptop," it could be the most disruptive Mac since the original Air.

Rumours at a glance:

• Processor: iPhone A18 Pro chip.
• Price: Between $599 – $699.
• Design: 12.9-inch LCD in playful new colours.
• Trade-offs: No Thunderbolt; potential 8GB RAM ceiling.

All about the rumoured iPhone 17e

The latest iPhone 17e rumours describe a device that finally delivers stunning design alongside a much lower price tag.

According to the rumours, the notch will be ditched in favour of the Dynamic Island, giving the entry-level model a much-needed glow-up. Designers, take note: a A19 chip is expected to drive much improved performance for mobile editing and Apple Intelligence, so potentially even the most affordable iPhone will stay relevant as AI starts to take more of a centre position in Apple's strategy.

While the 60Hz screen might feel a bit retro for some, the addition of MagSafe, a glaring omission on the 16e, and a rumoured 18MP selfie cam could make this a compelling choice for creators. I'm also hearing whispers of an upgraded C1X modem for faster 5G, tucked inside the 6.1-inch frame.

Rumours at a glance:

• Price: Holding steady at $599.
• Design: Slimmer bezels and Dynamic Island.
• Pro Feature: MagSafe support (finally) arrives.
• Performance: A19 chip with 8GB RAM for AI tasks.

While we've got a few hours to wait before any expected news (Tim Cook said it'll probably be 9 a.m. EST / 2 p.m. GMT), I'm seeing tons of speculation online already. So let's go one product at a time. As I've mentioned, the expected lineup is as follows:

• iPhone 17e
• MacBook A18 Pro
• MacBook Pro M5 Pro and M5 Pro Max
• MacBook Air M5
• iPad 12
• iPad Air M4
• Mac Studio Display

Stand by and I'll run through the expectations for that product lineup. Of course, Apple often throws curveballs so anything could happen (we're hoping for a new iPod please!)

And we're off! It's a huge week for Apple, with the promise of approximately FIVE new products. Things have felt a little stale in the Applesphere lately, with iterative updates on the same models coming year after year. While we love the sleek design of Apple tech, I also love innovation so something new is very welcome indeed.

Of course last year saw the release of the iPhone Air, which tired hard to be innovative in its super slim design. Unfortunately, it didn't match up to the performance of the iPad Air with battery life and camera being two major concessions – and remained very expensive. This means I'm skeptical about the prospect of any properly affordable Apple option, though it'll be a great thing if they manage to nail affordability while keeping key features useable.

I'll be here, along with the rest of the CB team, to share news, announcements and opinion with you for the next few days.