Apple to hold a “special event” on March 4: what’s known about iPhone 17e and the first budget MacBook in new colors

Apple presents a budget MacBook at a special event in March 2026

Apple announced the Special Apple Experience event, which will be held on March 4, 2026, in New York, London, and Shanghai, where a budget MacBook for the educational market will be presented.

This new device will be the most anticipated novelty as Apple plans to enter the market of affordable laptops for the first time. The MacBook, aimed at students and educational institutions, will be available at a price starting from $699, which is significantly cheaper than the current MacBook Air, priced from $999. The device will feature a 12.9-inch screen diagonal, and its construction will use an aluminum body created by a new stamping method. The MacBook will be available in various “fun” colors such as light yellow, light green, blue, pink, as well as classic silver and dark gray.

Instead of traditional M-series chips, the computer will get the A18 Pro, known for its use in the iPhone 16 Pro. Although this chip is inferior in complex calculations to the M-series, it will suffice for everyday and educational work.

Apple also plans to introduce the iPhone 17e with MagSafe support and its own 5G modem. Other novelties include an updated lineup of iPads and MacBook Pros with M5 chips. The event’s program will cover iOS 26.4, although the release of the new Siri has been postponed.

The Special Apple Experience will be an important stage in Apple’s strategic plan to strengthen positions in the education market. Experts believe that the success of this device will largely depend on its adoption in educational institutions, as competitive pricing positioning may influence buyers’ choices.