Apple is preparing one of the most atypical and eventful weeks news of the next wave of releasesInstead of its classic keynote with a stage, epic music and global streaming, the company has opted for a much more spread-out format: three consecutive days of announcements, press releases and short videos, topped off by an in-person session for the press in several key cities.
Between Monday, March 2nd and Wednesday, March 4th, the Cupertino firm plans to string together new product launches without live streamingThe grand finale will take place on the 4th with an "Apple Experience" event in New York, London, and Shanghai, where journalists and content creators will be able to try out the devices that have been unveiled during the week, with a special impact in Europe thanks to the London event.
A week without a keynote: three consecutive days of staggered releases
The key to this strategy is that There will be no traditional keynote or public eventAccording to Mark Gurman (Bloomberg) and John Gruber (Daring Fireball), Apple will focus on press releases published on its website, short presentation videos, and, as a bonus, private in-person sessions on three continents. No Tim Cook on a stage, nor a live broadcast from Apple Park.
The hypothesis that has gained the most traction is that one product advertised per dayGruber suggested that the company might launch one new product on Monday the 2nd, another on Tuesday the 3rd, and reserve Wednesday the 4th for the final announcement and physical demonstrations. Gurman responded to this theory with a resounding “exactly,” implying that it aligns with what he himself has heard from his sources within the company.
This type of calendar isn't entirely new: Apple has already used the formula of chained releases by press release This has happened in the past, as in March 2019 with the iPad and AirPods, or in October 2024 with several Macs unveiled on consecutive days. What's unprecedented now is combining it with a simultaneous in-person experience in three cities and with a significantly larger number of guests than usual.
The invitation sent to the media speaks of “Apple Experienceand not “special event”, a nuance that emphasizes the practical sessions and not in the stage performanceApple doesn't usually hold these kinds of physical events unless it has design changes or truly new products that deserve to be seen and touched, something that fits with the expected prominence of the new low-cost laptop.
The “Apple Experience” in London, New York and Shanghai: global prominence and European focus
On Wednesday, March 4, while the press releases and videos have already revealed most of the new developments, it will be the turn of the Apple Experience spread across London, New York and ShanghaiThese are closed meetings that will be attended by selected journalists and content creators to test the newly announced devices.
In the case of Europe, London will become the information epicenter: A large part of the European media will travel there This will allow you to get a first look at the new devices, gather details on prices in euros, available configurations, and specific arrival dates in the European market. From the perspective of Spanish users, this will be the primary source for knowing when and how these new products will arrive in our stores.
Apple has already experimented with this formula on other occasions on a smaller scale, for example, with specific sessions to test creative tools or specific functionalities, but I had never organized anything so large and geographically spreadThe fact that this time it is being rolled out simultaneously across three major markets underscores the relevance of the products that will be showcased.
The event's graphic invitation itself, with its striking color palette, suggests that much of the spotlight will fall on a new laptop with a design and colors different from the usualThe need for the press to be able to see these changes in person fits well with the commitment to in-person demonstrations.
Up to five products on the launch ramp for the first week of March
The leaks agree that Apple has at least five devices ready to be presented during those three daysencompassing computers, mobile phones, and tablets. Although the company hasn't confirmed anything, the clues in the software, the stock shortages, and the release pattern all fit together.
The most repeated element in the rumors is a All-new budget MacBookDesigned to be priced below the MacBook Air, it would be accompanied by new MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models with M5 chips, an iPhone 17e as an update to the mid-range lineup, and a refreshed entry-level iPad with an A18 processor. An iPad Air with an M4 chip, also practically ready for release, could also be included.
Further on the horizon, but without such a clear date, are emerging a revised Mac Studio and a new Studio DisplaySeveral hints in macOS point to updated external displays and desktops with M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips, although many sources believe that Apple could reserve them for later in the first half of the year, so as not to saturate a single week with too many releases.
One important clue is the lack of inventory in official stores and European distributors of key products such as the MacBook Air M4, certain MacBook Pros, the base iPad, and the iPad Air. These stock shortages often foreshadow imminent refreshes, and when they occur in such a coordinated manner across several product lines, it's a sign that a wave of replacements is coming.
The new budget MacBook: iPhone chip, vibrant colors, and a more affordable price
The candidate who's sure to steal the show is the a low-cost laptop that Apple has been preparing for some timeThis new MacBook, positioned one step below the Air, would opt for an A-series chip—like those used in iPhones—instead of the Apple Silicon M chips used in other computers.
References to a model identified as "J700" have appeared in the macOS database, which could correspond to a computer of 12,9-inch screen, aluminum casing, and 8GB of memory in its base configurationThat amount of RAM, while less ambitious than the 16GB that Apple is pushing in its latest laptops, would fit with an input device approach intended for everyday tasks, study, and lighter use.
One of the aspects that has generated the most comments is its range of colors: there is talk of finished in yellow, soft green, blue, pink, silver and a dark gray toneThis color scheme is virtually identical to the colors used in the event invitation. Many analysts see this palette as a clear hint at this budget MacBook.
In terms of performance, everything points to it integrating a A18 chip or an advanced variant of the A seriesinherited from the most recent iPhones. The goal would be to offer smooth browsing, office applications, video streaming, and educational apps, while maintaining very low energy consumption and, therefore, competitive battery life.
As for the price, estimates place the base model below the MacBook Air, with a This range, once taxes and regional adjustments are applied, could be around 800-900 euros in EuropeIf confirmed, it would become the most accessible entry point to Apple's laptop ecosystem in our market.
MacBook Pro and MacBook Air: widespread switch to M5 chips
Beyond the new entry-level laptop, Apple is preparing a major overhaul of its existing laptop lineup. 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro and 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air They would be ready to make the leap to the M5 chipsreplacing the current generations based on M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max.
In the case of the Pro, it is expected that Keep the current design, with a notch and plenty of portsBut they've swapped their internal components for M5 Pro and M5 Max processors. These chips should offer not only more raw power, but also internal improvements in efficiency and thermal management, something especially relevant for 14-inch models that combine portability and performance.
The MacBook Air, meanwhile, would remain true to its thin and light laptop approach, with almost exclusive changes in the processor. Moving from M4 to M5 would strengthen its position as a balanced option. For those who need a versatile device, capable of handling somewhat more demanding tasks without sacrificing good battery life or a relatively affordable price within Apple's catalog.
In Europe, they are not ruled out. minor adjustments to official pricesEspecially if Apple wants to leave enough space between the new budget MacBook, the Air, and the Pro models, avoiding awkward overlaps. This reorganization of the product line could influence promotions and offers on current models in the weeks leading up to the refresh.
iPhone 17e: the mid-range contender gets an update with A19 and MagSafe
The phone that will most likely join this wave is the iPhone 17e, direct successor to the current iPhone 16eIts main focus would be on internal upgrades, rather than an aesthetic revolution, maintaining a continuous design line and a screen size of around 6,1 inches.
Leaks point to the inclusion of The A19 chip, which would represent a significant leap in performance and efficiency compared to the previous generation. Furthermore, all indications are that it will incorporate MagSafe compatibility, a faster modem for 5G networks, and an updated connectivity chip with support for Wi-Fi 7 and improved Bluetooth.
At the front, some reports suggest the model will continue to use a notch instead of adopting Dynamic Island in all its variants, while other sources point to a partial transition to the interactive island. In any case, it would be a less drastic change than that seen in the Pro models, maintaining a visual language recognizable to the general public.
From a financial perspective, forecasts place its price in a similar range to that of the 16e. In the European context, Logically, it should remain around 700 eurosPrices vary by country, taxes, and carrier agreements. For users in Spain and the rest of the EU, it would be positioned as a relatively affordable iPhone, but one that's ready for several years of updates.
Entry-level iPad with A18 and iPad Air with M4: a lineup update
The tablet lineup won't be standing still either. Apple has several new tablets ready for this launch window. two fundamental models for their strategy: A input iPad equipped with an A18 chip and a revamped iPad Air with an M4 processor.
In the entry-level iPad, the chip change is key. Going from the A16 to A18 opens the door to more advanced artificial intelligence featuresespecially those included under the Apple Intelligence umbrella. This is particularly interesting for educational and home use in Europe, where the most affordable iPad is usually the one that reaches schools and homes looking for a versatile tablet without breaking the bank.
The iPad Air with M4 would follow a similar design direction, with 11 and 13-inch LCD screens and a very balanced approach between power and price. With the M4, this model gets even closer in capabilities to the iPad Pro, but maintains a generally more affordable cost, making it an attractive option for students, freelancers, and users who want a durable device without going for the top-of-the-line model.
They have already been detected in European stores. problems finding stock of the current generations of the base iPad and iPad AirThis aligns with a short-term renewal. The announcement will most likely be global in the first few days of March, although the actual arrival in stores may be staggered depending on the country and sales channel.
Mac Studio and Studio Display: candidates in the pipeline for the first half of the year
In addition to laptops, iPhones, and iPads, the desktop and monitor ecosystem is also preparing for changes. Evidence has emerged in the macOS code of New Studio Display screens with internal identifiers J427 and J527This suggests at least two different variants, possibly due to size or performance.
The rumors describe, at the very least, a model of 27-inch screen with 5K resolution, mini-LED backlight and a higher refresh rate than the current one, in the 90 or 120 Hz range. It would be a significant evolution compared to the current Studio Display, clearly aimed at content creators and professionals in design and video editing.
In parallel, Mac Studio would be updated with M5 Max and M5 Ultra chipsThis raises the bar for performance for those who need a lot of power in a more compact form factor than the Mac Pro. This move would complete the transition to the M5 family in Apple's high-end desktop lineup.
However, several well-connected sources within the rumor ecosystem believe that concentrate these niche products in the same week The new budget laptop, the iPhone 17e, and the new iPads could dilute media attention. Therefore, it's possible that Apple will reserve the Mac Studio and the new Studio Display for another wave of announcements in the first half of the year.
Why Apple is moving away from the classic keynote format and what this means for Spain and Europe
The shift towards a week of press releases and an in-person experience without a keynote address is due to several reasons. For one thing, It distributes media attention across several product categories.This allows each launch to have its own moment without being overshadowed in a two-hour presentation. Furthermore, it reduces the logistical pressure of organizing a large live event with all eyes on Apple Park.
By focusing the in-person sessions on three points of the map—London for Europe, New York for America, and Shanghai for Asia—the company ensures that The media in each region can get a close look at the new designs, colors, and form factorsThis is especially important when the main novelty of a product, such as the budget MacBook, lies in its physical appearance and price positioning.
For users in Spain and the rest of the European Union, the practical impact will be similar to that of a traditional keynote address: The announcements will be made public globally almost simultaneously.Pricing information in euros and country availability will be provided quickly thanks to direct coverage from London. As always, specific arrival dates in stores and the storage and color combinations offered may vary in each market.
Furthermore, the strong emphasis on chips like the A18, A19, and M5 shows Apple's intention to to enhance performance and compatibility with artificial intelligence features in entry-level and mid-range products. In Europe, where the adoption of these technologies in education, administration, and small businesses is on the rise, this update to the catalog base could have considerable potential.
With all this activity, the first week of March is shaping up to be a key moment for Apple: Three consecutive days of launches without a keynote, a global in-person experience, and a thorough overhaul of part of its entry-level and laptop range.A format that may seem less spectacular, but which can end up being just as, or even more, influential in the daily lives of European users.
