# Apple Teases 'A Big Week Ahead' With Announcements Starting Monday: Here's What to Expect
**Published: February 27, 2026**
You know that feeling when you wake up on Monday morning and realize there's something exciting to look forward to all week?
Apple just gave us that feeling.
CEO Tim Cook took to X (formerly Twitter) with a cryptic teaser—a video of hands forming part of an unfinished Apple logo, squeezed and flicked, set against a silver, aluminum-inspired color scheme. His message: "A big week ahead. It all starts Monday morning!" .
This isn't a one-day event. Apple is spreading the love across multiple days, with announcements starting Monday, March 2, and culminating in a hands-on "Apple Experience" event on Wednesday, March 4, in New York, London, and Shanghai .
Let me walk you through everything we expect to see, from a budget-friendly MacBook to the iPhone 17e and refreshed iPads. Plus, we'll look ahead at what might be coming later this year, including the rumored touch-screen MacBook and perhaps even Apple's first foldable.
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## The Short Version
**What's happening:** Apple is kicking off a multi-day product announcement week starting Monday, March 2, 2026 .
**The format:** No traditional keynote. Instead, expect press releases, product videos, and hands-on demos for select media in New York, London, and Shanghai on March 4 .
**What's likely coming:**
- A new low-cost "MacBook" (12.9-inch, A18 Pro chip, bright colors, $599–$799)
- iPhone 17e (A19 chip, MagSafe, possibly Dynamic Island, $599)
- iPad Air with M4 chip
- Entry-level iPad (11th gen) with A18 chip and Apple Intelligence
- MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips
**What's coming later this year:** Touch-screen MacBook Pro with OLED and Dynamic Island, possibly iPhone Fold, Apple AR glasses, and a smart home hub .
---
## The Announcement Format: Something New
Apple is trying something different this time. Instead of a single, splashy keynote event, they're spreading announcements across multiple days, starting Monday morning .
**Why the change?** It's a recognition that not every product needs the full stage treatment. The rumored low-cost MacBook and iPhone 17e are important, but they're iterative updates. By rolling them out via press releases and videos, Apple can give each product its moment without overwhelming consumers.
**The March 4 Experience:** On Wednesday, Apple will host hands-on media events in three cities—New York, London, and Shanghai . That's where journalists and influencers will get to actually touch and use the new gear. Expect reviews and first impressions to flood social media that afternoon.
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## The Star of the Show: A New Low-Cost MacBook
Let's start with the most intriguing product—a new entry-level MacBook that could be Apple's most aggressive play for the budget laptop market in years.
### What We Know
**The name:** It might simply be called "MacBook," positioned below the MacBook Air in Apple's lineup .
**The size:** A 12.9-inch display, smaller than the 13-inch Air but larger than the old 12-inch MacBook from 2015 .
**The chip:** Here's where it gets interesting. Instead of an M-series chip, this MacBook is rumored to use an **A18 Pro processor**—the same chip found in the iPhone 16 Pro . That's a significant departure from Apple's laptop strategy, and it raises questions about performance and positioning.
**The memory:** 8GB RAM, which should be plenty for basic tasks .
**The colors:** Reports mention bright options like silver, blue, pink, and yellow—a fun throwback to the iBook days .
**The price:** Originally rumored at $599, but rising memory costs may push it closer to $699 or $799 .
### Who Is This For?
This laptop is aimed at:
- Students who need a basic machine for writing, browsing, and research
- Families looking for a second or third computer for kids
- Anyone who just needs email, web, and light document work
- Chromebook users considering a switch to macOS
### The Big Question: Performance
An A18 Pro chip in a laptop is uncharted territory. The A-series chips are incredibly powerful—the A18 Pro is no slouch. But laptop workloads are different from phone workloads. Sustained performance over hours, multitasking with multiple apps, and compatibility with Mac software all need to be considered.
**The likely answer:** This MacBook will excel at single-threaded tasks and basic productivity. It'll fly through web browsing, email, documents, and even light photo editing. But if you're doing video exports, heavy coding, or 3D work, you'll want the Air or Pro.
**PCMag's take:** "If Apple ships this, it addresses a long-standing gap: a true entry-level Mac that competes with cheap Windows laptops and Chromebooks without dragging the MacBook Air downmarket" .
---
## iPhone 17e: The Affordable iPhone Gets Better
The iPhone 16e launched last year to solid reviews, proving there's still appetite for a lower-cost iPhone. Now the 17e is ready to build on that foundation.
### What's New
**Table 1: iPhone 17e vs. iPhone 16e**
| **Feature** | **iPhone 16e** | **iPhone 17e (Expected)** | **Upgrade** |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Chip** | A18 | A19 | Next-gen performance |
| **MagSafe** | No | Yes | Addresses major criticism of 16e |
| **Front Camera** | 12MP | 18MP Center Stage | Better video calls |
| **Modem** | C1 | C1X 2nd-gen | Improved 5G |
| **Design** | Notch | Possibly Dynamic Island | More modern look |
| **Price** | $599 | $599 | Same price, more features |
### The MagSafe Addition
This is actually a bigger deal than it sounds. The iPhone 16e's lack of MagSafe was one of the most common complaints . Adding it brings the 17e in line with the rest of the iPhone lineup, making it compatible with Apple's growing ecosystem of magnetic accessories—wallets, batteries, car mounts.
### The Dynamic Island Possibility
Multiple reports suggest the 17e might inherit the Dynamic Island from the Pro models . If true, that would be a significant design upgrade, replacing the notch with the more interactive pill-shaped cutout.
### Who Is This For?
The iPhone 17e is for:
- Anyone who wants a new iPhone without paying $1,000+
- Users upgrading from iPhone 11 or 12 who don't need Pro features
- Parents buying for teens
- International markets where premium iPhones are even more expensive
---
## iPad Updates: Air Gets M4, Base Gets Apple Intelligence
Apple's tablet lineup is getting a refresh, with both the iPad Air and entry-level iPad expected to see updates .
### iPad Air: M4 Inside
The iPad Air is rumored to jump from the M3 to the **M4 chip**, bringing it closer to the Pro in raw performance . Other than that, don't expect major changes. The design stays the same, and it will likely remain available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes.
**Who it's for:** The iPad Air continues to be the "sweet spot" for most people—more powerful than the base iPad, more affordable than the Pro, and now with M4-level performance.
### Entry-Level iPad: A18 and Apple Intelligence
The 11th-generation base iPad is expected to get the **A18 chip**, which would finally bring Apple Intelligence features to Apple's most affordable tablet .
**What this means:** Features like Writing Tools, Genmoji, and the smarter Siri would be available on the $349 (or whatever price) iPad, not just the premium models.
**Who it's for:** Students, kids, and anyone who just needs a basic tablet for media consumption, light productivity, and now AI-powered features.
---
## MacBook Pro: The M5 Pro and Max Arrive
Apple refreshed the base M5 MacBook Pro back in October 2025. Now it's time for the higher-end variants .
### What's Expected
- **Models:** 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro
- **Chips:** M5 Pro and M5 Max
- **Design:** Unchanged from current models
**Why the delay?** The Pro and Max chips are more complex to manufacture, and Apple apparently needed more time to prepare them .
### Who Needs These?
- Video editors working with 8K footage
- 3D artists and animators
- Software developers compiling massive codebases
- Anyone whose workflow pushes the limits of the base M5
**The bigger picture:** This is a "chip-first" cycle. The design is staying put because Apple is reportedly saving a major overhaul—with OLED displays and possibly touch—for the M6 generation later this year or early next .
---
## What's Coming Later in 2026
The March announcements are just the appetizer. The main course is expected later this year.
### Touch-Screen MacBook Pro with Dynamic Island
Yes, you read that right. Apple is reportedly working on a touch-screen MacBook Pro, and it could arrive by the end of 2026 .
**What's changing:**
- OLED displays replace mini-LED on 14-inch and 16-inch models
- The notch is replaced by a **Dynamic Island** (smaller than on iPhone, since Macs don't need Face ID)
- macOS gets touch-friendly tweaks—tap an item and a menu appears around your finger
- Fast scrolling and pinch-to-zoom work like on iPad
**The philosophy:** This isn't an iPad replacement. "The idea is to let customers use the touch input as much or as little as they'd like, and blend it with the familiar point-and-click approach" .
### iPhone Fold: The Foldable Apple Phone
After years of rumors, 2026 might finally be the year Apple enters the foldable market. A launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series in the fall is considered likely .
**What to expect:**
- Price around $2,000 (1.5 million won)
- Apple's take on solving hinge durability and screen crease issues
- A statement product, not a volume seller
### Apple AR Glasses: Two Products in the Works
Apple is reportedly developing two AR products :
1. **AI-powered smart glasses** (similar to Meta Ray-Ban) – launching as early as September 2026. These would have cameras and Apple's AI but no display.
2. **Full AR glasses with display** – further out, likely 2028. These would be Apple's vision of lightweight, all-day AR.
### Smart Home Hub
A new product combining iPad and HomePod features, with a screen and upgraded Siri powered by Apple Intelligence, has been delayed but could appear later in 2026 .
---
## The Big Picture: Apple's Two-Pronged Strategy
Looking at all these products together, a clear strategy emerges.
**Prong 1: Capture the Mass Market**
The low-cost MacBook, iPhone 17e, and updated entry-level iPad are all about bringing new users into the Apple ecosystem. These are affordable, approachable products designed to compete with Chromebooks and budget Android phones .
**Prong 2: Define the Future**
The foldable iPhone, AR glasses, and smart home hub are about innovation and aspiration. These products may not sell in huge numbers initially, but they show where Apple believes computing is headed .
**The result:** Apple is simultaneously expanding its reach and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. If both prongs succeed, the company will be even more dominant by the end of the decade.
---
## What This Means for You
### If You're Shopping for a New Mac
**Right now:** If you need a laptop immediately, the current M3 and M4 Macs are still excellent. But if you can wait a few days, the new announcements might offer better value—especially if the low-cost MacBook interests you.
**Later this year:** If you've been dreaming of a touch-screen MacBook, hold off. The M6 models with OLED and touch are expected toward the end of 2026 .
### If You're an iPhone User
The iPhone 17e looks like a solid upgrade for anyone on iPhone 13 or older. MagSafe alone is worth it if you use accessories.
If you're on iPhone 15 or 16, you're probably fine waiting for the iPhone 18 in September.
### If You're an iPad User
The iPad Air with M4 will be a performance beast, but the real story is the base iPad getting A18 and Apple Intelligence. That's a huge win for budget-conscious buyers.
### If You're Just Curious
This is shaping up to be Apple's busiest year in a long time. Multiple new product categories, major redesigns, and a renewed focus on affordability AND innovation. Whether you're buying or just watching, 2026 is going to be interesting.
---
## Frequently Asked Questions
**Q: When exactly are the announcements?**
A: Starting Monday, March 2, 2026, with press releases and videos. A hands-on event follows on Wednesday, March 4, in New York, London, and Shanghai .
**Q: Will there be a live keynote to watch?**
A: No. Apple is doing press releases and videos this time, not a traditional keynote .
**Q: What's this new low-cost MacBook?**
A: A rumored 12.9-inch laptop with an A18 Pro chip, 8GB RAM, bright colors, and a price around $599–$799. It would sit below the MacBook Air .
**Q: Is the iPhone 17e getting Dynamic Island?**
A: Possibly. Multiple reports suggest it might, which would be a major design upgrade over the 16e's notch .
**Q: Will the new iPads have Apple Intelligence?**
A: The entry-level iPad with A18 should support Apple Intelligence. The iPad Air with M4 already does .
**Q: When is the touch-screen MacBook coming?**
A: Likely late 2026, with OLED displays and a Dynamic Island replacing the notch .
**Q: Is Apple really making a foldable iPhone?**
A: Most signs point to yes, with a possible launch alongside the iPhone 18 in fall 2026 .
**Q: What about the Mac Pro and Mac Studio?**
A: Not expected in this March window. Those may come later in 2026.
**Q: Should I buy now or wait?**
A: If you need a device immediately, current models are great. But if you can wait a few days to see the new announcements, you'll have more information and possibly better options.
**Q: Where can I watch for updates?**
A: Follow Apple's Newsroom page and Tim Cook's X account. Major tech sites will also cover the announcements as they happen.
---
## The Bottom Line
Here's what I keep coming back to.
Apple is doing something it hasn't done in years: spreading announcements across multiple days, giving each product its moment. It's a recognition that not every product needs a stage, but every product deserves attention.
**The low-cost MacBook** is the wildcard. If Apple gets this right—a $599 laptop that's actually good—it could reshape the education and entry-level markets.
**The iPhone 17e** is the safe bet. More features, same price, MagSafe finally included. It'll sell millions.
**The iPad updates** are the quiet workhorses. The base iPad getting Apple Intelligence is actually a bigger deal than it sounds.
**And later this year?** Touch-screen MacBooks, foldable iPhones, AR glasses. Apple is playing both offense and defense.
**Tim Cook's teaser**—"A big week ahead"—wasn't wrong. It's the start of what looks like Apple's biggest year in a long time.
Stay tuned. Monday morning is coming.
*Got thoughts on Apple's announcements? Planning to buy anything? Drop a comment and let me know.*
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