Apple is preparing for its first major product launch of 2026, with a new report indicating the event could take place as early as the week beginning March 2.
According to Bloomberg’s Power On newsletter by Mark Gurman, the company is targeting an early March window for a product announcement. While the exact date has not been confirmed, industry observers consider March 3 the most likely timing, as Apple typically schedules launches on Tuesdays rather than Mondays.
Apple has a history of early-year announcements, having held March events in 2022, 2019 and 2018, alongside occasional product releases issued through press statements instead of full presentations.
M5 MacBook Pro expected to headline
One of the strongest candidates for the launch is an updated MacBook Pro featuring new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. The upgrade would follow the recent release of the base M5 MacBook Pro and focus primarily on performance improvements rather than design changes.
The refreshed models are expected to retain the current chassis and specifications seen in the M4 generation. Larger hardware changes—such as an OLED display redesign—are reportedly planned for a later update tied to the M6 generation toward the end of 2026.
The timing may also align with the rollout of a new macOS update cycle expected to run through March.
iPhone 17e is also a possibility
The report also suggests the iPhone 17e could debut around the same timeframe. Described as launching “imminently,” the device would replace the iPhone 16e and is expected to feature:
- A 6.1-inch display
- The A19 Pro chip
- MagSafe support
- A design largely unchanged from its predecessor
While Apple’s use of the term “imminent” can span several weeks, the early March window fits the company’s typical spring hardware cycle.
Other products less likely
A refresh of the Mac Studio is also expected in 2026, but Gurman indicated it may arrive later in the spring rather than at the start of March.
At this stage, it remains unclear whether Apple will hold a full live event or opt for a series of press releases. However, with the reported launch window approaching, official details are expected within weeks.
If the timeline holds, the early March announcement would set the tone for Apple’s 2026 product cycle, focusing on incremental performance upgrades ahead of larger hardware redesigns planned for later in the year.
