On March 4th, Apple is hosting a so-called "special Apple Experience". Selected journalists and content creators have been invited to New York, London, and Shanghai. Even though it's not a traditional Apple event with a large stage and livestream, there's a lot of interest. Apple often uses such events to unveil new hardware or software for the first time.
An Apple Experience is typically smaller and more exclusive than a keynote address. Instead of a public presentation, the focus is on hands-on experiences. Participants can try out new products or services directly and then share their impressions.
One example of this was the launch of Apple Creator Studio last month. At that time, content creators were invited to an Apple Experience in Los Angeles to test the new subscription-based package of apps and features.
The upcoming Apple Experience on March 4th could have a similar format, but seems more significant. This time, well-known journalists like Joanna Stern are invited. This suggests that Apple might unveil new hardware and not just software or minor updates.
Possible highlight: A more affordable MacBook
The most likely scenario at present is the unveiling of a new, more affordable MacBook. The invitation graphic for the Apple Experience shows a colorful Apple logo with yellow, green, and blue discs. According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, Apple is testing precisely these three colors, as well as pink, for a MacBook with an iPhone chip.
A MacBook with an iPhone chip would represent a clear change in strategy. Instead of the familiar M-series chips, Apple could use an architecture more closely aligned with the iPhone platform. This would potentially allow for lower production costs and make the device more attractively priced.
The colorful design of the invitation is fitting for a product with mass appeal. Everything suggests that Apple might be focusing on a broader audience.
Second option: The iPhone 17e
The second most likely announcement is the iPhone 17e. It would follow the iPhone 16e and receive several important improvements. Four key upgrades are expected:
- MagSafe support
- A new A19 chip
- A C1X modem for faster 5G
- An N1 chip with support for Wi-Fi 7
These changes would significantly upgrade the more affordable iPhone model technically. In particular, the A19 chip and the faster modem could noticeably improve performance and connectivity.
Other possible products
Besides a new MacBook or the iPhone 17e, other devices are also being considered. Possible options include:
- An iPad Air with an M4 chip
- An iPad 12 with an A18 chip
- A MacBook Air with an M5 chip
There are also many unspoken expectations in the smart home sector. The following products have been the subject of speculation for some time:
- An updated Apple TV
- A new HomePod mini
- A completely new Apple Home Hub
However, there are currently no signs of a more personalized version of Siri. This could indicate that major smart home innovations are rather unlikely at this Apple Experience.
High-end products will be excluded for now.
Products in the high-end segment are still expected, but will likely not play a role in this Apple Experience. These include:
- MacBook Pro with M5 Pro or M5 Max chips
- An updated Mac Studio
- A new studio display
None of this is officially ruled out. However, the colorful invitation suggests that cheaper and more accessible devices with a broad target audience are more likely.
The Apple Experience process
The Apple Experience in New York begins on Wednesday, March 4th, at 9:00 AM Eastern Time (3:00 PM CET). The events in London and Shanghai start at the same time, but later that day due to the time difference.
Since this isn't a traditional Apple event, no YouTube livestream is expected. Instead of a large presentation, Apple is likely to announce one or two new products via press releases on its Newsroom website.
Attendees of the Apple Experience in the three cities are expected to post photos and share their initial impressions. This will create a detailed picture of the presented products shortly after the event.
Expected highlights of the Apple Experience
The Apple Experience on March 4th will be smaller than a traditional keynote, but could still bring important new products. A more affordable MacBook with an iPhone chip is considered the most likely announcement. This will be followed by the iPhone 17e with several technical improvements.
More iPads, a new MacBook Air, or smart home products are possible, but less certain. High-end hardware, on the other hand, is likely to be delayed.
Even without a live stream, the Apple Experience could significantly expand Apple's portfolio this spring and place a clear focus on colorful, more attractively priced devices. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Apple)
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