Apple March 2026 Leaks: iPhone 17e, iPad 12, and M5 Pro MacBook Pro – Everything We Know

Apple CEO Tim Cook took to X to drop a massive hint, revealing that Apple will begin releasing new products starting this Monday morning. 

For those keeping score, that means Monday, March 2nd, 2026, is the official kickoff for what looks like a multi-day product blitz. 

Here is everything we’re expecting from Apple’s March "Experience" week.

The March 2026 Apple Launch Roadmap

Rather than a single event, Apple is expected to drop news via daily press releases, culminating in a "Special Apple Experience" media event on Wednesday. Here is the rumored schedule:

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1. The All-New "Budget" MacBook

The undisputed star of the week is rumored to be a 12.9-inch laptop simply called "MacBook." This isn't just another Air; it’s a strategic pivot to capture the education and student market.

• The Chip: To keep costs low, Apple is reportedly using the A18 Pro chip (found in the iPhone 16 Pro) rather than the standard M-series silicon.

• Design: Expect a lightweight, 12.9-inch LCD display. Rumors suggest a playful palette of colors—blue, yellow, and pink—reminiscent of the classic iBook G3.

• Expect Price: While early leaks hoped for $599, rising component costs (DRAM/NAND) suggest a starting price of $699 to $749.

2. iPhone 17e

Following the success of the 16e, the iPhone 17e aims to offer flagship power without the $1,000 price tag.

• A19 Power: It will likely house the same A19 chip as the standard iPhone 17, ensuring it stays relevant for years of iOS updates.

• Dynamic Island Arrival: Many leakers suggest this will be the first "e" or "SE" style model to finally ditch the notch in favor of the Dynamic Island.

• Specs: It is expected to retain the 6.1-inch OLED 60Hz display but add MagSafe support and an upgraded 18MP front camera.

• Expected Price: Industry analysts expect the iPhone 17e to start at $599 for the 128GB model

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3. iPad 12 (12th Gen):

The base-model iPad is skipping several generations of performance.

• The Specs: Breaking tradition, the iPad 12 is tipped to feature the A19 chip (the same series as the iPhone 17).

• The 8GB Milestone: To support Apple Intelligence, Apple is finally bumping the base RAM to 8GB. This is a critical upgrade, as the 6GB found in previous entry-level models simply won't cut it for the next generation of iPadOS.

• Expected Price: Apple is expected to hold the line at $349. If true, this will be the most affordable AI-capable device in the entire ecosystem.

4. M5 MacBook Air & Pro

For the pros, the wait for the M5 generation may finally ends this week. While the designs remain consistent with the current models, the internal leap is significant.

MacBook Air (M5): The Balanced Choice

The next-generation MacBook Air will adopt the M5 chip, which Apple has already successfully integrated into the iPad Pro. The focus here is on AI efficiency and connectivity.

• Key Features: Features the new N1 networking chip for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support.

• Estimated Pricing: * 13-inch M5 Air: Expected to start at $999.

  • 15-inch M5 Air: Expected to start at $1,299.
    
    

MacBook Pro (M5 Pro/Max): The Performance Titans

These 14-inch and 16-inch models are designed for heavy-duty creative workflows, from 3D rendering to large-scale AI processing.

• Key Features: The M5 Max is being called an "AI monster," with architectural efficiency improvements that could deliver a 25% performance uplift over the M4 generation.

• Estimated Pricing:

  • 14-inch M5 Pro: Expected to start at $1,999.

  • 16-inch M5 Pro: Expected to start at $2,499.

  • M5 Max Models: Likely to start at $3,199 for the 14-inch and $3,499 for the 16-inch versions.

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Final thought

Tim Cook’s "Big Week" marks a seismic shift in Apple’s strategy. By potentially launching a $599 iPhone 17e, an A19-powered iPad, and a sub-$700 MacBook, Apple is finally tearing down the price barrier to Apple Intelligence.

This isn't just a hardware refresh; it’s a land grab for the mid-range market. Whether you're a student on a budget or a loyalist waiting for an affordable upgrade, this week proves that "cutting-edge" and "entry-level" can finally coexist. The wait ends Monday.