Apple is predicted to launch a new iPhone, a new iPad and several Mac laptops in the first half of 2026. A new report says that, unlike last year, the company will hold a special event to unveil them all. This could mean a more substantial update than a mere specs bump.
Apple iPhone 16e
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Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, in his latest Power On newsletter, talked about the event. He has previously said that new products were on their way, with the announcement coming as soon as the week commencing Monday, March 2.
The Shift From Press Releases To A Special Event
But he hasn’t suggested there will be an Apple event until now. That’s not a surprise: after all, last year’s iPhone 16e, iPad, iPad Air and MacBook Air were all revealed by press release, not an event. The timing is right, though, with the iPhone 16e revealed in late February 2025 and the other devices in early March.
“I expect the MacBook to launch as early as March, with Apple preparing for an event that month,” Gurman reported.
Given that Gurman has previously hit upon a particular week for the announcement, the one that starts on Monday, March 2, let’s start there.
That week exactly coincides with the big cellphone trade show, Mobile World Congress, which starts in Barcelona on March 2, running to March 5.
Stealing The Spotlight From MWC And Samsung
If the world’s tech press is in Spain, can Apple hold an event halfway around the world to launch a phone? Possibly.
If Gurman is right about the week of the announcements, and there is an event, then Apple will send out invitations the week before, I believe.
That would mean the event would be announced at almost exactly the same time as Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked, just confirmed for Wednesday, Feb. 25 (full details here). Coincidence? Let’s see.
iPhone 17e, iPad, Mac Release Date
If the week is right, then I believe the new devices will go on sale the following week, likely on Friday, March 13. Pre-orders would likely open on Friday, March 6, just as MWC wraps up in Barcelona.
