Apple March 4 Announcements: M3 MacBook Air & What to Expect
What did Apple announce on March 4? We break down the new M3 MacBook Air launch, key features like dual display support, and what happened to the iPad rumors.
By Team Gimmie
Updated August 27, 2026
THE SMART BUYER'S GUIDE TO APPLE'S MARCH 4 RELEASES: WAIT OR BUY?
For years, Apple’s spring events were the overlooked younger sibling of the massive September iPhone launches. They were often reserved for niche products, a new color of an existing phone, or perhaps a minor iPad refresh. But March 2026 is shaping up to be different. This year, Apple isn't just looking to sell more $1,200 Pro models; they are targeting the heart of the consumer market: the budget-conscious, the students, and the gift-givers.
If you have been hovering your finger over the Buy button for a new iPhone 16 or a MacBook Air, our advice is simple: pause. Based on the current supply chain trends and Apple’s aggressive push into Apple Intelligence, the March 4 event is poised to redefine what entry-level looks like. We are moving away from the era of compromised budget tech and into an era where the most affordable devices are finally getting the power they need to stay relevant for years.
THE IPHONE 17E: WHY ENTRY-LEVEL IS THE NEW PRO
The star of the show is rumored to be the iPhone 17E. For years, the SE line served as a way to clear out old parts—old screens, old buttons, and old designs. But with the 17E, we recommend looking at this as a strategic pivot. Apple needs every user on a chip capable of running Apple Intelligence, and the old SE design simply can’t keep up.
The iPhone 17E is expected to ditch the home button once and for all, adopting the modern 6.1-inch OLED display seen on the flagship models. More importantly, it is rumored to house the A19 chip. Why does that matter to you? Because it means a phone that costs roughly $500 will have the same processing brain as the flagship models. This isn’t just about speed; it’s about longevity. If you are buying a gift for a teenager or a parent who keeps their phone for five years, the 17E is the first budget phone that won't feel obsolete by year three.
THE WAIT OR BUY MATRIX: SHOULD YOU PULL THE TRIGGER NOW?
To help you decide, we have mapped out the most common buying scenarios. Instead of looking at what is available now, look at your specific needs and see where you land on our decision matrix.
THE GIFT GIVER (Buying for a Graduate or Child) Recommendation: WAIT. The iPhone 17E is expected to be the most durable and modern entry-level phone Apple has ever produced. Buying an iPhone 15 now might save you fifty dollars today, but you lose out on years of software support and the latest AI features that will soon be standard in schools and social apps.
