Everything Apple announced at its March event: The $599 MacBook Neo, M5 Pro, iPad 12, and more
Apple's spring 2026 launch includes a budget laptop, new M5 Pro/Max processors, and an M4-powered iPad Air.
Apple kicked off its 2026 product cycle with a multi-day announcement culminating in a March 4 event in New York. The headliner was the MacBook Neo, a $599 budget laptop featuring a 13-inch Liquid Retina display, A18 Pro processor with Apple Intelligence support, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, and a 16-hour battery, available in four colors. This launch was preceded by announcements for the iPhone 17e and an M4 iPad Air on March 2, followed by a MacBook Pro with new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips and a Studio Display on March 3. All products opened for preorder immediately, with shipping set for March 11.
Technically, the event signals Apple's continued silicon segmentation and push for affordability. The MacBook Neo's A18 Pro chip (different from the M-series) brings Apple Intelligence to a lower price point, while the M5 Pro and M5 Max represent the next generation of professional-grade silicon. The iPad Air's upgrade to the M4 processor, previously exclusive to the iPad Pro, significantly boosts performance for the mid-tier tablet. This coordinated launch refreshes multiple core product lines simultaneously, offering consumers new entry points into the Apple ecosystem while advancing the capabilities of its professional hardware ahead of the traditional spring buying season.
- MacBook Neo launched at $599 with A18 Pro chip & Apple Intelligence, halving the entry price for a new Apple laptop.
- New MacBook Pro features next-gen M5 Pro and M5 Max processors, continuing Apple's custom silicon leadership for pros.
- iPad Air upgraded to M4 chip, bringing Pro-level performance to the mid-tier tablet starting at $599.
Why It Matters
Expands Apple's market reach with a budget laptop and accelerates performance across its entire hardware lineup, pressuring competitors.