Apple kicked off a major week of hardware updates, unveiling the MacBook Neo, new MacBook Pro and Air models with M5 chips, iPad Air with M4, the budget-friendly iPhone 17e, and pro-level Studio Displays. This round of releases emphasizes faster on-device AI, higher base storage, and cutting-edge display technology, targeting everyone from students and creators to professional power users.
MacBook Neo with A18 Pro delivers fast performance in a compact design
Apple introduced the new MacBook Neo, a 13-inch laptop powered by the A18 Pro chip, offering flagship-level CPU and GPU performance in a lightweight package. With 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine, the MacBook Neo handles everyday productivity, AI tasks, and graphics-intensive workflows with ease. Apple claims performance is up to 2.5x faster than the previous MacBook Air, making it ideal for students, creators, and business users who need speed on the go.
The MacBook Neo comes with 8GB unified memory standard, configurable up to 24GB, and 512GB SSD storage, which can be expanded to 2TB. SSD read and write speeds are up to 2x faster than prior Air models, reducing load times for large files and boosting responsiveness for AI and creative apps.
Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and two Thunderbolt 4 ports, supporting external displays and fast data transfer. The laptop retains its fanless aluminum design, offering quiet operation, and a 13-inch Retina display with P3 wide color and 500 nits brightness. Battery life is rated up to 18 hours, and fast charging via USB-C allows 50% charge in around 30 minutes.
macOS Tahoe powers the MacBook Neo, bringing Apple Intelligence features such as on-device AI in Shortcuts, Live Translation in Messages, smarter Reminders, and seamless Continuity between iPhone and Mac
MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max pushes pro performance further
The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro now come with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, offering up to 4x faster CPU and GPU performance than the previous generation. Neural Accelerators built into each GPU core allow developers and creators to run advanced on-device AI, including large language models, AI image generation, and AI-enhanced video editing.
M5 Pro models support up to 64GB unified memory, while M5 Max reaches 128GB. SSD speeds double to 14.5GB/s, with 1TB starting storage on M5 Pro and 2TB on M5 Max. Connectivity includes three Thunderbolt 5 ports, HDMI up to 8K, MagSafe 3, SDXC, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 6. Displays are Liquid Retina XDR with up to 1600 nits HDR brightness. Battery life hits 24 hours, with 50% fast charging in 30 minutes.
macOS Tahoe introduces deeper Apple Intelligence integration, including on-device AI in Shortcuts and Live Translation in Messages and FaceTime. Pricing for the new MacBook Pro starts at $2,199 for the 14-inch M5 Pro and $2,699 for the 16-inch M5 Pro. The 14-inch M5 Max begins at $3,599, while the 16-inch M5 Max is $3,899.
MacBook Air with M5 delivers faster AI, more storage, and Wi-Fi 7
Apple updated the MacBook Air with M5, keeping its thin aluminum design while boosting AI workflows and everyday performance. Available in 13-inch and 15-inch models, the Air now starts with 512GB storage and supports up to 4TB. A 10-core CPU, up to 10-core GPU, and Neural Accelerator in each GPU core enable up to 4x faster AI performance than M4 and up to 9.5x faster than M1 in certain tasks.
Graphics enhancements, 153GB/s memory bandwidth, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and MagSafe charging improve multitasking and creative workflows. Battery life reaches 18 hours. macOS Tahoe adds on-device AI features, Live Translation in Messages, smarter Shortcuts, and Continuity enhancements.
Pricing starts at $1,099 for 13-inch and $1,299 for 15-inch, with education discounts available.
iPad Air with M4 delivers 2.3x faster performance and stunning graphics
The iPad Air now features the M4 chip, offering up to 2.3x faster CPU performance than M1 and up to 30% faster than M3. With 12GB unified memory, a 16-core Neural Engine, and GPU acceleration including ray tracing, it’s ideal for students, creators, and gamers.
Connectivity includes N1 Wi-Fi 7 and C1X cellular, with 11-inch and 13-inch models supporting Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard. Starting prices are $599 for 11-inch and $799 for 13-inch, with slightly lower education pricing.
iPadOS 26 adds a new windowing system, upgraded Files and Preview apps, and creative audio input controls. Battery life remains all-day, with finishes in blue, purple, starlight, and space gray.
iPhone 17e delivers A19 performance, 256GB storage, and MagSafe at $599
Apple expanded the iPhone 17 lineup with the iPhone 17e, a $599 model that brings flagship features to a wider audience. Powered by the A19 chip with a 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine, the iPhone 17e supports on-device AI and Apple Intelligence features in iOS 26, including Live Translation, smarter Call Screening, and visual intelligence.
The device now starts with 256GB storage, doubling the previous entry-level capacity. The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display delivers up to 1200 nits HDR brightness. Ceramic Shield 2, IP68 water and dust resistance, and aerospace-grade aluminum ensure durability.
MagSafe allows wireless charging up to 15W and fast USB C charging to 50% in 30 minutes. Battery life reaches 26 hours. The 48MP Fusion camera offers optical-quality 2x zoom and 4K Dolby Vision video at 60 fps. Cellular performance is enhanced with the C1X modem, with satellite features for Emergency SOS, Messages, Roadside Assistance, and Find My offline.
Colors include black, white, and soft pink.
Studio Display and Studio Display XDR bring pro-level visuals
Apple unveiled the Studio Display and Studio Display XDR, designed for both everyday users and top creative professionals. The Studio Display XDR pushes the boundaries with a 27-inch 5K Retina XDR panel, mini-LED backlighting, 2000 nits peak HDR brightness, and 120Hz refresh rate.
The standard Studio Display offers a 27-inch 5K Retina panel with 600 nits brightness, P3 wide color, a 12MP Center Stage camera, three-microphone array, and six-speaker audio. Thunderbolt 5 supports daisy-chaining, with USB-C expansion. Tilt-adjustable, height-adjustable, or VESA mount setups are available.
Studio Display XDR adds 2,304 local dimming zones, 1000 nits SDR brightness, 2000 nits HDR, a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, and full support for P3 and Adobe RGB gamuts. A 120Hz refresh rate with Adaptive Sync ensures smooth motion. DICOM presets and the Medical Imaging Calibrator extend the display to diagnostic radiology.
Both displays include upgraded camera, audio, and connectivity: 12MP Center Stage, three-mic arrays, six-speaker audio with Spatial Audio, Thunderbolt 5 with up to 140W charging, and USB-C expansion. Apple emphasized recycled aluminum, energy efficiency, and carbon neutrality.
Studio Display starts at $1,599, Studio Display XDR at $3,299.
Pre-orders and availability
All devices are available for pre-order starting March 4, with availability beginning March 11 in Apple Stores and online. Pricing varies by model and configuration, with education discounts available on most devices.
