Throughout March, the tech giant has unveiled a total of nine new products. This lineup includes the iPhone 17e, updated iPad Air models featuring the M4 chip, and a new MacBook Air series powered by M5 silicon. High-performance users saw the arrival of MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, alongside the brand – new MacBook Neo. The update cycle also introduced a refreshed Studio Display, a premium Studio Display XDR, the AirPods Max 2, and the Nike Powerbeats Pro 2.
The iPhone 17e retains the familiar physical design of the 16e model, yet it introduces the powerful Apple A19 chip under the hood. Connectivity sees a major boost through the second – generation Apple C1X modem for faster 5G performance, while the base storage has been doubled to 256 GB. In the US market, Apple has managed to keep the starting price at $599, the same as its predecessor, despite adding MagSafe support for magnetic charging and accessories.
Significant upgrades have arrived for the iPad Air, which now utilizes the Apple M4 chip to drive performance. The device sees its RAM increased to 12 GB, while the inclusion of the Apple N1 chip brings Wi – Fi 7 support to the tablet. Additionally, models equipped with cellular capabilities now feature the C1X modem for improved data speeds.
The MacBook Air has been refreshed with the faster M5 chip and now starts with a 512 GB storage capacity. However, the removal of the 256 GB entry – level configuration means the starting price has climbed from $999 to $1,099. Technical specifications now include Wi – Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support via the N1 chip – and the laptop ships with a new 40W dynamic power adapter that can peak at 60W.
For the professional segment, the 14 – inch and 16 – inch MacBook Pro models finally transition to M5 Pro and M5 Max processors. These machines now feature SSDs with doubled read – write speeds and a base storage of 1 TB. Battery life has seen a slight improvement across the entire range, and the integration of the N1 chip ensures compatibility with the latest Wi – Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 wireless standards.
The standard Studio Display now benefits from Thunderbolt 5 connectivity and an upgraded speaker system, while its camera has been optimized for Desk View. Simultaneously, Apple debuted a more advanced Studio Display XDR. This premium monitor includes all the standard upgrades plus a 120Hz refresh rate, mini – LED technology, and significantly higher brightness levels for professional workflows.
Aimed at a broader audience, the colorful new MacBook Neo starts at $599 – with a special price of $499 for students. Available in Silver, Indigo, Citrus, and Blush, the laptop is powered by the A18 Pro chip from the iPhone series. It features a 13 – inch display and storage options up to 512 GB, though the 8 GB of RAM is a fixed, non – configurable hardware spec.
The AirPods Max 2 arrive with the H2 chip, delivering substantial improvements in active noise cancellation and overall audio fidelity. New software features include Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and real – time translation capabilities. Furthermore, the Digital Crown has gained a new practical application – serving as a remote control for a connected camera.
Closing out the March announcements is the Nike Powerbeats Pro 2 special edition. This version mirrors the standard Powerbeats Pro 2 but features a unique two – tone black and neon – green – yellow Volt design. Both the Nike and Beats logos are prominently displayed on the hardware.
