Apple is set to unveil a new product on February 19 (US time), which CEO Tim Cook has referred to as the “newest member of the family.” Cook shared a brief animation of a metallic Apple logo on the X social network, though he did not provide further details. This announcement contributed to a 2 percent increase in Apple shares on Thursday.
Recent reports from Bloomberg News indicate that a new low-end iPhone is on the horizon, with a release expected this month. Apple retail locations are quickly depleting their inventory of the current iPhone SE, signaling the arrival of the new device. The upcoming model is anticipated to resemble the iPhone 14, featuring a larger display and Face ID, marking the end of the iconic home button introduced by co-founder Steve Jobs in 2007. A hint in Cook’s post suggests the animation may depict the home button’s shape fading away.
The new iPhone will also incorporate Apple Intelligence and the A18 chip, which is currently used in the iPhone 16. Notably, this model will be Apple’s first to utilize an in-house cellular modem chip, replacing components previously sourced from Qualcomm. Apple plans to introduce this chip in a slimmer iPhone this fall, with an upgraded version expected in the iPhone Pro models by 2026.
In addition to the new iPhone, Apple has a range of other devices slated for release in the first half of 2025, including a MacBook Air featuring an M4 chip and updates to its entry-level and iPad Air models. The company is also developing its first smart home hub with a display, alongside a new AirTag tracking device and enhanced pro-level desktop computers. As is customary, Apple will launch new iPhone and Apple Watch models later in the year.
Apple is counting on these new iPhone models to help counteract a recent sales decline, as revenue unexpectedly dropped by 1 percent during the holiday quarter, with a significant 11 percent decrease in sales in China. The current iPhone SE starts at $719 in Australia, and the new model is expected to be priced slightly higher due to its various upgrades. Cook’s reference to the “newest member of the family” suggests a potential rebranding of the iPhone SE, which was first introduced in 2016.
This announcement is part of a series of product updates from the California-based tech giant this week. On Wednesday, Apple launched its Apple TV+ service for Android devices for the first time. Earlier, the Beats division introduced the Powerbeats Pro 2 with heart-rate monitoring capabilities. Additionally, Apple has scheduled a media briefing for news related to its Vision Pro headset on Friday.
