Apple is set to host a significant product launch on February 19, a date confirmed by CEO Tim Cook, who hinted at a major unveiling with a teaser about welcoming a “newest member of the family.” Although specific details remain under wraps, the buzz centers on a long-anticipated refresh of the iPhone SE—a device that has maintained its budget-friendly appeal since its last update in 2022 but is now poised for a dramatic transformation.
Reports indicate that the forthcoming iPhone SE will undergo a major redesign, shifting away from its traditional 4.7-inch screen and physical Home button. Leaks suggest that the updated model may boast a larger display and eliminate the Home button in favor of Face ID technology, aligning its aesthetics with Apple’s more contemporary devices. Moreover, the new device is expected to be powered by Apple’s A18 chip, which might enable advanced AI features collectively known as Apple Intelligence, and could even incorporate the company’s first in-house cellular modem, reducing its reliance on external suppliers. There are also hints that it might transition to a USB-C port and include an Action button seen on the latest iPhone 15 Pro models, with some voices speculating a rebranding to the iPhone 16E.
In addition to the iPhone SE, Apple appears to be preparing updates for its other product lines. Sources have suggested that the MacBook Air and iPad Air are due for revisions, with the former possibly equipped with an M4 processor and the latter updated with an M3 chip. There is also chatter about a refreshed entry-level iPad that may feature either an A16 Bionic or A17 Pro chip, although no major design overhauls are expected for these devices.
Another point of intrigue surrounds the potential debut of an Apple smart home hub, which could serve as a central device for managing smart home features while also supporting tasks like FaceTime calls. Designed to resemble an enhanced HomePod with a screen—possibly 6 or 7 inches in size—and powered by an A18 chip, this new gadget signals Apple’s ambitious move into the smart home arena, even if its official launch isn’t slated until late 2025.
Despite earlier speculations triggered by Cook’s teaser featuring a distinctive circular Apple logo, it seems that the event will not include a second-generation AirTag. Industry analysts have downplayed this possibility, suggesting that such a low-cost accessory is unlikely to headline a major announcement, leaving the next version of AirTag for a later date. As excitement builds, Apple’s upcoming event promises several surprises that could redefine its product lineup well into the future.