Apple Set to Unveil iPhone SE 4 on February 19

CUPERTINO, Calif. — Apple Inc. is expected to announce its first major product of 2025 today, February 19, unveiling the fourth generation of its budget-friendly iPhone SE. This launch follows a five-month hiatus since the last iPhone announcement and comes earlier than previous years when new models were introduced in March and April.

The anticipated iPhone SE 4 is set to offer consumers a more accessible option in the current smartphone market, where competition is increasingly fierce. It has been nearly three years since the last iPhone SE model debuted, and analysts predict that this updated version will solidify Apple’s stance amidst several strong competitors.

Industry insiders suggest that Apple’s strategy may involve spacing out product announcements to maintain consumer interest. Apple’s CEO Tim Cook teased the upcoming launch on social media, stating, “Get ready to meet the newest member of the family.” This hints at a significant reveal, possibly redubbed as the iPhone 16E.

The iPhone SE 4 is rumored to employ a design based on the iPhone 14, featuring a larger 6.1-inch display—an upgrade from the 4.7-inch screen on the iPhone SE 3. Additional speculations point toward the device being powered by Apple’s new A18 chip, equipping it with advanced capabilities including support for Apple Intelligence features, such as enhanced Siri functionalities and image processing tools.

In terms of storage, the new model is expected to start at 64GB with a price tag around $499, a modest increase from the previous generation. However, some consumer reports indicate that this base storage may be inadequate compared to contemporary standards.

While the focus remains on the iPhone SE 4, other product announcements, including updates to the HomePod and AirTag trackers, are also expected. These potential reveals could further diversify Apple’s ecosystem as the company seeks to address various segments of the consumer market.

Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that the iPhone SE 4 could lead to a substantial increase in shipments compared to prior models. He estimates that initial shipments could amount to approximately 12 million units in the first half of 2025.

The rumored design features include an OLED display and a single-lens camera, likely leveraging the 48MP sensor already seen in the overall iPhone 16 model lineup. If these features align with market expectations, the iPhone SE 4 could demonstrate Apple’s commitment to balancing performance with affordability.

With mounting excitement surrounding the launch, analysts and consumers alike look toward the event with anticipation, as it symbolizes a pivotal moment for Apple amidst a rapidly evolving tech landscape.