Apple has officially announced a product launch event for February 19, and there is a lot of speculation about what's coming. With CEO Tim Cook teasing the arrival of the "newest member of the family" and a cryptic Apple logo inside a circle, expectations are high. Here's what we know so far.
iPhone SE 4 or iPhone 16E: A Major Redesign?
I expect that the biggest reveal at this event will be the new entry-level iPhone. While initially it was thought to be the iPhone SE 4, some rumors suggest Apple could rename it as the iPhone 16E, aligning it with the iPhone 16 series.
Expected Features:
- Larger 6.1-inch OLED display (compared to the 4.7-inch LCD on the previous SE)
- USB-C port, replacing the Lightning connector
- Face ID instead of Touch ID, eliminating the home button
- Action Button, replacing the mute switch
- A18 chip with 8GB RAM, supporting Apple Intelligence features
- 48MP camera sensor, allowing for a 2x telephoto zoom
- Improved battery life with a 40% capacity increase
- Apple’s first in-house 5G modem, enhancing efficiency and reducing power consumption
If Apple really ditches the "SE" branding and positions the upcoming iPhone as a lower-end model in the 16 series, it could be a significant shift in Apple's product strategy.
New iPads: iPad Air and Entry-Level iPad Refresh
We can also expect Apple to launch new iPad Air models—likely in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes. According to AppleTrack, Apple could skip the M3 chip and go straight to M4, improving the performance greatly.
While the iPad Air isn't the only iPad just around the corner, Apple may also introduce a new entry-level iPad. This new iPad will come with an A16 Bionic or A17 Pro chip and will support Apple Intelligence, bringing AI features into the most affordable iPad for the first time.
A new Magic Keyboard is also rumored to come designed specifically for the iPad Air. It's expected to offer a function row and more premium materials.
MacBook Air Refresh: M4-Powered Performance
MacBook Air models in 13-inch and 15-inch sizes are due for an update, and Apple could introduce them at this event. An M4 upgrade offering improved power efficiency and support for two external displays is expected to be the main modification. There could also be additional support for Thunderbolt 5 ports, offering faster data transfer speeds.
Apple’s Smart Home Hub: A Surprise Teaser?
There's a chance Apple could tease its first-ever smart home hub, which is said to have a 6-7 inch display, an A18 chip, and deep Apple Intelligence integration. The device is expected to act as a HomeKit control center, facilitating FaceTime calls and smart home management. While the device isn't expected to launch until late 2025, an early preview may be possible.
AirTag 2: Unlikely, but Possible
Some speculate the circular design in Apple's teaser hints at a new AirTag. However, we may not see this updated AirTag launch until mid-2025. When it does arrive, it should have enhanced range, Vision Pro integration, and a better anti-stalking mechanism.
The February 19 event is shaping up to be one of Apple's most significant mid-cycle product drops. The focus seems to be on a budget-friendly iPhone with major upgrades, along with new iPads and MacBook Air models.
Stay tuned for more updates!