Abdelrahman
Last updated on February 15, detailing upcoming releases, implications for sales, and insights from industry experts.
In less than a week, Apple is expected to reveal the first update to the iPhone SE since 2022, allowing us to pinpoint its launch date with greater certainty. This reliable information stems from a post on X by Apple CEO Tim Cook. A comprehensive timeline of the anticipated events is provided at the conclusion of this article. Additionally, a respected industry analyst has shared insights on the potential impact of the new iPhone on sales.
Could this hint at the iPhone SE 4?
Apple
Tim Cook recently teased on X, stating, “Prepare for the arrival of our newest family member. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, February 19.”
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman noted that the announcement will coincide with a series of product updates this week. He remarked, “On Wednesday, Apple launched its Apple TV+ service on Android devices for the first time. Earlier this week, the Beats division introduced the Powerbeats Pro 2 featuring heart-rate monitoring. The media has also been invited to a briefing regarding news related to the Vision Pro headset on Friday.”
Meanwhile, reputable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo from TFI Securities commented on X about the expected significant influence of the new device on iPhone sales, stating, “iPhone SE4 shipments in the first and second halves of 2025 are projected at approximately 12 million and 10 million respectively, slightly exceeding earlier SE models, with projected annual shipments approaching 20 million post-launch. This model is expected to mitigate seasonal shipment declines and facilitate broader adoption of devices supporting Apple Intelligence.”
Kuo continued, emphasizing the importance of Apple’s proprietary modem technology, adding, “Following the release of this device, Qualcomm plans to reassess its modem patents, believing there may be an opportunity to reclaim some patent licensing fees, potentially offsetting losses from canceled orders.”
While the development of an in-house modem has been speculated for some time, Kuo’s insights are particularly engaging. Gurman echoed the significance of Apple Intelligence while asserting that the new phone might resemble the iPhone 14, making it the first SE to include a larger display and Face ID. He noted, “It will also feature Apple Intelligence along with the A18 chip, currently found in the iPhone 16.”
Previously, Gurman speculated that the iPhone SE 4 would debut during the week of February 10, but he later revised this to the week commencing February 17, which now seems accurate.
It’s likely that this was Apple’s intended timeline all along, and it does not reflect any delays or shifts in their strategy.
Notably, there has been no explicit confirmation regarding the name of the iPhone SE 4, which could indicate a potential rebranding. Gurman suggested, “Cook’s mention of a ‘newest family member’ implies Apple might consider renaming the iPhone SE, which was first released in 2016.”
Possible new names like iPhone 16E have surfaced, which would mark a significant departure from the iPhone SE branding. Considering that this could be the first budget-friendly iPhone with a unique design, such a change seems plausible.
It’s also anticipated that the next iteration will phase out the existing iPhone SE, meaning the end of Touch ID as well. This would mark the first time since the original iPhone’s launch in 2007 that there will be no iPhone featuring a front Home button. A hallmark of the device for nearly 18 years will be retired soon.
The anticipation builds with an Apple logo featuring a liquid metal aesthetic. While it could hint at an iPad or MacBook, I am confident it points to the new iPhone.
Here’s the expected timeline leading to the iPhone’s release:
February 19: iPhone SE Announcement
As far as we know, there is no formal event planned, and if there were, invitations would likely have been issued before Cook’s announcement. There’s no specific time set for the unveiling, although 10 a.m. Pacific, 1 p.m. Eastern, or 6 p.m. GMT are common slots for such announcements.
We’ll finally learn about the phone’s appearance, its name, and its price, likely via a post on Apple’s Newsroom.
February 21: iPhone SE Pre-Sales Begin
I anticipate that pre-sales for the iPhone SE will commence early on this Friday.
February 26 or February 27: Reviews Released
Product reviews for the iPhone SE are expected to start appearing once the embargo is lifted.
February 28: Official iPhone SE Launch
This is anticipated to be the highlight of the week.
Should any updates arise, I will revise this post accordingly.
