2025 is set to be a transformative year for Apple, with the company gearing up for the launch of several eagerly anticipated hardware updates. Among these is the much-awaited iPhone SE 4, poised for release around March, which is reported to incorporate powerful new features aimed at making it the best budget iPhone yet. It will include the cutting-edge A18 chip, Apple Intelligence support, and enhanced imaging with a 48-megapixel main camera.
The current iPhone SE has remained largely unchanged since its last update two years ago, but this new version will adopt the design features of the iPhone 14, scrapping the outdated look and introducing modern enhancements such as Face ID and USB-C charging. Besides this, Apple is expected to push the price slightly higher, possibly to $499, reflecting the improvements.
Following the trend of renewed product releases, Apple's AirTag 2 is also on the horizon, with updates expected mid-year. The device, last updated in 2021, will reportedly offer improved range, an enhanced wireless chip, and added privacy protections, addressing user concerns from previous iterations.
The HomePod mini, launched back in 2020, will also see its second version released later this year. Although details remain sparse, there are hopes for integrated Apple Intelligence support, which could significantly boost home automation capabilities.
Passengers on the Apple train can also look forward to the AirPods Pro 3, expected to launch this September. While software updates have frequently improved the current AirPods Pro, this generation will bring hardware redesign alongside new features like improved noise cancellation and potentially the first-ever H3 chip, setting the bar even higher for audio quality.
Another product getting attention is the Apple Watch SE 3, anticipated to share some capabilities with the latest models, such as upgraded health sensors and possibly more integration with the Apple Health ecosystem.
Rounding off the updates from Apple, the new Apple TV 4K is expected to arrive around October, offering consumers significant enhancements like faster processing and Apple's new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies. This leads to speculation about future software updates meant to intertwine tvOS with other Apple services more seamlessly.
Mark Gurman hinted at these releases, noting, "Apple's product updates are strategic, with each iteration aiming to keep users engaged and satisfied." This strategy mirrors how Apple has historically staggered product launches to maintain market interest.
For consumers eagerly evaluating their options, deciding whether to go for the immediately available iPhone SE 4 or to hold out for the iPhone 17 could be tricky, as Apple has consistently offered upgraded technology each fall. The anticipated iPhone 17 launch promises to deliver enhancements like the new A19 chip and potentially improved camera capabilities. With the question of whether to invest now or wait, many will have to weigh their options carefully.
For those on the fringe of deciding or waiting, Philip Michaels, Managing Editor at Tom's Guide, posits, "More options are arriving, and consumers don’t have to feel pressured to make hasty decisions. With these various products launching throughout 2025, patience may well reward them with the right choice." Customers upgrading to the iPhone SE 4 have the opportunity to access Apple Intelligence features at significantly lower prices, making it attractive.
The year 2025 looks promising for Apple enthusiasts, presenting opportunities for upgrades across the board. With devices interlinking various ecosystems of Apple technologies becoming the norm, consumers are certainly intrigued. Upcoming product announcements and specifications will likely keep the excitement bubbling as launch dates approach.