February 7, 2025 – According to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is poised to unveil a significantly upgraded version of the iPhone SE, aiming to drive sales growth and attract more users to switch from other brands.
Gurman, citing informed sources, stated that Apple could announce the new device as early as next week, with plans to make it available later this month. Instead of holding a dedicated event, Apple intends to reveal the details directly on its official website.
This upgrade marks a major overhaul for the iPhone SE since its introduction in 2016. The current model, released in 2022, sports a dated design as the only iPhone still featuring a Home button and not supporting Face ID. The new version is expected to adopt a design closer to the iPhone 14 and will be equipped with Apple Intelligence.
Some Apple retail employees have noticed that the inventory of the current iPhone SE has been tight for several weeks, with certain configurations even out of stock. While the iPhone SE remains available on Apple’s website, certain versions, such as the 256GB red model, have been delayed until March for shipping. Additionally, the stock of iPhone 14 and 14 Plus is also dwindling.
Previously, it was reported that Apple had stopped selling the current iPhone SE and iPhone 14 in the European Union due to their incompatibility with the USB-C charging standard implemented in 2023. However, the new iPhone SE is expected to come with a USB-C port, making it compliant with EU regulations and allowing it to return to the market.
The iPhone business is facing growth pressure, as sales of the iPhone declined by 1% during last year’s holiday season, missing market expectations. Apple is pinning its hopes on the new iPhone SE to boost overall sales.
Internally known as V59, the new iPhone SE will be Apple’s first model to feature a self-developed cellular baseband chip, replacing the existing components from Qualcomm. The device will sport a larger screen, support Face ID, and be powered by the A18 chip to enhance performance and support Apple Intelligence. Furthermore, with the complete removal of the Home button, the iPhone SE will officially bid farewell to this iconic design that has been a part of its identity since 2007.
Apple also plans to make more significant adjustments to its iPhone lineup this year. The iPhone 17 and 17 Pro are expected to receive important upgrades, while a slim model will be introduced to align with industry trends.
The iPhone SE is anticipated to be released simultaneously with the PowerBeats Pro 2 headphones. Reports suggest that these headphones could be unveiled as early as February 11th and will become Apple’s first headphones with a built-in heart rate monitoring function. In the future, Apple intends to introduce this feature to its AirPods as well.
Beyond the iPhone, Apple has additional product launches planned for the first half of 2025. These include a MacBook Air powered by the M4 chip, a new entry-level iPad, and an upgraded iPad Air. This year, Apple will also refresh its high-end desktops and introduce a smart home device with a display.
