S Poddar
Apple enthusiasts need not wait for much longer because the tech behemoth is getting ready to unveil a highly anticipated device. The company, which has been long-rumored to do so, will soon launch an iPhone SE refresh since 2022 within the upcoming week. This timeline indicates that we are nearer than ever to being aware of when the new gadget will officially make it to the market. The confirmation is provided by none other than Apple itself, in a teaser post on X by CEO Tim Cook.
In the cryptic message, Cook said, “Get ready to meet the newest member of the family. Wednesday, February 19.” The post does not directly mention the iPhone SE 4, but most think that this is Apple’s long-awaited launch of its affordable smartphone.
Apple has a run of product reveals scheduled for this week, writes Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. He added, “On Wednesday, it introduced its Apple TV+ service on Android phones for the first time. Earlier this week, Apple’s Beats business released the Powerbeats Pro 2 with heart-rate tracking. The firm also has sent media to be briefed on news about its Vision Pro headset on Friday.”
This implies Apple is rolling out big updates and new hardware strategically, which is paving the way for possibly a really exciting unveiling.
Gurman initially estimated that Apple would introduce iPhone SE 4 during the February 10 week. However, he revised it to the starting week of February 17 after Apple recently put up a post. While to some, the change could reflect a delay, there are pointers that this was the plan by the company from the very start and not some last-minute realization.
What is especially intriguing about Apple’s teaser is the intentional not mentioning of the product name. Some analysts indicate that this may imply Apple might be planning a rebranding of the SE series, which initially launched in 2016. Gurman hypothesized this, saying, “The ‘newest member of the family’ remark by Cook implies Apple may be set to rebrand the iPhone SE.
The teaser image in the post that is being shared is an Apple logo with liquid metal look. Although some would speculate that the announcement might have something to do with another product, like an iPad or a MacBook, there is a large consensus that the company is planning to launch a new iPhone. Based on the past trends of Apple, the timing is as per the earlier iPhone SE releases.
Assuming this is in fact the iPhone SE 4, here is a likely release timeline for it:
Wednesday, February 19: iPhone SE Unveiling
Although Apple is famous for big launch events, there is no suggestion that such an event will be held for this announcement. Usually, if there were going to be an event, invitations would have already been distributed. Instead, Apple will probably announce the product in a post on its Newsroom website. Assuming past patterns continue, the announcement should go live at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, 1 p.m. Eastern Time, or 6 p.m. U.K. time.
Friday, February 21: iPhone SE Pre-Orders Open
Apple customarily opens pre-orders shortly after a product release. As the unveiling is scheduled for February 19, pre-sales may start as early as February 21.
Tuesday, February 26 or Wednesday, February 27: Reviews Emerge
Product reviews typically begin to appear after the embargo period, providing tech enthusiasts and consumers with a first-hand experience of the new phone. Going by past launches, iPhone SE 4 reviews might begin to come out on February 26 or 27.
Friday, February 28: iPhone SE Official Release
If all stays on schedule at Apple, the new iPhone SE will be on the shelves officially on February 28. Retailers and online shops should start selling the device, and early pre-orders will start reaching the hands of people who had made them earlier.
With everyone eagerly waiting, everyone is left wondering what the new iPhone SE has in store for us. Will it continue the old look and feel as with earlier versions, or will Apple come up with a new look? Rumors are that it could take on the form factor of the iPhone XR with a big screen, Face ID, and enhanced internals. Pricing is also an area that will be of interest. Apple has long placed the SE series at a price point below its flagships, so it will be interesting to see how much the new device will cost.
Another significant consideration is Apple’s strategy with the processor. If the firm incorporates a newer chip, like the A16 or A17 Bionic, it would provide a huge performance increase. Improvements in battery life and camera capabilities are also anticipated, making the phone an attractive choice for consumers seeking an affordable yet capable iPhone.
Apple releasing this update early in 2025 fits into its plan of having a budget-oriented model in its offering. As more information comes out, the anticipation will continue to build, and potential consumers will be eager to know if the new model meets the hype.
For would-be upgraders, all attention is now focused on February 19, when Apple will formally lift the veil on its latest work. If any new information surfaces, it will be updated.
