Apple is gearing up for its first product launch of 2025, and it could arrive as soon as February 11. According to a report from Bloomberg, the tech giant is expected to introduce a new generation of its budget-friendly iPhone SE, alongside the highly anticipated PowerBeats Pro 2 wireless earbuds. While Apple has yet to issue invitations for an official event—whether virtual or in-person—the announcement is expected to be a lower-profile affair compared to the company’s typical grand unveilings.
A New Era for the iPhone SE
If Apple follows through with this release, the fourth-generation iPhone SE will mark a major step forward for the company’s most affordable handset. The last iteration of the SE series launched in 2022 as part of the broader iPhone 13 lineup, featuring a $429 price tag and a design reminiscent of the iPhone 8, complete with a Touch ID fingerprint scanner. However, that model has since been discontinued in the European Union due to its use of the Lightning port, which failed to meet the bloc’s Common Charger Directive.
The upcoming iPhone SE will almost certainly feature a USB-C port, aligning it with Apple’s broader transition away from Lightning. Reports suggest the device will take design cues from the iPhone 14 series, signaling the end of the Touch ID home button in favor of Face ID biometrics. This shift would bring the SE in line with Apple’s modern design language while enhancing security and usability.
Apple Intelligence and a Custom-Built Modem?
One of the most intriguing rumors surrounding the fourth-generation iPhone SE is its potential compatibility with Apple Intelligence, the company’s ambitious foray into generative AI. If true, the SE would join the iPhone 16 lineup and the iPhone 15 Pro as one of the select models equipped to leverage Apple’s AI-powered features.
Additionally, the device could mark a significant milestone in Apple’s ongoing efforts to reduce its reliance on third-party chip manufacturers. Reports indicate the new SE might be the first iPhone to feature an Apple-designed in-house modem, a move that would lessen the company’s dependence on Qualcomm. This could have long-term implications for Apple’s control over its hardware ecosystem, enabling deeper optimization between its chips and software.
Global Strategy: Apple Eyes China and India
While the iPhone SE has always been popular among budget-conscious consumers, Apple is particularly targeting China and India—currently the world’s first and second-largest smartphone markets, respectively. The company has long viewed China as a crucial market, but recent earnings reports have painted a challenging picture. Apple revealed an 11% year-over-year decline in iPhone sales in China, a drop attributed in part to the resurgence of domestic competitors like Huawei.
Another factor limiting Apple’s reach in China is the unavailability of Apple Intelligence in the country. With generative AI playing an increasing role in smartphone differentiation, Apple faces hurdles in competing against Chinese brands that have integrated localized AI solutions. Still, an affordable iPhone SE could provide a much-needed boost to Apple’s sales figures in these key regions.
PowerBeats Pro 2: The Next Evolution in Fitness Audio
Alongside the new iPhone SE, Apple is expected to introduce the PowerBeats Pro 2, the successor to its popular fitness-focused wireless earbuds. The original PowerBeats Pro debuted nearly six years ago, and this refresh is long overdue. If rumors hold true, the new model will be the first Apple-branded headphones to include built-in heart rate tracking, further expanding Apple’s footprint in the wearable health market beyond the Apple Watch.
This feature could position the PowerBeats Pro 2 as a must-have accessory for fitness enthusiasts, offering real-time health insights without the need for a smartwatch. With Apple increasingly emphasizing health and wellness as a core component of its ecosystem, these earbuds could be a strategic addition to its growing portfolio of smart wearables.
What’s Next for Apple in 2025?
While the February 11 event is expected to focus solely on the iPhone SE and PowerBeats Pro 2, Apple has a busy year ahead. The company is reportedly preparing to launch M4-powered updates to the MacBook Air and iPad Air later this year, bringing significant performance enhancements to its lineup of ultra-thin laptops and tablets.
Additionally, Apple is rumored to be working on an entirely new smart home product—a home hub equipped with a display. Speculation suggests this device could be Apple’s first step into consumer robotics, a move that would set the stage for future advancements in AI-driven home automation.
However, none of these upcoming products are expected to debut at the February 11 event. Instead, Apple appears to be kicking off 2025 with a focus on affordability and fitness, appealing to both cost-conscious consumers and health-focused tech users alike.
Final Thoughts
If the rumors are accurate, Apple’s first product launch of 2025 could set the tone for the rest of the year. A refreshed iPhone SE with modern design elements, Apple Intelligence compatibility, and possibly an in-house modem could make it one of the most compelling budget smartphones in Apple’s history. Meanwhile, the PowerBeats Pro 2’s potential health-tracking capabilities could help solidify Apple’s leadership in the wearable tech space.
As February 11 approaches, all eyes will be on Apple to see whether these highly anticipated products will live up to expectations. Whether this launch is a small-scale announcement or a larger reveal, it could mark the beginning of a transformative year for the tech giant.
