Apple Set to Unveil New iPhone SE Amid Market Speculation
Cupertino, Monday, 17 February 2025.
Scheduled for February 19, 2025, Apple plans to launch its new iPhone SE, featuring a 6.1-inch OLED display, USB-C, and advanced camera technology, capturing significant attention in tech circles.
Market Impact and Analyst Expectations
Apple Inc. (AAPL) is generating significant market interest ahead of its Wednesday product launch. Morgan Stanley maintains an ‘overweight’ rating with a $275 price target [4], reflecting strong analyst confidence. The anticipated iPhone SE 4 is expected to be priced at $499 [4], positioning it as an attractive entry-level option in Apple’s smartphone lineup. Currently, nine out of 16 analysts tracking Apple maintain a ‘buy’ or equivalent rating [4], suggesting positive market sentiment for the company’s strategic direction.
Technical Specifications and Features
The new iPhone SE 4 represents a significant upgrade from its predecessor, featuring a 6.1-inch OLED display and transitioning to USB-C compatibility [1][2]. The device will incorporate Face ID technology, replacing the traditional Touch ID system, and will be powered by the latest A18 chip with 8GB of RAM [2]. A notable improvement is the 48MP rear camera system, complemented by a 12MP front-facing camera [2], marking substantial advancement in the SE line’s imaging capabilities.
Strategic Timing and Market Context
CEO Tim Cook announced the launch through social media on February 13, 2025 [1][4], strategically positioning this as Apple’s first major product launch of 2025. The timing coincides with recent developments in Apple’s AI strategy, particularly following the announcement of a partnership with Alibaba to bring AI features to iPhones in China [4]. This launch also comes at a time when Apple’s stock has shown strong performance, having gained approximately one-third of its value over the past twelve months [4].
Broader Product Ecosystem Updates
While the iPhone SE 4 takes center stage, Apple is also preparing several other significant product updates. These include a refreshed MacBook Air featuring the M4 chip, an 11th generation iPad with the A17 Pro chip, and an updated iPad Air with M3 technology [1][2]. However, some anticipated products face delays, including the new smart home hub ‘HomePad’ which has been pushed beyond its initial March 2025 timeline [1].