According to reports, the release is likely to be the long-awaited iPhone SE 4
The consumer tech market is bracing for a new product unveiling from Apple today (NASDAQ: AAPL) after CEO Tim Cook confirmed the forthcoming launch last week.
“Get ready to meet the newest member of the family. Wednesday, February 19. #AppleLaunch,” Cook posted on X. The post was accompanied by a short, animated video of an Apple logo with water flowing over it.
Cook’s post has prompted widespread speculation on the new product, with the most popular theory being the much-anticipated iPhone SE 4.
Anticipation for the SE 4 has been mounting for several weeks, with Bloomberg reporting on February 6 that the overhaul of the budget iPhone would be unveiled “in the coming days”.
Rumored for more than two years, the SE 4 would offer a long-awaited update to Apple’s budget line of iPhones, with an array of chip, software, camera, and display improvements likely.
According to Bloomberg’s reporting, the new model will “resemble the iPhone 14”, with Face ID and a larger screen both expected, marking the end of the iPhone’s iconic home button.
The report also claims that the new model will boast Apple Intelligence and the iPhone 16’s A18 chip.
However, some contrasting reports have emerged, with blogger Majin Bu claiming that Apple is set to rebrand the ‘SE’ line as the ‘E’ line, meaning the new model would be launched as the ‘iPhone 16E’.
This could be significant for the new device’s price point, with Apple potentially wanting its budget range to be more closely associated with its premium models.
The third generation of the iPhone SE originally launched at $429 in 2022. The iPhone 14 range, released in the same year, started at $799.
Should AAPL Holders Expect Gains?
Apple shares were up slightly (around 0.3%) in early morning trading as traders anticipated the launch.
Apple shareholders have historically seen notable value increases on the back of major product unveilings. For instance, the launch of the Apple Watch in 2015 saw the company’s stock price increase by around 15% in the months following.
Substantial upticks were also seen following the launch of the iPad in 2010 and the iPhone 6 in 2014.
Of course, this has not been the case for every Apple product launch, and it should be noted that two of the examples above were first-generation products that would ultimately bear a huge influence on the wider tech landscape.
However, in this instance, Apple may be about to overhaul the iPhone SE series completely, posing a major challenge to competitors by launching a more premium device with an affordable price tag. With that in mind, share prices could certainly be set to benefit.
Moreover, it’s a big year for Apple product launches. The tech giant has already released a major new product this month, unveiling the PowerBeats Pro 2.
The core iPhone lineup will also be shaken up this year. While the flagship series is expected to receive its usual makeover, Apple will also unveil an ultra-thin version of the device for the first time.
Some new non-mobile devices are expected too, including a new MacBook Air sporting the latest M4 chip, and a new low-cost iPad model.
Taking all of this into account, Apple’s share price could certainly be poised for substantial growth in 2025.
