Apple to launch new iPhone SE and iPad Air in early 2025

Apple is reportedly preparing to announce the launch of the much-awaited iPhone SE (fourth generation) early next year along with the upgraded iPad Air.

The new low-end iPhone SE has been tipped to launch between March and April 2025. This will mark the first update to the model since 2022, when Apple added 5G capability to the device. With this upgrade, Apple will move away from the old home button design and transition to an edge-to-edge screen.

Rumors suggest that the device could feature the iPhone 14 body and the Dynamic Island, giving it a more modern look. However, unlike the original iPhone 14, the iPhone SE is said to have a single 48MP rear camera.

It is expected to run on the new A18 processor used in the base iPhone 16 models, allowing it to support Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI tools.

The current SE more closely resembles the iPhone 8, the last standard version to include a home button.

The current model costs ₹47,600, which is less than the standard iPhone but more expensive than many of its rivals. Modernizing the SE so it looks more like its higher-end siblings should help entice budget-minded shoppers and potentially win back market share.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is also aiming to manufacture new iPad Air models and keyboards for release around the same time.

The new iPad Air models — codenamed J607 and J637 — will focus on internal improvements. Apple is also preparing an updated version of its Magic Keyboard accessory, codenamed R307 and R308, for both the 11-inch and 13-inch versions of the new Air. These will bring some of the features of the iPad Pro keyboard down-market.

Earlier this year, Apple updated the Air lineup with an M2 chip and added the 13-inch screen option. A new iPad mini — codenamed J410 — is coming too, potentially by the end of 2024.

A revamped version of the iPad Pro was released at the same time as this year’s iPad Air, but that higher-end device includes an M4 processor that has yet to come to other models. That means an update is less urgent given the chip is already a generation ahead.

Beyond the new iPhone SE and iPads, Apple is also refreshing its Mac computer lineup. Updated models this year will include a revamped Mac mini as well as updated MacBook Pros and iMacs. They’ll sport the M4 processor and highlight Apple Intelligence features. The M4 chip will come to the MacBook Air, Mac Studio and Mac Pro in 2025.

(With inputs from Bloomberg)

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