Apple's 2025 H1 Lineup Revealed: iPhone SE 4 Takes Center Stage with A18 Chip

Apple's 2025 H1 Lineup Revealed: iPhone SE 4 Takes Center Stage with A18 ChipDecember 27, 2024 Media reports suggest Apple plans to launch five major new products in the first half of 2025, encompassing almost all its key product lines. The highly anticipated iPhone SE 4 will be a major highlight

Apple's 2025 H1 Lineup Revealed: iPhone SE 4 Takes Center Stage with A18 Chip

December 27, 2024 Media reports suggest Apple plans to launch five major new products in the first half of 2025, encompassing almost all its key product lines. The highly anticipated iPhone SE 4 will be a major highlight. This ambitious release includes the iPhone SE 4, an M4 chip MacBook Air, a screen-equipped HomePod, an iPad 11, and an Apple Watch SE 3, covering personal computers, tablets, smartphones, smart home devices, and wearables. However, the iPhone SE 4 undoubtedly steals the show.

iPhone SE 4: A Balance of Upgrades and Compromises

As one of Apple's most important 2025 H1 releases, the iPhone SE 4 can be considered a single-camera version of the iPhone 14. It boasts a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 1170x2532-pixel resolution, matching the iPhone 14. To manage costs, however, certain design compromises were made. It retains the traditional notch design and features Face ID, but omits the Home button with Touch ID, eliminating fingerprint unlocking. Importantly, the iPhone SE 4 lacks the Dynamic Island feature found in the iPhone 14 Pro series.

Camera improvements are significant. The front camera upgrades to 12MP, and the rear camera is expected to utilize the same 48MP main lens as the iPhone 15/15 Plus, although a wide-angle lens is absent. This reflects Apple's balancing act between cost control and enhanced user experience.

Performance-wise, the iPhone SE 4 will be powered by the A18 chip the same as the upcoming iPhone 16 coupled with 8GB of RAM. It also supports Apple Intelligence, a key competitive advantage. Notably, the iPhone SE 4 will debut Apple's own 5G modem, but it won't support mmWave technology.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted in July that the lack of mmWave support in the next-generation iPhone SE, targeted at the budget market, was logical. He also pointed out that the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air might also forgo mmWave for a slimmer design. This suggests Apple may compromise on certain features in specific product lines to achieve more competitive pricing or thinner form factors.

Other New Products: A Comprehensive Apple Ecosystem

Beyond the iPhone SE 4, four other significant products are expected. The M4 chip MacBook Air promises enhanced performance and smoother operation. The screen-equipped HomePod will further refine Apple's smart home ecosystem, offering a more convenient and intelligent home experience. Updates to the iPad 11 and Apple Watch SE 3 will provide improved tablet and smartwatch experiences.

These releases will consolidate Apple's leadership across various product sectors and offer consumers wider choices. From the performance boost of the M4 chip MacBook Air to the camera upgrade of the iPhone SE 4 and the expanded smart home capabilities of the screen-equipped HomePod, Apple seems well-prepared for the first half of 2025.

iPhone SE 4 and Market Positioning: A Precise Strike

The iPhone SE series has always appealed to consumers with its affordable price and powerful performance. The iPhone SE 4 will undoubtedly strengthen Apple's competitiveness in the mid-to-low-end market. While making compromises like omitting the ultra-wide lens and mmWave support compared to high-end flagships, it remains a highly cost-effective device. For users on a budget who desire the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone SE 4 could be the perfect choice.

In conclusion, Apple's planned five product releases in the first half of 2025 demonstrate its strategic layout and innovation across various product lines. The iPhone SE 4's launch injects new energy into Apple's mid-to-low-end market. Successfully balancing upgrades and cost control, it is poised for market success. Although certain high-end features are absent, its powerful A18 chip and Apple's own 5G modem give it strong competitive advantages, attracting significant consumer interest. With these five products, Apple aims to showcase its continued pursuit of technological innovation and precise understanding of market demand in the first half of 2025, undoubtedly generating considerable attention and profoundly impacting the competitive landscape.