Apple is about to release a significantly upgraded iPhone SE: goodbye Home button, hello A18 chip and Face ID

Apple is about to release a significantly upgraded iPhone SE: goodbye Home button, hello A18 chip and Face IDBloomberg reporter Mark Gurman recently reported that Apple is on the verge of releasing a substantially upgraded iPhone SE, aiming to boost sales and attract more users to the Apple ecosystem through modern improvements. Sources say Apple could announce the new phone as early as next week, with a planned launch later this month

Apple is about to release a significantly upgraded iPhone SE: goodbye Home button, hello A18 chip and Face ID

Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman recently reported that Apple is on the verge of releasing a substantially upgraded iPhone SE, aiming to boost sales and attract more users to the Apple ecosystem through modern improvements. Sources say Apple could announce the new phone as early as next week, with a planned launch later this month. Unlike previous new product launches, Apple will not hold a dedicated event, instead releasing information directly on its website. This upgrade represents a significant overhaul for the iPhone SE, which has seen few notable changes since its 2016 debut.

The current iPhone SE, released in 2022, has a dated design. It's Apple's only remaining iPhone model with a Home button and no Face ID, making it stand out awkwardly in today's smartphone market. The upcoming iPhone SE will feature a design closer to the iPhone 14 and incorporate Apple's advanced Apple Intelligence technology for a significantly enhanced user experience.

Feedback from Apple retail employees also indirectly confirms the urgent need for the new iPhone SE. Apparently, current iPhone SE stock has been tight for several weeks, with some configurations even sold out. While Apple's website still shows some availability, the shipping time for certain versions, such as the 256GB red model, has been pushed back to March. Simultaneously, iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus inventory is also dwindling, suggesting some pressure on Apple's overall phone sales.

It's noteworthy that Apple has stopped selling the current iPhone SE and iPhone 14 in the EU market due to non-compliance with the 2023 USB-C charging standard. The new iPhone SE will feature a USB-C port, meeting EU regulations and allowing re-entry into this crucial market.

Pressure on iPhone business growth is a significant backdrop to the launch of the new iPhone SE. iPhone sales dipped 1% last holiday season, below market expectations, serving as a wake-up call for Apple. Apple hopes this significantly upgraded iPhone SE will boost overall sales and restore market confidence.

Internally codenamed V59, the new iPhone SE will be Apple's first model to feature a self-designed cellular modem chip, breaking free from reliance on Qualcomm's components and marking another major breakthrough in Apple's chip development. The new phone will boast a larger screen, support Face ID facial recognition, and feature the more powerful A18 chip, providing strong computational power for Apple Intelligence. The complete removal of the Home button also marks the iPhone SE's farewell to this classic design element, present since the original iPhone in 2007, fully embracing the all-screen era.

Beyond the iPhone SE upgrade, Apple plans broader adjustments to its iPhone lineup this year. The iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro will receive significant upgrades, and Apple will also introduce an ultra-thin model to cater to the growing market demand for slimmer phones.

The new iPhone SE is expected to launch alongside the PowerBeats Pro 2 earbuds. Reports suggest these earbuds, potentially launching as early as February 11th, will be Apple's first with built-in heart rate monitoring. This hints at Apple potentially incorporating heart rate monitoring into its AirPods line in the future, further enriching the functionality of its wearables.

Beyond the upcoming iPhone SE and PowerBeats Pro 2, Apple's future product plans are extensive. Apple plans to launch a MacBook Air with the M4 chip, a new entry-level iPad, and an upgraded iPad Air in the first half of 2025 to meet the needs of diverse user groups. On the desktop side, Apple will also upgrade its high-end desktop computers this year and introduce a smart home device with a display, further expanding its smart home ecosystem.

In conclusion, the upcoming significantly upgraded iPhone SE represents not only a significant adjustment to Apple's product line but also reflects Apple's proactive strategy in addressing market competition and enhancing product competitiveness. By saying goodbye to the Home button and embracing Face ID and the A18 chip, the new iPhone SE will offer a more modern user experience while maintaining an affordable price point, attracting more users and injecting new momentum into Apple's overall sales growth. Apple's upgrades across other product lines further indicate that the tech giant will continue to maintain its leading position in the tech industry. From the new iPhone SE to future MacBook Airs, iPads, and smart home devices, Apple is gradually building a more comprehensive and robust ecosystem, providing users with more integrated products and services. This is not only a strategic adjustment for Apple but also a profound impact on the entire technology industry. Every Apple product update attracts industry attention and user anticipation, and this iPhone SE upgrade is undoubtedly worth watching. How this new phone will change the market landscape and improve Apple's market share will be a key focus in the coming period. Its success or failure will not only affect Apple's own performance but will also influence the competitive landscape of the entire smartphone market to a certain extent. Therefore, the launch of the new iPhone SE is significant and worth anticipating by both the industry and consumers.

The launch of this new model will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the entire smartphone market. Its pricing strategy, marketing strategy, and ultimate market performance will be closely watched by the industry. The success or failure of the new iPhone SE will also reflect Apple's ability to respond to market competition and its continued investment in product innovation. All this will be proven in the coming period. We look forward to the official launch of this new model and witnessing its impact on the market landscape.