Apple Inc. is poised to expand its product lineup early next year, following the recent release of the iPhone 16. The tech giant is reportedly gearing up to unveil a new entry-level smartphone, along with upgraded iPad models, which will enhance its offerings in the budget segment.
According to sources familiar with the situation, Apple is nearing production of an updated iPhone SE, internally referred to as V59. This new model is expected to be the company’s latest entry-level device, appealing to a segment of consumers looking for affordability without sacrificing essential features.
This upcoming release marks the first significant refresh of the iPhone SE since 2022, when Apple introduced 5G capabilities. With the new model, Apple plans to move away from the traditional home button design, opting instead for a modern edge-to-edge display that aligns more closely with its higher-end smartphones.
The redesign of the SE is crucial for Apple as it competes in the fiercely contested low-end smartphone market, particularly against a slew of Android devices in regions like China. The current iPhone SE retails for $429, which places it at a competitive disadvantage against many rivals, despite being more affordable than the standard iPhone models.
By modernizing the SE’s appearance to mirror that of its premium counterparts, Apple aims to attract budget-conscious consumers and regain market share that has been encroached upon by brands such as Huawei and Xiaomi. This strategic shift could significantly impact Apple’s presence in the budget smartphone sector.
The new SE is expected to integrate Apple Intelligence, a forthcoming suite of AI tools designed to enhance user experience across devices, including the iPhone 16 and last year’s premium iPhone 15 models. The design will likely draw inspiration from the iPhone 14, featuring a notch cutout at the top, whereas the current SE model resembles the older iPhone 8.
As of now, an Apple spokesperson has declined to comment on these developments, leaving much speculation around the exact specifications and features of the upcoming devices.
In addition to the new iPhone SE, Apple is also working on refreshing its iPad Air lineup, with new models designated as J607 and J637. These versions will emphasize internal enhancements rather than drastic design changes. Alongside the iPads, an updated version of the Magic Keyboard accessory, identified by codenames R307 and R308, is in the pipeline for both the 11-inch and 13-inch models.
Earlier this year, Apple introduced an updated iPad Air featuring the M2 chip and a new 13-inch display option. Additionally, a new iPad mini, codenamed J410, is expected to launch, possibly by the end of 2024, further diversifying Apple’s tablet offerings.
While a revamped iPad Pro was released concurrently with this year’s iPad Air, it featured the M4 processor, which has not yet been integrated into other models. This means that an update for the iPad Pro is less urgent, as it already boasts advanced processing capabilities.
Beyond smartphones and tablets, Apple is also refreshing its Mac computer lineup. This year’s updates include a revamped Mac mini, alongside updated MacBook Pros and iMacs, all of which will incorporate the M4 processor and showcase the new Apple Intelligence features.
Looking ahead, the M4 chip is slated to appear in the MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro by 2025, indicating that Apple is strategically planning its hardware advancements across its entire ecosystem.
In summary, with the anticipated release of the new iPhone SE and refreshed iPads, Apple is positioning itself to strengthen its presence in the budget and mid-range markets. These updates reflect the company’s commitment to maintaining competitiveness while embracing modern technology and design trends.
