What to Expect From the 'Apple Launch' Next Week

Apple has yet to announce any new devices this year, but that could change starting next week.

apple launch feb 2025 alt
Apple CEO Tim Cook today said to "get ready" for a "launch" on Wednesday, February 19.

"Get ready to meet the newest member of the family," said Cook, in a social media post. The post includes an #AppleLaunch hashtag, along with a short video featuring an animated Apple logo inside of a circle. No other details were provided.

So, what can we expect? We outline some possibilities below.

New iPhone SE or iPhone 16E

iPhone SE 4 Thumb 1
The most likely possibility seems to be a new entry-level iPhone SE. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman already said a new iPhone SE was coming by next week, prior to Apple's teaser, and he has since doubled down on his claim.

"Tim Cook teases the new iPhone SE," he said, in a social media post today.

The new iPhone SE is rumored to feature a larger screen than the current model, a USB-C port, Apple Intelligence support, and more.

Another rumored name for the next iPhone SE is iPhone 16E, which would be the so-called "newest member" of the iPhone 16 family.

New MacBook Air and iPads

macbook air blue image
New models of the MacBook Air, iPad Air, and entry-level iPad are "coming soon," according to Gurman. He said MacBook Air and iPad Air inventory is running low at many of Apple's stores. It is unclear if any of these devices will be announced next week, though, with Gurman seemingly suggesting they are coming a little bit later.

Newer chips are expected for these devices, including the M4 chip for the MacBook Air, the M3 chip for the iPad Air, and either the A16 Bionic chip or A17 Pro chip for the entry-level iPad 11. No other significant changes have been rumored.

Smart Home Hub

Apple AI Command Center Concept Mock 1 TextlessA made-up concept of an Apple smart home hub

Apple's rumored smart home hub is not expected to enter mass production until the second half of 2025, but what if Apple surprises us with an early preview next week? Many all-new Apple product categories were previewed months prior to an actual launch, including the original iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, HomePod, and more.

The home hub is expected to resemble a HomePod with a screen, with rumored features including a 6-inch or 7-inch display, an A18 chip, and Apple Intelligence support. Gurman said it can be attached to a tabletop base with a speaker, or mounted on a wall.

Gurman previously said the home hub will be "Apple's most significant release of the year," as it represents the company's "first step toward a bigger role in the smart home." He said the device will be like a "smaller and cheaper iPad" that lets users "control appliances, conduct FaceTime chats, and handle other tasks."

AirTag 2

airtag purple prime day
The circle around the animated Apple logo in Cook's post has fueled online speculation about an AirTag 2 announcement next week. This is entirely based on the fact that the current AirTag, announced in April 2021, has a circular design.

Gurman is skeptical about an AirTag 2 next week, though.

"Lots of folks pointing out the circular design and think it's an AirTag," he said. "There is a new one coming this year. But Tim isn't going to put out a teaser for a new $29 accessory. He would for a major new low end iPhone though."

Gurman previously said the AirTag 2 will be released around the midpoint of 2025.

Rumored features for the next AirTag include a more tamper-proof speaker to reduce stalking, a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip with up to 3× longer range for item tracking, and improved integration with the Apple Vision Pro headset.

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Top Rated Comments

Spock Avatar
7 months ago
I am expecting disappointment.
Score: 52 Votes (Like | Disagree)
antonrg Avatar
7 months ago
I think it’s the home hub. The rest would be the updates of the already-existing members of the Apple family
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ATmahe Avatar
7 months ago
A new microfiber!!!
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bcomer Avatar
7 months ago
A new Mac Studio would be nice.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
alchemistmuffin Avatar
7 months ago

Get ready to meet the newest member of the family," said Cook, in a social media post. The post includes an #AppleLaunch hashtag, along with a short video featuring an animated Apple logo inside of a circle. No other details were provided.

So, what can we expect?
Well first off, let’s gets this out of the way, from what I heard from my Apple friend (who shall remain anonymous so don’t bother asking about source): Spring Apple Event has been cancelled outright. The first Apple event of 2025 won’t be till WWDC. Reason being economic uncertainty with all the tariffs, and also growing tension within Apple recently politically, which is forcing one well known executive to potentially retiring soon in protest. (And he’s an important one, he runs the App Store. I’ll let you take the guess). In the end, Apple felt it would be inappropriate to film an event at this time. So all spring releases will be press release only.

Second: the products will all be announced in one week period, just like how Macs were done in fall. So expect three days worth of announcements. Day 1 will be iPhone SE and new AirTags. Day 2 will be MacBook Air with M4 chip. And finally Day 3 will be iPad with A17 Pro and iPad Air with M4 chip. (They are skipping M3 on iPad Air, Apple wants to be done with M3 chips altogether as soon as possible).

Third: all of the product announced will be available within a week in store. Apple already have supplies ready to ship out from factories to distribution centers.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
abatabia Avatar
7 months ago
I think it’s the new 16E.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)