Apple CEO Tim Cook teases new product launch on February 19th, iPhone SE 4 likely to be unveiled

Apple CEO Tim Cook has stirred excitement by hinting at a major product reveal on February 19. His post on X suggested that a new addition to Apple’s lineup is on the way, and all signs point to the much-anticipated iPhone SE 4. Designed to revamp Apple’s budget-friendly iPhone range, this new model aims to attract Android users looking for an affordable way into the Apple ecosystem.

While Apple hasn’t officially confirmed the device, industry insiders and leaks have painted a fairly detailed picture of what to expect. Here’s what the rumour mill is saying about the upcoming iPhone SE 4, also speculated to be called the iPhone 16E.

Get ready to meet the newest member of the family.

Wednesday, February 19. #AppleLaunch pic.twitter.com/0ML0NfMedu

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) February 13, 2025

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A modern design

Apple appears to be ditching the outdated design of the current iPhone SE in favour of a more modern look. The new model is expected to sport a 6.1-inch OLED display, a major leap from the previous LCD screens. This change would bring deeper blacks, improved contrast, and better overall image quality.

The design itself is rumoured to resemble the iPhone 14, featuring flat edges and possibly even a notch, meaning Face ID will likely replace the classic Touch ID fingerprint scanner. This shift would mark the end of the physical Home button in Apple’s SE series, making the budget iPhone feel more in line with its premium counterparts.

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Power-packed specs and a solid camera upgrade

Under the hood, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to come with Apple’s A18 chip, the same processor that will power the upcoming iPhone 16 models. This would be a significant boost, offering improved efficiency and enabling AI-driven features through Apple Intelligence.

Paired with 8GB of RAM—double what the current iPhone SE offers—the new model should provide smoother multitasking and a longer lifespan for software updates. Storage options are also expected to start at 128GB, aligning with Apple’s move away from lower-capacity models.

When it comes to cameras, Apple seems to be sticking with a single-lens setup, but it’s not holding back on quality. The rear camera is expected to be 48MP, a massive jump from the current model, while the 12MP front camera should offer better selfies and video calls. The improvements will likely enhance low-light performance and bring Apple’s latest image-processing capabilities to its budget lineup.

Battery life is also expected to get a much-needed boost, with a 3,279mAh battery, significantly larger than the current SE’s 2,018mAh. That, combined with the efficiency of the A18 chip, could mean all-day battery life for most users.

Possibly a higher price tag

One of the most talked-about features is the long-awaited shift to USB-C charging, thanks to EU regulations pushing Apple to ditch its Lightning port. Additionally, the iPhone SE 4 is rumoured to include Apple’s first in-house 5G modem, which could improve connectivity and reduce the company’s reliance on Qualcomm.

Other expected features include Wi-Fi 6 support, IP68 water and dust resistance, and possibly even an Action Button, similar to the one found on the iPhone 15 Pro models.

As for pricing, the iPhone SE 4 is rumoured to start between $499 and $549, making it more expensive than the current SE but still significantly cheaper than Apple’s flagship models. A launch is expected in spring 2025, likely around March or April, following the pattern of previous SE releases.

With Apple looking to breathe new life into its budget lineup, the iPhone SE 4 could be the company’s best attempt yet at offering an affordable yet powerful iPhone. All eyes are now on February 19 to see if Tim Cook’s teaser was indeed about the SE 4—or if Apple has something else up its sleeve.