Apple CEO Tim Cook Hints at New Product Launch on February 19—Likely the iPhone SE 4
Apple CEO Tim Cook took to X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday to tease the arrival of “the newest member of the family” on February 19. While Cook didn’t reveal specifics, the most likely candidate is the fourth-generation iPhone SE.
Originally rumored for release a week earlier, the budget-friendly iPhone SE update was expected—however, Apple instead unveiled new Beats headphones.
A Long-Overdue iPhone SE Refresh
The last iPhone SE debuted in 2021 for $429, making this update three years in the making. The SE lineup has been a key player for Apple, particularly in price-sensitive markets like China and India, where affordability drives sales.
This time, Apple is expected to:
- Drop the Touch ID home button in favor of Face ID authentication.
- Equip the device with the same chip as the iPhone 16, enabling support for Apple Intelligence, the company’s generative AI platform.
Apple’s AI Expansion in China
The timing is notable, as the new iPhone SE would arrive shortly after Apple’s partnership with Alibaba to integrate AI features into iPhones in China.
With just days until Apple’s official reveal, all eyes are on whether the new iPhone SE will redefine the budget smartphone experience.