The upcoming year for Apple is set to be significant, particularly regarding products that haven’t seen updates in quite some time. Here are six new devices that will have waited approximately three years (or longer) for hardware refreshes.
iPhone SE 4
Last updated: March 2022
Apple is gearing up for a significant upgrade to its next iPhone SE model, featuring exciting enhancements that may make it the optimal choice for many consumers.
Expected features of the new budget iPhone include:
- A18 chip as seen in the iPhone 16
- New Apple Intelligence support
- OLED display technology
- Face ID with a notch design
- 8GB of RAM
- 48MP primary camera
- USB-C charging capabilities
- Apple’s first proprietary 5G modem
The new iPhone SE 4 is anticipated to launch in March 2025 as one of Apple’s inaugural releases for the year.
AirTag 2
Last updated: April 2021
The original AirTag took a while to launch, following years of speculation and leaks—especially throughout 2019 and 2020. Following a four-year wait, AirTag 2 is finally set to arrive.
AirTag 2 is expected to feature three major enhancements:
- Increased range
- Upgraded wireless chip
- Enhanced privacy measures
Targeted for a mid-2025 release, according to Mark Gurman.
HomePod mini 2
Last updated: November 2020
The HomePod mini debuted in 2020 as a more accessible smart speaker solution that many had awaited. Following its higher-priced sibling, the original HomePod, which faced criticism for its price point, the HomePod mini provided an affordable alternative.
It’s been over four years since the initial release of the HomePod mini, and while Apple has introduced new color variations since then, the fundamental technology has remained unchanged. The arrival of HomePod mini 2 in 2025 is finally on the horizon.
Specifics regarding new features are currently limited, but there’s hope for Apple Intelligence support and robust integration with the anticipated ‘HomePad’ product.
AirPods Pro 3
Last updated: September 2022
While it’s true that AirPods Pro have had excellent software feature additions, hardware updates have been comparatively rare, with around three years elapsing between releases. This pattern is set to continue with the anticipated arrival of AirPods Pro 3 in fall 2025.
One advantage of these scarce updates is that they tend to introduce substantial improvements. Expected enhancements for AirPods Pro 3 include:
- A redesigned physical form
- The introduction of the initial H3 chip
- Possibly a heart rate monitoring feature
- Enhanced noise cancellation and audio advancements
Apple Watch SE 3
Last updated: September 2022
Similar to the iPhone SE, the budget Apple Watch SE is on track to see a new iteration in 2025. While details about the Apple Watch SE 3 remain limited, it is expected to include several features from newer models, including an updated processor and potentially additional health sensors.
Historically, Apple has unveiled new Apple Watch SE models in September, aligning their release with flagship watches. While this trend may continue in 2025, there’s a possibility for a spring release alongside the iPhone SE 4.
New Apple TV 4K
Last updated: November 2022
Among all Apple devices, the Apple TV has a history of inconsistent and unpredictable update cycles.
Examining the timeline since the very first Apple TV (before the App Store), the intervals between new models have been as follows: 3.5 years, 1.5 years, 1 year, 2.5 years, 2 years, 4 years, and 1 year. Presently, it has been over two years with the new version expected to approach three years before its launch.
Mark Gurman mentions that a new Apple TV 4K is anticipated for 2025, but specific dates remain unknown. Currently, the only information we have is that this model will feature Apple’s updated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, along with significant processor upgrades, potentially paving the way for advanced Apple Intelligence functionalities in future tvOS releases.
Overview of Apple’s Rare Updates for 2025
Not all Apple products necessitate yearly refreshes. However, when infrequent updates do occur, they tend to be substantial. While many details are still unclear for the numerous devices mentioned, there is hope that Apple has exciting innovations in store for these long-awaited products.
Which upcoming Apple device for 2025 are you most looking forward to? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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