Apple, contemporary off the discharge of the iPhone 16, is getting ready to announce a brand new low-end cellphone early subsequent yr alongside upgraded iPads.
The corporate is nearing manufacturing of an up to date iPhone SE — codenamed V59 — that can turn into its new entry-level mannequin, in line with folks with information of the matter. Apple can also be aiming to fabricate new iPad Air fashions and keyboards for launch across the similar time, mentioned the folks, who requested to not be recognized as a result of the plans aren’t public.
The discharge will mark the primary replace to the iPhone SE since 2022, when Apple added 5G functionality to the gadget. With the most recent mannequin, Apple will transfer away from the outdated dwelling button design and transition to an edge-to-edge display.
The SE overhaul will assist Apple compete within the low-end smartphone market, the place it faces powerful competitors from Android units — particularly in China. The present mannequin prices US$429, which is tons of lower than the usual iPhone however dearer than lots of its rivals. Modernising the SE so it seems to be extra like its higher-end siblings ought to assist entice budget-minded customers and probably win again market share misplaced to manufacturers akin to Huawei and Xiaomi.
The brand new SE cellphone is anticipated to assist Apple Intelligence, an upcoming suite of AI instruments that can even work with the iPhone 16 and the high-end variations of final yr’s iPhone 15. The brand new mannequin will resemble the iPhone 14, together with the notch cutout on the prime. The present SE extra carefully resembles the iPhone 8, the final customary model to incorporate a house button.
Apple declined to remark.
New iPad Air fashions
The brand new iPad Air fashions — codenamed J607 and J637 — will concentrate on inside enhancements. Apple is also getting ready an up to date model of its Magic Keyboard accent, codenamed R307 and R308, for each the 11-inch and 13-inch variations of the brand new Air. These will convey among the options of the iPad Professional keyboard down-market.
Earlier this yr, Apple up to date the Air line-up with an M2 chip and added the 13-inch display choice. A brand new iPad mini — codenamed J410 — is coming, too, probably by the top of 2024.
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A revamped model of the iPad Professional was launched concurrently this yr’s iPad Air, however that higher-end gadget contains an M4 processor that has but to return to different fashions. Meaning an replace is much less pressing given the chip is already a technology forward.
Past the brand new iPhone SE and iPads, Apple can also be refreshing its Mac laptop line-up. Up to date fashions this yr will embrace a revamped Mac mini in addition to up to date MacBook Professionals and iMacs. They’ll sport the M4 processor and spotlight Apple Intelligence options. The M4 chip will come to the MacBook Air, Mac Studio and Mac Professional throughout 2025. — (c) 2024 Bloomberg LP
