Sunday, 17 August 2025
27.9 C
Singapore
26.7 C
Thailand
19.1 C
Indonesia
28 C
Philippines

Apple set to unveil new iPhone SE and PowerBeats Pro 2 on February 11

Apple is set to launch the iPhone SE and PowerBeats Pro 2 on Feb 11, featuring design updates, AI, and health tech.

Apple is reportedly gearing up to launch a new iPhone SE and PowerBeats Pro 2 on February 11. According to Bloomberg, the announcement is expected to be relatively low-key, as the company has yet to issue invitations for a dedicated in-person or virtual event.

A fresh take on the iPhone SE

The upcoming iPhone SE will mark the fourth generation of Apple’s budget-friendly handset and the first update since 2022. The last iteration, released alongside the iPhone 13 series, was priced at US$429 and featured a design reminiscent of the iPhone 8, including a Touch ID fingerprint scanner. However, that model has already been discontinued in the European Union due to its use of Apple’s proprietary Lightning port, which fails to comply with the Common Charger Directive.

A major change in the new SE is the shift to a USB-C port, aligning with Apple’s broader transition away from Lightning connectors. The device is expected to adopt a design similar to the iPhone 14, released just months after the last SE model. This refresh could also signal the end of the Touch ID home button in favour of Face ID biometric authentication.

Reports suggest that the fourth-generation iPhone SE will support Apple Intelligence, the company’s upcoming suite of AI-powered features. It is also rumoured to be Apple’s first handset to feature an in-house modem, marking a move away from reliance on third-party chip manufacturers such as Qualcomm.

Apple is expected to see strong demand for the iPhone SE outside the United States, particularly in China and India—two of the world’s largest smartphone markets. China has long been a crucial region for Apple, but the company has faced increasing competition from domestic manufacturers. During Apple’s most recent earnings report, it was revealed that iPhone sales in China had dropped 11% year-over-year, with brands like Huawei capitalising on the gap left by Apple’s struggles. The absence of Apple Intelligence in China also limits the company’s growth in the region.

PowerBeats Pro 2 to join the lineup

Alongside the iPhone SE, Apple is expected to unveil the PowerBeats Pro 2. The Beats-branded Bluetooth earbuds will arrive nearly six years after the first-generation model. The new headphones are rumoured to be Apple’s first with built-in heart rate tracking, reinforcing the company’s focus on expanding its health and wellness product lineup beyond the Apple Watch.

What’s next for Apple?

Later this year, Apple is anticipated to introduce M4 refreshes for the MacBook Air and iPad Air, along with a new addition to its smart home product range. The upcoming home hub is expected to feature a built-in display and could mark Apple’s first steps into consumer robotics. However, these products are not likely to be part of the February 11 announcement.

Hot this week

Southeast Asia drives US$42B surge in social commerce adoption

Southeast Asia is leading a US$42B social commerce boom as TikTok, Meta, and YouTube turn content into seamless shopping.

Singapore to host IP Week 2025 with focus on innovation and growth

Singapore’s IP Week 2025 will focus on innovation, IA valuation, and global collaboration, with events for businesses and SMEs.

Poco M7 launches in Singapore as an affordable entry-level smartphone

Poco M7 arrives in Singapore with a 7,000mAh battery, Snapdragon 685 chip and 144Hz display, starting from S$199.

Lenovo posts record Q1 results with strong growth across all business units

Lenovo reports record Q1 revenue and profit, driven by hybrid AI strategy, innovation investment, and strong growth across all business units.

Docusign unveils AI-powered contract tools at Singapore Momentum event

Docusign launches AI-powered agreement tools at Momentum Singapore to speed up contracts and strengthen compliance in Asia-Pacific.

HyperX unveils new gaming headsets and microphones with extended battery life

HyperX launches new headsets and microphones, including the Cloud Alpha 2, which boasts 250 hours of battery life, as well as new streaming microphones.

Anthropic updates AI rules to address rising safety concerns

Anthropic updates Claude AI rules with stricter bans on weapons and cybersecurity misuse while easing restrictions on political content.

Samsung plans a tri-fold phone and an early Galaxy S25 FE launch in 2025

Samsung confirms plans for a tri-fold smartphone and an early launch of the Galaxy S25 FE in 2025 during its Q2 earnings call.

Asus ROG launches glossy Strix-class 4K WOLED gaming monitors

Asus ROG introduces the first 4K glossy WOLED gaming monitors, offering high refresh rates, advanced features, and a premium build.

Related Articles

Popular Categories