Apple may introduce new iPhone SE and PowerBeats Pro 2 on February 11

Apple is rumored to be gearing up for the launch of a new iPhone SE and PowerBeats Pro 2 on February 11, according to a report by Bloomberg. Despite no official invites being sent out yet, hints suggest that the announcement may not be as grandiose as usual.

The iPhone SE, if released, will be the fourth installment in Apple’s budget-friendly smartphone series and the first since 2022. The previous generation was part of the iPhone 13 lineup, priced at $429 and featuring a design reminiscent of the iPhone 8, including Touch ID. However, due to the Lightning port not being compliant with the Common Charger Directive in the EU, it has been discontinued.

Like most of Apple’s devices, the new iPhone SE is expected to come with a USB-C port and a design similar to the iPhone 14 series, signaling the end of the Touch ID home button in favor of Face ID biometrics. Reports also suggest that the fourth-gen iPhone SE will be Apple Intelligence-compatible, making it the first device to feature an in-house modem, decreasing reliance on third-party chip manufacturers like Qualcomm.

Anticipated to gain traction in markets outside the U.S., the new iPhone SE is especially expected to perform well in China and India, the world’s top two smartphone markets. Despite Apple facing challenges in China due to stiff competition from domestic brands like Huawei, the company is looking to bounce back with the introduction of the latest SE model, likely appealing to a wide audience with its upgraded features.

Alongside the new iPhone SE, Apple is speculated to unveil the PowerBeats Pro 2, the successor to its Beats-branded wireless earbuds. These second-generation headphones may come equipped with built-in heart rate tracking, expanding Apple’s presence in the wearable health technology sector beyond the Apple Watch, demonstrating the tech giant’s commitment to innovating in this space.

Looking ahead, Apple is predicted to release updates to the MacBook Air and iPad Air, labeled as M4 refreshes, while also branching out into the smart home space with a rumored home hub featuring a display. This move signifies the company’s foray into consumer home technology development, underscoring its dedication to diversifying its product offerings and remaining at the forefront of technological innovation.