2025 is considered a significant year for Apple’s hardware launches. Many notable products will receive major upgrades, including the iPhone SE 4, AirTag 2, and AirPods Pro 3. Alongside the iPhone 17 series, several products that were once “forgotten” are predicted to get new versions and become important for Apple this year.
2025 is also seen as a key milestone for Apple’s hardware launches, and this holds true even for many products that are rarely updated.
9to5Mac expects at least six new products to be released that have had to wait for about 3 years or longer since their last hardware update.
iPhone SE 4 (Last upgrade: 2022)
In a Power On newsletter on Bloomberg, analyst Mark Gurman mentioned that the stock of iPhone SE 3 in many Apple stores in the U.S. is “rapidly decreasing.” According to Bloomberg, this depletion of stock is a sign that Apple is preparing to release a new version and will stop selling the older generation instead of just discounting it.
The iPhone SE 4 is expected to be one of Apple’s important devices this year. With the code name V59, the device will use a 5G modem developed in-house by Apple, replacing Qualcomm’s chip. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo from TF International Securities previously mentioned that the iPhone SE 4 will launch in Q1 of this year.
Based on the release timing of previous generations, Apple may introduce the device in March or April. Some rumors also suggest the product might be called the iPhone 16E.
The next budget smartphone from Apple is expected to have a design similar to the iPhone 14, featuring a 6.1-inch OLED display, flat edges, Face ID, and a smaller notch. Other specs include a USB-C port, A18 chip, 48 MP rear camera, and 8 GB of RAM to support Apple Intelligence tools.
AirTag 2 (Last upgrade: 2021)
After years of rumors and leaks since 2019, the first-generation AirTag was finally released in 2021. To this day, AirTags continue to spark controversy over their potential misuse for tracking others. Nevertheless, the device has proven useful and is popular among customers.
AirTag utilizes the Find My network and Ultra-Wideband chip for precise item tracking. Compared to other trackers, AirTag stands out due to its CR2032 battery, which lasts a year and is easy to replace.
Although there has been no new version, the device still helps users track items such as wallets, bags, and pets effectively.
After nearly 3 years, the AirTag is expected to be upgraded with a new Ultra-Wideband chip, offering longer range and more stable connectivity. The design is expected to remain the same, meaning users will still need accessories to attach it to backpacks, bags, etc. Based on rumors, the product might also pair with the upcoming Apple Vision Pro glasses.
HomePod mini 2 (Last upgrade: 2020)
The HomePod mini, released in 2020 as a more affordable smart speaker following the expensive original HomePod, has not seen a major update since. While Apple has added new color options over the years, the core technology has remained unchanged.
However, the next-generation HomePod mini is expected to launch by the end of 2025. Details on new features are still scarce, but 9to5Mac suggests the device will support Apple Intelligence and integrate seamlessly with a new product called “HomePad.” Additionally, the second-generation HomePod could recognize fire alarms and send notifications directly to the user’s iPhone.
The AirPods Pro 3 are expected to be unveiled at the end of 2025. According to 9to5Mac, the new version will have a fresh physical design, the first H3 chip, heart rate monitoring sensors, improved noise cancellation, and several other audio upgrades.
Apple Watch SE 3 (Last upgrade: 2022)
Apple is expected to upgrade the Apple Watch SE with a faster processor. As a budget-friendly version, the Apple Watch SE lacks some health features like ECG and body temperature reading but still includes workout modes, sleep tracking, and heart rate monitoring. These features will likely be added through software updates. The new model will also include temperature and humidity sensors, a significant improvement to enable context-based actions in the HomeKit smart home ecosystem, with the HomePod as the center.
For example, users may set up their lights, air conditioning, and heaters to activate when the room temperature hits a specific threshold. The HomePod Gen 2 will also support Matter, the new standard for smart homes, which Apple helped create to connect devices within the home.
AirPods Pro 3 (Last upgrade: 2022)
In 2024, Apple launched two new versions of AirPods 4, replacing both AirPods 2 and AirPods 3.
Rumors suggest that Apple is working on the third-generation AirPods Pro, their premium wireless earphones. The new version is said to feature a new design and chip, enabling health-related features like hearing health monitoring. It’s also rumored that the product will switch to a hard plastic shell instead of aluminum, reducing costs while offering new color options.
Apple TV 4K (Last upgrade: 2022)
Apple is said to be developing a new Wi-Fi + Bluetooth chip to replace Broadcom, improving data transmission speed and energy efficiency. In 2025, the first devices to feature this new chip will include the iPhone 17, HomePod mini, and the new generation Apple TV.
Mark Gurman has also mentioned that a new version of the Apple TV 4K will debut in 2025, likely around October or November.
In 2025, the new Apple TV will be equipped with the new Wi-Fi + Bluetooth chip, potentially marking a significant performance boost and paving the way for Apple Intelligence features on future versions of tvOS.
