From the iPhone 17 to a new budget phone, here's what to expect from Apple in 2025
What could be next for Apple after an eventful 2024?
In the past year, the tech giant made quite the leap as it finally introduced its own AI ecosystem for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. On top of the usual refreshed devices, it looks like Apple Intelligence will continue to be the defining feature for future releases.
So what's new this 2025? Here are some of the products that Apple will likely release this year.
iPhone 17 series
As the iPhone 16 was released in September 2024, the tech world was already buzzing with news about the next Apple smartphone. Rumor has it, the iPhone 17 will feature a new ultra-slim design.
A total of four models are expected to be released: the standard iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and a new iPhone 17 "Slim" or "Air." Apple Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo wrote in a blog post that the company will be discontinuing its Plus model as it accounts for only 5 to 10% of total iPhone shipments.
The new "Air" model is said to be bigger than the standard iPhone 17 at 6.6 inches. It will come with the A19 chip and a single 48MP camera instead of the usual dual or triple lens. Size-wise, it's suggested to be 2mm thinner than the 8.25mm thick iPhone 16 Pro.
As for the other devices, the iPhone 17 is rumored to get a screen size upgrade from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches. Expect the same dual rear camera layout with improved lenses and ProMotion support.
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are reported to be getting "significant" design changes, as per tech news site The Information. Instead of the square camera array, Apple is planning to equip the phones with a larger horizontal "rectangular" camera bump. Another leaker, "Instant Digital," disputes this and says that the Pro phones will still have the triangle camera design.
iPhone SE 4
A new iPhone may come as early as March. Tech news sites including Tom's Guide and 9to5Mac, report that the iPhone SE 4, or iPhone 16E, is expected soon.
According to rumors, the new budget phone will feature Face ID, a 6.06-inch notched display, a USB-C port, and a single 48MP rear camera. It'll look a lot more like the iPhone 11 rather than previous models of the SE.
M4 MacBook Air, Mac Studio, Mac Pro
In October 2024, Apple unveiled the new M4 chip, which is up to 1.7x faster for daily tasks and 2.1x faster for more intensive workflows compared to the M1 processor. Among the devices released with the chip include the MacBook Pro and iMac.
The rest of the Mac family, including the MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro, is expected to follow suit and get the new processor in 2025.
The Air, according to 9to5Mac, will likely launch in March and get 16GB base RAM, a 12MP center-stage camera, and 13- and 15-inch versions.
Meanwhile, Apple's Mac Studio, first released in March 2022, might finally get an upgrade. No reports of a redesign yet, so it will likely have the same form factor. However, the upgrades will lie under the hood with the new M4 chips.
Likewise, the Mac Pro, last updated in 2023, may get the M4 chips this 2025 as well as new features like the Thunderbolt 5 port.
HomePad
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman predicts that Apple will release its first Apple Intelligence-powered smart home device this March in the form of a "wall-mounted display."
Codenamed J490, the device will come with a 6-inch display and a camera in its center. It will look like a "classic home-security panel," according to Bloomberg.
As for its capabilities, the device, which some tech sites have called the "HomePad,' will run Safari, Music, Notes, Siri, and FaceTime.
Apple Watch SE 3
In addition to the expected Apple Watch Series 11, 2025 might be the year fans of the tech brand will get a refreshed Apple Watch SE.
According to the rumor mill, the budget smartwatch's casing may now be made of plastic instead of aluminum. This way, the device will be more appealing to kids and come in bright colors.
AirPods Pro 3
In 2024, Apple refreshed its AirPods lineup while the AirPods Pro got new health features to protect its user's ears. This year, fans may get more than just that as tech sites say the device's next generation may come this year.
MacRumors reported that the tech giant is working on a new design for the earbuds, which includes a slimmer case.
The usual features—active noise cancellation and spatial audio—will likely be seen. What the tech world expects will be new are the health features. Some rumors say the earbuds could get body temperature and heart rate monitoring.
Other annual releases to expect from Apple include iOS 19, iPadOS 19, macOS 16, tvOS 19, watchOS 12, visionOS 3, and more Apple Intelligence features.
