Flagship iPhones, iPads, and Macs sometimes steal the highlight in terms of Apple occasions and bulletins, dominating information protection and buyer curiosity. Nevertheless, Apple additionally provides a variety of lesser-known merchandise that, whereas not essentially as standard or highly effective, stay essential components of its ecosystem. Primarily based on the rumor calendar, 2025 is ready to be a packed 12 months for Apple {hardware}, and these six forgotten units might lastly be getting some long-overdue upgrades.
iPhone SE 4
Regardless of being the least succesful 2025 Apple telephone, the iPhone SE 4—or iPhone 16E—might become a best-seller after it possible launches in March. In comparison with its three-year-old predecessor, the fourth-generation price range iPhone is anticipated to characteristic an all-new exterior that resembles an iPhone 14 or 15. That’s to not point out supporting Apple Intelligence (due to the bottom A18 chip), adopting Face ID, switching to USB-C, boasting an edge-to-edge OLED panel, and packing a 48MP rear digital camera.
September’s iPhone 17 telephones will undoubtedly intrigue extra customers with their high-end technical specs. However, given its rumored sub-$500 worth, the iPhone SE 4 might persuade budget-conscious prospects to lastly improve their worn-out iPhones or mid-range Android telephones. In spite of everything, it’s going to possible be the primary SE mannequin to supply each a contemporary design and premium internals—and that’ll entice quite a few undecided patrons to go for it.Â
Apple Watch SE 3
One other outdated SE product rumored to get an improve this 12 months is the Apple Watch. Regardless of being the corporate’s most cost-effective smartwatch, this mannequin offers a dependable expertise—sans some inessential perks at present unique to the Collection and Extremely fashions. So, for simply $249, customers get the identical battery life and essential set of watchOS apps, excluding assist for ECG, an always-on show, and precision discovering. This makes it the proper choose for these in search of to dwell a extra lively life however can’t justify paying additional for the bonus sensors.
In September, the Apple Watch SE 3 is anticipated to launch with a contemporary design, retiring the aluminum chassis in favor of colourful plastic. Consequently, the wearable might probably drop its worth to higher compete in opposition to low cost health trackers and attraction to children. Past that, it might pack a quicker S-series chipset, bringing quicker efficiency and unlocking extra demanding options.
The Apple Watch SE hasn’t modified a lot in 5 years.
Foundry
AirTag 2
Launched in 2021, the AirTag is arguably the best Bluetooth tracker for informal merchandise location. It’s powered by Apple’s huge Discover My community, making it discoverable by a whole lot of hundreds of thousands of iDevices across the planet. Sooner or later this 12 months, Apple is anticipated to lastly launch the coin-sized tracker’s successor, that includes a more moderen ultra-wideband chip and added privateness measures.
Due to the upgraded UWB chip, customers will reportedly be capable of find the AirTag 2 with extra precision. And since many criminals depend on modified AirTags to stalk their victims, Apple might make eradicating its speaker tougher. It definitely received’t be 2025’s most fun launch, however given the character of the product, it’s a welcome improve nonetheless.
HomePod mini 2
The HomePod mini turns 5 this 12 months. And, disregarding the superficial shade refresh, it has but to obtain its first improve. Thankfully, the 2nd-gen mannequin might lastly launch within the fall. Primarily based on credible rumors, the HomePod mini 2 will boast a quicker processor, Apple’s in-house wi-fi connectivity chipset, potential Wi-Fi 6E assist, and an enhanced UWB chip for improved Handoff. The speaker might additionally play an even bigger function in Apple’s HomeKit infrastructure, as the corporate is about to embrace and take good residence merchandise extra severely. It will not be probably the most groundbreaking launch, but it surely definitely will maximize the HomePod mini’s perform in folks’s homes.
Apple TV 4K 4
Talking of properties, the Apple TV 4K might get its first improve in three years this fall, too. The fourth-generation mannequin, just like the HomePod mini 2, will possible undertake Apple’s personal networking chip, together with a quicker A-series mind. In addition to probably increasing its good residence capabilities, it’s unclear if the Apple TV 4K 4 will convey every other notable options, however count on it to be positioned as a brand new good residence machine that’s greater than only a silent residence hub.
The subsequent-gen Apple TV 4K may be greater than only a set-top field.
Foundry
Studio and Professional shows
Launched in 2019 and 2022, respectively, the Professional Show XDR and Studio Show are overdue for an improve. Regardless of beginning at $4,999 and packing industry-leading know-how, the previous display might use some enhancements. For instance, its present refresh price caps out at 60Hz, so supporting ProMotion (120Hz) can be an awesome begin. It might additionally borrow some Studio Show options, such because the FaceTime digital camera and spatial audio audio system. This is able to flip it right into a higher-end variant of the Studio Show—and way more attractive for its $4,999 price ticket—and perhaps embrace a stand this time.
In the meantime, this 12 months’s Studio Show might lastly swap to mini-LED and enhance the bundled webcam. It stays to be seen if Apple has different upgrades in retailer or plans to drop its $1,599 beginning worth.
In with the brand new
Contemplating Apple doesn’t improve the units above as regularly as different merchandise, this 12 months would be the excellent entry level for newcomers. Prospects seeking to get began with the necessities will be capable of personal an reasonably priced, up-to-date iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirTag. In the meantime, customers migrating their media streaming setup to Apple will respect the equally cheap Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini—which may seamlessly output tvOS audio.
And whereas the first-party shows could also be comparatively area of interest, their launch might accompany new, M4-powered Mac Studio and Mac Professional machines. These would pair properly collectively for professionals in search of high-end configurations.
After all, past these six forgotten merchandise, Apple additionally has a slew of normal updates on faucet. These will possible embrace an M4 MacBook Air and iPad Air, iPad 11 with Apple Intelligence assist, M5 MacBook Professional and iPad Professional, Apple Watch Collection 11 and Extremely 3, and hopefully some surprises alongside the best way.
