Apple’s 2025 offerings will likely be dominated by a number of low-cost and entry-level devices. Here’s what to expect:
With advancements such as Apple Intelligence and all-new proprietary chip designs, Apple is reportedly working to strengthen its budget-friendly products so they can remain competitive in an increasingly crowded market. These updates also mark a slight shift in Apple’s approach to lower-priced devices, moving beyond entry-level hardware and introducing features once reserved for premium models, such as OLED displays, Face ID, and advanced wireless technology.
In fact, Apple’s first custom modem and Bluetooth chips are coming first to entry-level devices. Likewise, the company is focusing on lower-cost smart home devices like the HomePod mini, Apple TV, and Command Center before turning its attention to higher-end models. A total of eight new or refreshed budget Apple devices are expected to be released this year.
- MacBook Air (M4)
- iPhone SE (4th generation)
- iPad (11th generation)
- Air Tag (2nd generation)
- command center
- ‌HomePod mini‌ (2nd generation)
- ‌Apple TV‌ 4K (4th generation)
- Apple Watch SE (3rd generation)
MacBook Air will finally be upgraded with the M4 chip, offering up to 25% faster multi-core CPU performance than the current model. It can also support two external displays and a 12MP webcam with center stage. The new model, scheduled for release in spring 2025, will likely maintain its current starting price of $1,099. All models now default to 16GB of memory.
The iPhone SE 4 is rumored to feature a similar design to the iPhone 14, including a 6.1-inch OLED display, ‌Face ID‌, a USB-C port, and a 48MP rear camera. It is likely to be powered by the A18 chip with 8GB of RAM to support Apple Intelligence and will feature Apple’s first-ever 5G modem of its own. The new iPhone SE, scheduled for release in March 2025, is expected to be priced between $400 and $500, a slight increase from the current $429, due to significant upgrades.
The 11th-generation iPad will retain its 10.9-inch display and Touch ID power button, but will likely be upgraded to an A17 Pro or A18 chip with 8GB of RAM to enable Apple Intelligence. Expected for spring 2025, the device could still start at $349 and base storage can be upgraded to 128GB.
AirTag 2 includes an upgraded Ultra Wideband chip with 3X increased tracking range, improved Vision Pro integration, and tamper-evident speakers for improved anti-stalking measures. It is expected to launch in mid-2025 and maintain its current $29 price point.
Apple’s Command Center will serve as an all-new smart home hub product with a 7-inch display, built-in speakers, a camera for FaceTime, and a proximity sensor for dynamic interface adjustments. It runs the new “homeOS” with widget-centric controls and Siri integration. It’s expected to launch around March 2025, and while pricing hasn’t been confirmed yet, it’s expected to compete with similar products like Amazon’s Echo Show, which costs $90. A more advanced version of the device mounted on a robotic arm is expected to be released in 2026, so the initial command center will likely be an entry-level device similar to the HomePod mini.
The second-generation HomePod mini is expected to feature new built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips supporting Wi-Fi 6E, improved audio quality, and a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip for better handoff. The device, which is likely to launch in mid-2025, will likely maintain its $99 price range.
The new Apple TV 4K is rumored to feature an updated A-series chip, A16 and above, Wi-Fi 6E support, and a built-in camera for FaceTime. Expected to launch in 2025, the device’s starting price will be reduced from $129 currently to $99, putting it more in line with competitors like Amazon’s Fire Stick.
The Apple Watch SE 3 will feature a larger display, a faster chip, the S10 or S11 chip, and may have a cheaper plastic case. The current model will be three years old this fall. Expected for late 2025, the device could maintain its $249 starting price, or potentially see a slight reduction, to compete with rival devices and attract the attention of parents buying it for their children.
