Apple In 2025: iPhone 17, iPhone SE 4, Launches; Foldable iPad, iPhone Works-In-Progress

The year 2025 will have a slew of device launches and major software and hardware updates from the Apple stable. Before the annual iPhone release, the tech major is expected to introduce an iPhone SE update. There are also rumours of a completely new and redesigned iPhone in what is expected to be the biggest change since the launch of the iPhone X in 2017.

Here’s what’s in Apple’s pipeline for 2025 (and more):

Apple iPhone SE 4 launch is anticipated to occur in early 2025. To better align with its flagship series, Apple is rumoured to rename its next iPhone SE as the iPhone 16e. Notably, it could be the most affordable iPhone with Apple Intelligence.

In addition to the new A18 Bionic chipset, reduced bezels, a notch design, and a 6.1-inch OLED screen, the new SE could feature Face ID for the first time. It may have a single 48MP camera on the back, with improved video, Night Mode, and Smart HDR. The device is also expected to be the first to use an in-house modem created by Apple.

As usual, Apple will release new iPhone models in autumn. Three of the current versions, the standard iPhone, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, are anticipated to feature in the lineup. All three could include an A19 system-on-chip, with the Pro phones probably getting a Pro version. Although early speculation suggested that the A19 might be using a 2nm process, Apple may stick with a 3nm process.

While major camera enhancements may be reserved for the Pro series, the front camera on all iPhone 17s may receive an upgrade. In a powerful camera update, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is also tipped to feature three 48MP primary, ultrawide, and telephoto lenses. The regular iPhone may also get a faster refresh rate than the current 60Hz.

Apple is reportedly developing a slimmer phone. Initially dubbed the iPhone 17 Slim, it is anticipated to be launched as iPhone 17 Air. Its most notable feature: thinness. While the iPhone 16 is about 7.8 mm thin, the iPhone 17 Air might be 6.1 mm (as the current iPad Air) or even 5.3 mm (iPad Pro).

The phone is anticipated to have a single 48MP primary camera, with the capability of pinching in on images to provide 2x zooms. The Air is likely to be launched along with the rest of the 17 lineup, but may be the most expensive iPhone from the Apple stable yet, according to reports.

There have been varying reports regarding when Apple might launch a foldable iPad. Some anticipate in late 2025, while others predict later. The device will most likely run an iPadOS version, but it may also have features from both the iPad and the Mac, including the ability to run macOS software.

The larger tablet is anticipated to open into a 20.3-inch display. Apple seems to be focusing on a foldable that delivers larger screens that are still small enough to fit in a backpack, rather than creating a tablet that might not be the ideal fit for a user’s pocket. 

While a foldable phone isn’t on the launch plan for 2025, it is a quiet work-in-progress for Apple nonetheless. Although some reports indicate the iPhone would unfold to a display about 7 inches in size, others like analyst Ming-Chi Kuo have claimed an even bigger display measuring 8 inches.

The device is expected to feature a flexible OLED display that can endure hundreds of thousands of folds. Additionally, analyst Kuo has stated that Apple is considering employing colour e-ink screens for its foldables’ external displays. Although this type of screen wouldn’t be as responsive as an OLED or LCD panel, it would reduce battery usage.