Apple CEO Tim Cook posted a cryptic animation on X , teasing a new “member of the family” set to debut this Wednesday, February 19.
The animated metallic Apple logo hints at a disappearing home button, further amplifying rumors that a new iPhone is on its way.
It wouldn’t be as obvious to naked eye if Bloomberg hadn’t earlier reported on Apple’s plans to do away with the iconic home button on the iPhone SE that has been around since Steve Jobs launched the first version of the phone.
The mystery device is anticipated to be a lower-end iPhone, according to Bloomberg, potentially carrying over features from the iPhone 14, including a larger screen and Face ID.
Under the hood, this upcoming model could pack quite the punch—a new A18 chip and Apple Intelligence, components already seen in Apple’s high-performing iPhone 16.
Further stirring excitement, it would also feature Apple’s first in-house cellular modem chip, freeing the tech giant from its reliance on Qualcomm, setting a solid foundation for upcoming iPhones—including a slimmer iteration set for later this year and upgraded Pro models slated for 2026, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
Apple is also expected to launch Macbook Air with M4 chip in 2025.
The Bigger Picture: The launch of the new product, whether it is iPhone or not , comes at a time when Apple is tackling both slumping sales and a forming narrative that the company is now lacking on the innovation that gave the tech giant its edge.
Apple Intelligence launch has faltered, prompting way fewer iPhone users to upgrade than anticipated.
With not being able to make the most of holidays, the iPhone sales have also faltered in China, falling 11% in the latest quarter.
While the company sits out — for now — on the AI euphoria, it is said to be testing a robotic device at a proof-of-concept stage, with a slated target of 2028 launch.
It is worth noting that not all POC products see daylight, including the much-famed ‘Apple Car.’
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