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Artificial intelligence and new chips will significantly affect the range of cheaper Apple gadgets. Source: Freepik
Apple is currently significantly improving its gadgets both in software and hardware. And the introduction of Apple Intelligence artificial intelligence and internally developed chips will affect the manufacturer's product range this year.
According to MacRumors, the tech giant is striving to improve many of its budget offerings to make them as competitive as possible in an increasingly saturated market. Therefore, Apple is gradually changing its approach to low-cost devices, going beyond entry-level hardware and introducing features that were once reserved for premium models. These updates include OLED displays, Face ID and advanced wireless technologies.
Soon, the first in-house modem and Bluetooth chip will be available on entry-level gadgets. Similarly, the company is focusing on entry-level smart home devices such as HomePod mini, Apple TV, and Command Center before turning its attention to higher-end models. This year, experts expect the company to update or launch eight low-cost Apple devices from scratch:
- MacBook Air (M4);
- iPhone SE (fourth generation);
- iPad (11th generation);
- AirTag (second generation);
- Command Center of the smart home;
- HomePod mini (second generation);
- Apple TV 4K (fourth generation);
- Apple Watch SE (third generation).
According to reports, the MacBook Air will finally be updated to the M4 chip. This will provide 25% higher multi-core processor performance than the current model. The new model will also support two external displays and a 12-megapixel webcam with a center-facing screen. The new models, which will go on sale in the spring of 2025, will likely retain the current starting price of $1,099. The standard amount of RAM will now be 16 GB.
As for the new iPhone SE 4, it is rumored to have a design similar to the iPhone 14. It will also include a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, a USB-C port, and a 48-megapixel rear camera. It will most likely be powered by an A18 chip with 8 GB of memory to support Apple Intelligence and will debut with Apple's first proprietary 5G modem. The new iPhone SE is expected to be released in March 2025. Its price in the US is predicted to be between $400 and $500. Which is slightly more expensive than the current $429 due to significant upgrades.
The 11th generation iPad will retain the 10.9-inch display and Touch ID power button, but will most likely be upgraded to the A17 Pro or A18 chip. It will also get 8 GB of memory to support Apple Intelligence. It is expected that in the spring of 2025, the device will still be sold at a price of USD 349 with the possibility of increasing the basic memory to 128 GB.
The AirTag 2 will include an upgraded Ultra Wideband chip for three times the tracking range, improved Vision Pro integration, and a tamper-proof speaker for enhanced anti-stalking measures. It is expected to retain its current price of USD 29 after launch in mid-2025.
Apple's Command Center will be a completely new product for the smart home. It will have a 7-inch display, built-in speakers, a FaceTime camera, and proximity sensors for dynamic interface customization. It will run on the new "homeOS" with widget-oriented controls and integration with the Siri voice assistant. The launch is expected to take place around March 2025. The price has not been confirmed yet, but it is expected to be competitive with similar products such as Amazon's Echo Show, which costs $90. A more advanced version of the device is expected to debut in 2026, so the initial Command Center is likely to be quite simple, similar to the HomePod mini.
As for the HomePod mini itself, the second generation is expected to have a new built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip with Wi-Fi 6E support, improved sound quality, and a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip for better data transfer. The device is likely to be released in mid-2025 and will probably keep its price at $99.
The new Apple TV 4K is rumored to be equipped with an updated A-series chip - experts suggest that it will be an A16 or something newer, with Wi-Fi 6E support and possibly a built-in camera for FaceTime. The device is expected to be released this year, and its starting price is expected to be $99, which is cheaper than the current $129.
As for the Apple Watch SE 3 smartwatch, it is likely to have larger displays, a faster chip (S10 or S11 is predicted), and possibly a simpler plastic case. It is expected that at the end of 2025, the device will be able to maintain its starting price of $249 or even become slightly cheaper to compete with similar devices from other manufacturers. In particular, to make parents buy Apple Watch for their children more often.
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