Apple CEO teases surprise Feb. launch – here’s what we know

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Apple CEO Tim Cook teased a new product launch on X/Twitter for Wednesday, February 19.

In the post, he says, “Get ready to meet the newest member of the family. ” He uses the #AppleLaunch hashtag and includes a short animated video of the Apple logo.

Unfortunately, besides the animated logo and the statement, he hasn’t revealed anything, not even the exact time of the launch. 

Get ready to meet the newest member of the family.

Wednesday, February 19. #AppleLaunch pic.twitter.com/0ML0NfMedu

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) February 13, 2025

While the specifics are still vague, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman believes the post suggests an imminent iPhone SE announcement. He mentioned that the device is anticipated to be released next week. 

Is it possible that more products will be announced next week? Rumors suggest there could be.

What to expect from the “Apple Launch” next week

Rumors suggest that besides the iPhone SE 4 or iPhone 16E, Apple could announce new MacBook Air, iPad Air, entry-level iPad models, the next-gen AirTag, the AirTag 2, and a new smart-home hub. 

iPhone SE 4 or iPhone 16E

Although the name has not been finalized yet, Apple is very likely to introduce a new entry-level iPhone SE.

According to Mark Gurman, the new iPhone SE may launch next week. He confirmed this prediction even before Apple’s teaser was unveiled and reiterated it after the teaser. 

In the X/Twitter post, he says, “Tim Cook teases the new iPhone SE.”

Regardless, the anticipated iPhone SE 4, also rumored as the iPhone 16E, is said to feature a bigger 6.1-inch OLED display, an A18 chip, Face ID, a USB-C port, support for Apple Intelligence, and more.

New MacBook Air and iPad models 

According to Gurman, new MacBook Air, iPad Air, and entry-level iPad models are coming soon.

He said the MacBook Air and iPad Air inventory are running low at several Apple Stores. However, it’s unclear whether the devices will be announced next week. The journalist figures the devices will be available a bit later.

As for what to expect from the new MacBook Air and iPad models, the MacBook Air models will be equipped with the M4 chip, the M3 chip for the iPad Air, and either the A16 or A17 Pro chip for the entry-level iPad 11.  

AirTag 2 (next generation AirTag)

Apple is long rumored to be working on the next-generation AirTag model, the AirTag 2. 

However, the animated teaser videos posted by Tim Cook have fueled speculation about the AirTag 2’s launch next week. 

The speculation stems solely from the circular shape surrounding the Apple logo in the animated video, coupled with the original AirTag announcement in April 2021, featuring a circular design. 

Gurman is, however, skeptical about the AirTag 2 launch next week. He said, 

Lots of folks pointing out the circular design and think it’s an AirTag.There is a new one coming this year. But Tim isn’t going to put out a teaser for a new $29 accessory. He would for a major new low end iPhone though.

The Bloomberg journalist previously suggested that the AirTag 2 would arrive in mid-2025, packing a more tamper-proof speaker to reduce stalking, a second-gen UWB chip with a longer range, and better integration with the Apple Vision Pro. 

In addition to the iPhone SE 4 or iPhone 16E, M4 MacBook Air, M3 iPad Air, iPad 11, and AirTag 2, there is speculation that Apple could unveil its new smart-home hub next week. 

However, according to Gurman, it is unlikely, as the product is not expected to enter mass production until the second half of 2025, but Apple could surprise with a preview next week. 

Apple’s release of a smart home hub would mark a major milestone for the company and serve as its initial foray into the smart home market.

The device is speculated to boast a 6—or 7-inch display, an A18 chip, and Apple Intelligence. Gurman mentioned that the hub may either attach to a tabletop base equipped with a speaker or mounted on a wall.

What are your predictions for Apple’s foray into smart-home technology? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know what you’re most looking forward to.