Apple leaks hint at upcoming iPhone SE release date

Apple's next iPhone, the fourth generation of the iPhone SE, is set to launch in early 2025, with expectations growing for a release in late Q1.

Unlike the regular iPhone models, which follow an annual release cycle, the iPhone SE has a less predictable schedule, with the last model launched in 2022.

As such, while a specific release date remains unconfirmed, many industry watchers anticipate the SE will debut between late March and early April, a window that Apple has previously used for launches of other products, such as the iPad Air 5 and M2 MacBook Pro.

In addition to the iPhone SE, Apple is also expected to unveil the iPad 11 and iPad Air this spring.

One key indicator of the upcoming iPhone SE release is the timing of Apple's next AI software update.

The company has been gradually rolling out its generative AI suite, dubbed "Apple Intelligence," with key features introduced in iOS 18.1 and 18.2. iOS 18.4, expected in early to mid-March 2025, is likely to complete the first phase of AI tools, coinciding with the SE launch.

The release of the iPhone SE alongside updates to Apple's AI software will help introduce the tech to a broader audience, as the SE will be Apple’s most affordable iPhone.

This strategy is expected to drive adoption of the new AI features, ensuring that more users have access to the tools included in Apple's generative AI suite.