Three years later, Apple Inc. (AAPL.US) re-launches a small-screen flagship! The new generation iPhone SE is set to be released as soon as next week and is expected to be available for purchase within the month.

Apple Inc. plans to launch the long-awaited new iPhone SE in the next few days, in an effort to modernize its low-cost model, stimulate growth, and attract consumers to switch from other brands to the iPhone SE. According to sources, Apple Inc. is expected to release the device as early as next week and begin sales later this month. Sources say that Apple Inc. is unlikely to hold a launch event for this device, but rather choose to release it on their website. This release will mark a significant transformation for this often overlooked smartphone, as Apple Inc. first introduced this entry-level model in 2016. The existing version released in 2022 has become outdated: it is the only iPhone that still retains the home button and does not have Face ID. The new version will be more like the iPhone 14 and will also include the company's AI software Apple Intelligence. There are signs that the new phone is about to be released. Stocks of the existing iPhone SE have been sold out in many Apple Inc. retail stores in the United States, which usually happens before the release of a new phone. Retail staff in multiple Apple Inc. stores have reported decreasing stock levels for weeks. The phone can still be purchased in the Apple Inc. online store, but some configurations (including the red version with 256 GB of storage) will not ship until March. Stocks of the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus are also quickly running out. Apple Inc. has discontinued the current iPhone SE and iPhone 14 in the EU, as these products do not comply with local regulations requiring the use of USB-C, which is the charging standard adopted by other iPhones in 2023. The next generation iPhone SE will use the same port, allowing it to re-enter the EU. The current SE is priced at $429, several hundred dollars cheaper than the regular iPhone 16 priced at $799. Considering the new features and design of the new model, Apple Inc. may raise the price. However, its price is likely to remain at a similar level to entry-level smartphones from Samsung Electronics and Alphabet's Alphabet Inc. Class C. Apple Inc.'s iPhone business may need a boost. Holiday season iPhone sales dropped by 1% - an underperformance compared to expectations - and Apple Inc. hopes the new low-end phone will help restore growth. The new iPhone SE may be particularly appealing in overseas markets such as China, India, and other Asian regions where Apple Inc. is trying to strengthen its business. The combination of high-end features and a price of around $500 could make it an attractive alternative to local brands, although its price may still be higher. Apple Inc. saw a decrease of 11% in sales in China last quarter, but sales increased in other emerging markets. The new device will also be Apple Inc.'s first device to use a self-developed cellular modem. It will come with a larger screen, Face ID, and a faster A18 chip, which will support Apple Intelligence. The new iPhone SE eliminates the home button, meaning Apple Inc. will completely phase out the iconic button introduced on the first-generation iPhone in 2007. Apple Inc. plans to make extensive changes to its iPhone product line this year. The upcoming iPhone 17 and 17 Pro models will undergo major updates, and a new ultra-thin version will be released - a part of the industry's move towards thinner smartphones. The release of the iPhone SE is roughly around the same time as the release of the new PowerBeats Pro 2 headphones. These headphones are expected to be released as early as February 11. The new headphones will be the first from the Apple Inc. brand to feature a built-in heart rate monitor, a feature that Apple Inc. ultimately hopes to bring to AirPods. Other non-iPhone products are also set to be released. Apple Inc. plans to launch a new MacBook Air, a new entry-level iPad, and an upgraded iPad Air model in the first half of 2025, all equipped with the faster M4 chip. Currently, stocks of the iPad Air and MacBook Air in Apple retail stores are decreasing. The company will also make significant upgrades to its professional-level desktop computers this year and introduce a smart home hub with a display.