Everything we know so far as Apple is releasing a brand new device tomorrow Drumroll, please...

 

Everything we know so far as Apple is releasing a brand new device tomorrow

Drumroll, please...

The big day is close as Apple has teased the arrival of a brand new device coming out tomorrow.

Christmas, or rather Apple's big spring announcement, has apparently come early this year as CEO Tim Cook plans to unveil a brand new shiny device tomorrow (Wednesday, February 19).

The tech giant has teased the new gadget and possibly some other refreshed models lingering on the horizon, as fans have been told to brace themselves for what is expected to be the 'newest member' of the Apple family... or members.

Cook posted the announcement on Twitter with a video of a holographic Apple logo with the caption: “Get ready to meet the newest member of the family. Wednesday, February 19. #AppleLaunch.”

Even though we don't know for certain what Cook has got up his sleeves tomorrow, there's been a few whispers in the wind that suggest we could be in for a new iPhone and a few other popular devices.

Here's everything we know about the Apple announcement tomorrow, and what potential new products will be rolled out.

Tim Cook could announce a new iPhone, AirTag, or more tomorrow (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

HomePad command centre

A sort of hybrid between the iPad and HomePod smart speaker, fans are eagerly awaiting to hear about Apple's brand new artificial intelligence product, unofficially nicknamed 'HomePad', as the company inches closer to taking on Google and Amazon in the AI home hardware field.

This device is tipped to act as an AI tablet, spanning a 7-inch square display for the wall where homeowners can activate Siri and video calls with a voice command and enjoy the benefits of a 'command centre for the home'.

Writing in his tech newsletter Apple tipster, Mark Gurman says the pod, or pad, will dynamically adjust based on how near or far its users are - for instance, by displaying controls as you approach it.

The Apple HomePod could have a new twist (Alex Tai/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

A budget iPhone SE 4

The first generation of the iPhone SE hit out shelves in 2016, marketed as the company's 'budget' line of cellphones.

The second gen then dropped in 2020, followed by the third sibling in 2022, so it would make sense that a fourth is overdue.

iPhone SE 3 started at $429 though the suspected newbie will most likely cost a bit more, at around $500 according to Gurman, reports The Daily Mail.

Features of the new device will have a 6.1-inch OLED display, two cameras (front and back), and a USB-C charging port.

However, what makes it stand out from its predecessors is that it's rumored to abandon the home button in favor of Face ID, which scans your facial features to unlock the phone and make purchases.

Gurman said: "The removal of the home button from the iPhone SE means that Apple will have fully phased out the iconic interface, which debuted on the first iPhone in 2007."

Other fun features include a 'notch', a rectangular black area extending at the top of the screen, which was last seen on Apple's iPhone 14 before Dynamic Island came along.

It will also be loaded with the A18 chip, meaning it can cope with the company's new artificial intelligence software, Apple Intelligence.

As for when it's coming to a store near you, Gurman hinted the phone will have its grand reveal tomorrow and will be released around the world in late February.

The Apple iPhone SE is part of its budget line (Getty Images)

The tech pro added: "Apple’s new iPhone SE will kick off a pivotal year for its smartphone lineup.

"[iPhone SE 4] will modernize its lower-cost model in a bid to spur growth and entice consumers to switch from other brands."

Two iPads

That's right, not one but two iPads are expected to hit the market sometime this year; the iPad 11 and the seventh generation iPad Air.

The eleventh iPad is expected to contain an A17 Pro chip, meaning it can run Apple Intelligence, and it's rumored to cost around $449. It comes almost three years since the iPad 10 came out.

As for the iPad Air 7, it will have many of the same components as its younger sibling, though Gurman said it will get a battery boost and enjoy faster performance due to its new M3 chip and might have a Magic Keyboard - a wireless computer keyboard.

It wouldn't be unusual for Apple to give us a glimpse of some of its other gadgets that could come out later this year if it announced the iPhone SE 4.

Cook's teaser Tweet sparked suspicion that the next AirTag, a tiny tracking device, could be part of the plans.

That's because the seven-second clip used in his announcement before Valentine's Day looks like the iconic Apple logo sitting inside a silver coin-like shape that is reminiscent of the AirTag.

The tag, which costs $30 per unit, works by tracking items in the 'Find My' app, handy for instance if you're always misplacing your house keys.

The AirTag in action (James D. Morgan/Getty Images)

However, it has also been used by a nefarious few to stalk and track their victims by slipping the discreet object into clothing, cars or other belongings.

Gurman says Apple is working on a remake to offer better range and privacy, though it isn't expected to launch until mid-2025.

Finally, we could witness the arrival of a new MacBook Air tomorrow, fitted with that all-important M4 chip to run Apple Intelligence.

The new model is rumored to come in both 13-inch and 15-inch variants but isn't expected to have any other major design changes.

Apple announcement

The tech giant is going to reveal its products online, as opposed to a physical event.

The company usually makes its announcements at 10am PT - so keep your eyes peeled.