TLDR:
- Apple plans to launch a new product on February 19, 2025, with CEO Tim Cook teasing it as the “newest member of the family”
- The new device is expected to feature Apple Intelligence, the A18 chip from iPhone 16, and Apple’s first in-house cellular modem chip
- The product is likely an updated iPhone SE, as suggested by Cook’s animation showing the home button disappearing
- Apple’s stock currently trades at $244.42 with a market cap of $3.7T and a forward P/E ratio of over 33
- Recent company performance shows modest growth with Q1 2025 revenue up 4% year-over-year and earnings per share up 10%
Apple Inc. is set to unveil its latest product on February 19, 2025, with CEO Tim Cook generating buzz through a cryptic social media post featuring an animated metallic Apple logo. The announcement, expected to be made via press release rather than a major event, has sparked speculation about the nature of what Cook describes as the “newest member of the family.”
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
Industry analysts and market watchers believe the most likely candidate is an updated version of the iPhone SE, Apple’s entry-level smartphone. This speculation is supported by Cook’s animation, which notably shows the disappearance of the home button – a feature currently unique to the iPhone SE in Apple’s smartphone lineup.
According to Bloomberg News reports, the new device will incorporate several advanced features, including Apple Intelligence and the A18 chip, which is currently used in the iPhone 16. Perhaps most notably, the device is expected to be Apple’s first to feature an in-house cellular modem chip, marking a significant technical milestone for the company.
The timing of this launch comes as Apple’s stock trades at $244.42 per share, maintaining the company’s position as the world’s largest by market capitalization at $3.7 trillion. The stock currently carries a forward price-to-earnings ratio of over 33, reflecting investor optimism about the company’s future prospects.
Financial Performance
Recent financial performance shows Apple maintaining steady but modest growth. In the first quarter of fiscal 2025, the company reported a 4% year-over-year increase in revenue, while earnings per share rose by 10%.
The company’s stock has traded within a 52-week range of $164.07 to $260.10, with current daily trading volumes averaging around 50 million shares. Apple maintains a gross margin of 46.52% and offers a dividend yield of 0.41%.
While new product launches have historically impacted Apple’s stock price, the method of announcement – a press release rather than a major event – suggests this launch may not provide an immediate significant market catalyst.
The company’s recent track record with new products has been mixed. The Vision Pro mixed-reality device, while innovative, has faced commercialization challenges, and the generative AI capabilities in Apple Intelligence have received varied user responses.
However, Apple’s core iPhone ecosystem remains robust, supported by a loyal customer base. The company holds a strong position in the technology sector, with 158 hedge funds currently holding positions in the stock.
The expected new iPhone SE would update the most affordable option in Apple’s smartphone lineup. The current model is the only iPhone still featuring a physical home button and is due for a refresh in the product cycle.
Alternative possibilities for the announcement include a new MacBook Air, next-generation AirTags, a new Apple TV box, or a redesigned iPad Air Magic Keyboard, though Cook’s use of singular “member” in his announcement suggests a single product launch.
Looking at the broader market context, Apple ranks second among high-flying AI stocks based on news and ratings. The company continues to trade actively, with its stock showing a day range of $241.84 to $245.18 in recent sessions.
