iPhone SE, MacBook Air M4, and More: What’s New in Apple News This Week

This week, Apple fans are buzzing with updates about the iPhone SE, MacBook Air, iOS 18.2.1, and more. Here’s a quick look at the latest news from Apple.

iPhone SE Release Date in Doubt

The iPhone SE 4 is expected to launch in late Q1 2025, likely in April, but rumors suggest it could arrive sooner.

Some sources believe the iPhone SE 4 and iPad 11 might release as early as January, alongside iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3.

This would be a surprise move from Apple, which usually sticks to a spring release for the SE model.

Silicon-Based Batteries for iPhones

As smartphone technology improves, battery life is a key challenge. Apple is reportedly working on silicon-carbon batteries to enhance performance and extend battery life.

Other companies, like Xiaomi, have already started using these batteries in their phones. Apple is expected to follow suit, improving future iPhone battery performance.

Should You Upgrade to iOS 18.2.1?

The latest update, iOS 18.2, brought new AI features but also caused some bugs. Apple is now rolling out iOS 18.2.1 to fix some of these issues.

While the update addresses some minor quirks, it’s unclear exactly what bugs have been fixed, so users may want to wait for more information before upgrading.

Apple’s AI News Alerts Face Criticism

Apple’s AI-powered news alerts have been criticized for providing inaccurate summaries. The company has acknowledged the issues and is working on improvements.

A software update is expected soon to clarify when the summaries are generated by Apple Intelligence and to address user concerns.

MacBook Air M4 Features

The MacBook Air M4 is one of the last Macs to get the new M4 chip. The new MacBook Air will offer a performance boost, but it will still rely on passive cooling (no fan), meaning it may overheat faster than the MacBook Pro.

However, the extra power from the M4 chip will still make the MacBook Air a strong contender for users looking for a thin and powerful laptop.

Apple’s Free AirPods Offer

Apple is offering a Back to School promotion in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and South Korea. From January 8 to March 13, students and staff can get free AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation when they purchase a new MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or iMac.

Alternatively, they can get a free Apple Pencil Pro or Apple Pencil (USB-C) with the purchase of a new iPad Pro or iPad Air.

18th Anniversary of the iPhone

This week marks the 18th anniversary of the launch of the iPhone. The iPhone revolutionized the smartphone industry when it launched in 2007.

While the phones of that time may seem outdated now, the iPhone’s impact is still felt today, influencing the design and features of modern smartphones.