Apple’s new product launch is about to take place to welcome, as CEO Tim Cook describes it, the “newest member of the family.” Although Apple hasn’t confirmed what’s coming, everyone, including me, believes it’s the new iPhone SE. Here’s everything that’s happening, where and when, down to the minute.
Apple iPhone SE: The Unveiling
When and where: Wednesday, Feb. 19 by press release
Tim Cook confirmed last week that this would be the day for the new product to be revealed. It’s highly unlikely that there’s a big event for the announcement as no invites were sent out to the press.
Instead, it seems it will be in the form of a release on the Apple news website, apple.com/newsroom. This doesn’t discount the possibility that there will also be a video explaining the new product in every detail. I think there will be, on the main Apple website and Apple’s YouTube channel.
As for timing: press release announcements are often at 5 a.m. Pacific/8 a.m. Eastern/1 p.m. U.K. Big events like WWDC are always at 10 a.m. Pacific/1 p.m. Eastern/6 p.m. U.K. So it’ll be between those times.
However, let’s also bear in mind that Cook made his announcement on X at 8 a.m. Pacific/11 a.m. Eastern/4 p.m. U.K., so I’d suggest keeping an eye out at that time as well.
At the event, we’ll hear all details of what’s coming, when it will go on sale (though, really, you can read about that below) and the price, thought to be between $479 and $499, though it could be more.
Apple iPhone SE: Pre-Orders Begin
When and where: Friday, Feb. 21, 5 a.m. Pacific
This could change but if Apple follows the playbook for the iPhone 16, pre-orders will open at 5 a.m. Pacific/8 a.m. Eastern/1 p.m. U.K.
Note that for the iPhone 16, Apple let customers get a head start by choosing the model they wanted the night before (Thursday, Feb. 20, that would mean) and save their shopping bag.
Apple iPhone SE: First Reviews Appear
When and where: Tuesday, Feb. 25 or Wednesday, Feb. 26
A small number of reviewers get to see the iPhone before general release, with the embargo to publish lifting between one and three days before onsale date.
The time of day is typically 6 a.m. Pacific/9 a.m. Eastern/2 p.m. U.K. However, this sometimes changes.
Apple iPhone SE: Onsale date
When and where: Friday, Feb. 28, 8 a.m. local time
I’m stone-cold certain this will be the release date, though it won’t be confirmed until the product is unveiled. Mark Gurman in his Power On newsletter on Sunday, Feb. 16 said, “Apple is preparing to announce the phone on Feb. 19 and put it on sale before the end of the month.”
Since Apple favors a Friday release for its new products, and this coming Friday, Feb. 21 is just way too early, that only leaves Feb. 28.
The phone sales begin at 8 a.m. local time, so customers in Australia will be able to buy many hours before those in Los Angeles.
I’ll be updating this post as details are confirmed, so please check back.
