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Report: Apple Watch SE Set for Upgrade With Larger Screens and Case Sizes

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Apple’s affordable Watch SE lineup appears to be on the brink of a major refresh, according to a new report. The last model in the SE series was launched in 2022, following the debut of the original in 2020. Now, new information suggests that Apple is preparing to introduce larger displays and bigger case sizes for the next-generation Watch SE. This would mark one of the most notable upgrades for the budget-friendly wearable, which traditionally maintained a more compact and conservative design compared to Apple’s flagship models.

The latest update comes via analyst Ross Young, Vice President at Counterpoint Research, who shared insights into the upcoming SE model’s screen specifications. In a note reported by 9to5Mac, Young claims the next Apple Watch SE is already in production—indicating that an official launch may be just around the corner. According to the analyst, the refreshed SE models will feature 1.6-inch and 1.8-inch displays, slightly larger than the current 1.57-inch and 1.78-inch offerings. This aligns with rumors suggesting Apple may shift the SE to match the 41mm and 45mm case sizes found in previous-generation flagship models.

The current Watch SE (2022) already received a performance bump by adopting the Apple S8 SiP, the same chip used in the Series 8. That move helped close the performance gap between the SE and standard Apple Watch models, making the lower-cost model even more appealing. Now, with larger displays and potentially larger casings on the horizon, Apple seems poised to further enhance the SE’s value while maintaining a clear distinction between its budget and premium devices.

Interestingly, this display and size shift for the Watch SE appears to be part of a broader product segmentation strategy. With the Apple Watch Series 10 adopting new 42mm and 46mm sizes and pushing display boundaries—featuring even larger panels than the Watch Ultra 2—Apple may be repositioning the SE series to inherit the older flagship dimensions. This could serve to extend the lifespan of previous designs, while giving users more affordable access to larger and more immersive displays without encroaching on the top-tier lineup.

Apple Developing Custom Chips for Smart Glasses, AI Servers, and Next-Gen Macs

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Apple is advancing its hardware ambitions with the development of specialized chips designed to power future products, including its first smart glasses, AI servers, and next-generation MacBooks, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday, citing sources familiar with the matter.

The tech giant’s reported progress on a low-power chip for smart glasses signals its intent to directly compete with Meta’s popular Ray-Ban smart glasses, a category that’s becoming increasingly central in the race toward consumer wearables integrated with AI.

The glasses-specific chip is said to be based on Apple Watch silicon, emphasizing power efficiency and compact form factors. It has been tailored to support multiple cameras — a key feature for augmented reality (AR) and immersive use cases — and could enter mass production as early as late 2026 or 2027, with TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) slated as the manufacturing partner.

Beyond Smart Glasses:
Apple is also reportedly working on AI-optimized server chips to support the Apple Intelligence platform — the company’s suite of on-device AI features introduced for iPhones. These capabilities include notification summaries, email rewriting, and integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

The server chips would provide the infrastructure needed to process more complex AI workloads, marking a notable shift for Apple as it begins to build its own AI compute backbone, rather than relying entirely on third-party providers.

MacBook Chip Roadmap Expands:
In addition, Apple is said to be developing new Mac chips, expected to be named the M6 and M7, extending its in-house silicon strategy. Apple’s custom chips have already proven transformative in differentiating its Mac lineup, offering significant performance gains over Intel-based predecessors.

Earlier this year, Apple also unveiled its first custom modem chip for iPhones, reinforcing its long-term commitment to vertical integration — from semiconductors to software.

While Apple has not publicly commented on the report, its steady push into AR, AI, and custom hardware signals the company is not merely following trends — but aiming to shape them.

Apple’s AI-Powered Safari Search Plans Challenge Google’s Online Dominance

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Apple’s move to introduce AI-powered search options in its Safari browser is emerging as a significant challenge to Google’s dominance in online search, with major implications for the tech and digital advertising landscape.

According to reports, Apple is “actively looking at” overhauling Safari by integrating new AI-based search alternatives such as OpenAI and Perplexity AI. This strategy directly targets Google, whose lucrative advertising business heavily depends on iPhone users searching via Safari — a privilege for which it reportedly pays Apple about $20 billion annually.

The development rattled investors, sending shares of Google-parent Alphabet (GOOGL) down 7.3% and erasing nearly $150 billion from its market valuation. Apple’s own stock dipped 1.1% on the same day.

Apple executive Eddy Cue testified during an antitrust case against Google that search activity on Safari had declined last month for the first time, as more users began relying on AI tools for information. This trend, if sustained, could mark a fundamental shift in consumer behavior — away from traditional keyword search engines and toward conversational AI and generative search technologies.

Google responded by asserting it continues to see growth in total search queries, including those from Apple devices, attributing the increase to tools like voice and visual search and newer features like “AI Overviews” that summarize results at the top of the search page. The company also plans to integrate its Gemini AI model into Apple devices through a potential deal expected by mid-2025.

Still, analysts warn that the end of Google’s default search position on Safari could have serious repercussions. Gil Luria of D.A. Davidson noted that if advertisers begin shifting budgets to competing AI-driven search engines, Google’s market share and revenue could suffer substantially.

Meanwhile, platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity are gaining traction rapidly. ChatGPT, for instance, logged over 1 billion weekly searches in April and reported more than 400 million weekly active users in February.

The U.S. Department of Justice, which has filed multiple antitrust suits against Google, proposes banning exclusive deals like the one between Apple and Google as part of broader efforts to increase competition in the search market.

As generative AI reshapes how people seek and consume information, Apple’s Safari updates could open the door to a new era of search — one where Google is no longer the default.