Apple is set to unveil its upcoming iPhone SE next week, and the feature set appears quite attractive. However, similar to prior SE versions, most of the new iPhone’s technology has been previously introduced. There is, however, one new feature that might not receive much attention. Here’s why it might slip under the radar.
iPhone SE 4 to highlight Apple’s focus on managing its complete tech ecosystem
Apple has established a strong preference for controlling its entire technology ecosystem.
The company creates hardware, software, and services, enabling them to together provide a seamless user experience.
Specifically for hardware, Apple opts to design its own chips instead of outsourcing. This approach has been standard for iPhones and iPads for many years; it began with the Mac in 2020, leading to substantial improvements.
For quite some time, another hardware component Apple has aimed to internalize is cellular modems.
Currently, Qualcomm produces all of Apple’s 5G modems for its iPhones and iPads.
However, with the new iPhone SE 4, the long-term project to create an Apple-designed modem is finally coming to fruition.
The upcoming iPhone SE will be the first device from Apple to integrate a proprietary 5G chip.
Despite this significant milestone, Apple may not publicly emphasize this new feature.
Reasons the new 5G modem may not attract much attention
Cellular connectivity is a critical feature for any iPhone.
While Apple will likely celebrate its achievement of moving away from Qualcomm with this new iPhone, it’s merely the beginning of a new journey.
Mark Gurman has noted that Apple is developing three in-house cellular chips:
- In 2025, the initial 5G modem will lack mmWave support, have lower download speeds in comparison to Qualcomm’s, and support four-carrier aggregation instead of six
- In 2026, a secondary modem should match Qualcomm’s features
- By 2027, Apple intends to surpass Qualcomm’s performance
While Apple will certainly reference its proprietary modem during the iPhone SE 4 launch, if it pays more than a cursory homage to it, I would be quite surprised.
Why?
Because the new modem may not be on par with what is featured in the flagship iPhone 16 models.
Even if Apple manages to enhance performance through special optimizations, there’s still another reason to downplay this new feature.
The reason being: the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max slated for release this fall will not include Apple’s new modem, sticking instead with Qualcomm technology.
Apple will not overshadow the flagship iPhone 17 Pro with the budget iPhone SE
If Apple prominently highlights the introduction of its in-house modem and outlines its advantages, it may lead to an uncomfortable scenario during the iPhone 17 launch in September, where the pricier models lack this advanced technology.
Therefore, I anticipate that while Apple will acknowledge the new 5G modem in the iPhone SE 4, it won’t take an excessive victory lap just yet.
Next year, with the introduction of the second-generation modem included in all new iPhones featuring more advanced characteristics, that’s when I believe Apple will enthusiastically share the merits of its modem.
Do you think Apple will give significant focus to its new modem in the iPhone SE 4? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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