Apple is set to unveil its fourth-generation iPhone SE by the end of the first quarter of 2025, according to a report from Macrumours. This new model marks a significant step for Apple as it will feature an Apple-designed 5G modem, reducing the company’s reliance on Qualcomm for 5G technology.
Key Features and Specifications
- Launch Date: Expected around March 2025.
- Design: Likely to resemble the base iPhone 14, featuring a 6.1-inch OLED display and Face ID, replacing the older model’s Touch ID.
- Performance: Powered by a newer A-series chip and includes a USB-C port.
- Camera: Rumored to have a single 48-megapixel rear camera.
- Memory: Expected to come with 8GB of RAM to support Apple’s artificial intelligence capabilities.
Major Upgrade: Apple’s Own 5G Modem
One of the most significant upgrades in the iPhone SE 4 is the inclusion of Apple’s own 5G modem. This move aims to cut down Apple’s reliance on Qualcomm. Although Apple recently extended its agreement with Qualcomm for 5G modems through 2026, the new in-house modem is expected to debut in the fourth-generation iPhone SE.
Background and Implications
Apple’s development of its own 5G modem follows a legal battle with Qualcomm that began in 2017 over anticompetitive practices and unpaid royalty rebates. The lawsuit was settled in 2019, the same year Apple acquired a significant portion of Intel’s smartphone modem business. This acquisition provided Apple with a wide array of patents related to cellular technology, likely contributing to the development of its new modem.
Market Position and Pricing
The iPhone SE 4 will be a key product for Apple, offering a more affordable 5G-enabled option for customers. There are speculations that the new iPhone SE could be slightly pricier due to the enhanced features and new technology it will include.
