Apple May Launch First iPhone SE4 with In-House 5G Modem Next Year

Apple May Launch First iPhone SE4 with In-House 5G Modem Next YearAccording to analyst Jeff Pu, who tracks Apple's supply chain, the iPhone SE4, rumored to be released early next year, is expected to be the first to feature Apple's first in-house 5G modem. In a research report this week with Hong Kong investment firm Haitong International Securities, Pu said he expects Apple to debut its custom 5G modem starting with the next-generation iPhone SE4

Apple May Launch First iPhone SE4 with In-House 5G Modem Next Year

According to analyst Jeff Pu, who tracks Apple's supply chain, the iPhone SE4, rumored to be released early next year, is expected to be the first to feature Apple's first in-house 5G modem. In a research report this week with Hong Kong investment firm Haitong International Securities, Pu said he expects Apple to debut its custom 5G modem starting with the next-generation iPhone SE4.

Pu previously said the iPhone 17 Pro models in 2025 will feature Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 chips, aligning with his latest estimations. Pu believes that by 2027, both custom modems and Wi-Fi 7 chips will be widely adopted in iPhones.

Pu's predictions align with recent forecasts from Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Kuo said Thursday that at least one of the iPhone 17 models launching next year will have Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 chips. Kuo also expects Apple's 5G modem to be used in the rumored ultra-thin iPhone 17 models.

Kuo argues that Apple's 5G and Wi-Fi chips are currently two separate chips. Starting in the second half of 2025, these chips will gradually be used simultaneously in new products. Kuo believes the early adoption timeline will vary due to different production schedules.

Pu also mentions that the iPhone SE4 will use Apple's 5G modem but will still use Broadcom's Wi-Fi chips.

Apple's shift towards its own modem and Wi-Fi chip technology will be a significant strategic move. Currently, Apple relies on Qualcomm for modems and Broadcom for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth components. For example, all four iPhone 16 models use Broadcom chips for Wi-Fi 7 support, but with limited specifications. By creating its own counterparts, Apple aims to reduce reliance on third parties, gain more control over technology, and potentially reduce costs in the long run.

The fourth-generation iPhone SE is expected to have a similar design to the base iPhone 14. Rumored features include a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, an updated A-series chip, a USB-C port, a 48MP rear camera, 8GB of RAM to support Apple Intelligence, and, of course, Apple's first-designed 5G modem.

The new iPhone SE is expected to be released in the first half of 2025, most likely in March or April.