iPhone SE 4: A Milestone for Apple's Self-Developed 5G Modem, Launching in March

iPhone SE 4: A Milestone for Apple's Self-Developed 5G Modem, Launching in MarchFast Technology reported on November 20th that Barclays analyst Tom O'Malley, in his research report, stated that Apple's next-generation iPhone SE 4 will feature Apple's self-developed 5G modem for the first time and is expected to be officially released in March next year. This news is a milestone for Apple and its supply chain, marking a significant breakthrough in Apple's 5G modem chip R&D

iPhone SE 4: A Milestone for Apple's Self-Developed 5G Modem, Launching in March

Fast Technology reported on November 20th that Barclays analyst Tom O'Malley, in his research report, stated that Apple's next-generation iPhone SE 4 will feature Apple's self-developed 5G modem for the first time and is expected to be officially released in March next year. This news is a milestone for Apple and its supply chain, marking a significant breakthrough in Apple's 5G modem chip R&D.

Looking back at Apple's layout in the 5G modem field, we can trace it back to July 26, 2019, when Apple spent $1 billion to acquire Intel's smartphone modem business Apple's second-largest acquisition at the time. This acquisition not only brought Apple approximately 2,200 Intel employees but more importantly, secured valuable intellectual property, equipment, and leases related to Intel's 5G modem technology, laying a solid foundation for its self-developed 5G modem chip R&D.

However, Apple's self-developed 5G modem was not achieved overnight. While pushing forward with its self-developed 5G modem, Apple also adopted a pragmatic strategy. Earlier this year, Apple extended its 5G modem supply agreement with Qualcomm until 2026, indicating a gradual transition to a fully self-developed 5G modem rather than a complete abandonment of Qualcomm's supply.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo's prediction also confirms this. He pointed out that Apple's self-developed 5G modem will replace Qualcomm chips gradually. The iPhone SE 4 will be a crucial step in this transition, with Apple initially adopting its self-developed 5G modem in some models, while others continue to use Qualcomm's 5G modems. This strategy mitigates risk while ensuring Apple's competitiveness in the 5G market.

In the future, Apple will gradually equip all its models with self-developed 5G modems. This will not only reduce Apple's dependence on suppliers like Qualcomm but also allow for better control over product costs and performance, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of Apple products.

Besides the highlight of Apple's self-developed 5G modem, the iPhone SE 4 will also bring a series of anticipated upgrades. It is reported that the iPhone SE 4 will adopt a 6.1-inch OLED display, marking the first full-screen design in the SE series history. Compared to the previous SE 3, the screen size is significantly increased, resulting in a substantial improvement in visual experience. Furthermore, the iPhone SE 4 will be equipped with Face ID for enhanced security and convenience.

The screen design will retain the notch style. While the notch design is no longer mainstream in today's full-screen smartphone market, it still represents a significant upgrade for the SE series, which previously adopted more traditional designs.

Performance-wise, the iPhone SE 4 will feature Apple's latest A18 series processor, providing powerful computing capabilities and a smooth user experience. In addition, the iPhone SE 4 will be equipped with 8GB of RAM, effectively improving multitasking capabilities and ensuring smoother and more stable operation.

In terms of camera, the iPhone SE 4 will have a 48-megapixel rear camera, significantly enhancing its photographic performance and delivering clearer and more detailed images. Furthermore, it will support Apple Intelligence, further improving its image processing capabilities and AI applications.

In summary, the iPhone SE 4 is a model with numerous upgrades. It not only marks the debut of Apple's self-developed 5G modem but also represents a significant leap for the SE series. Features such as a 6.1-inch OLED full-screen display, Face ID, the A18 series processor, 8GB of RAM, a 48-megapixel camera, and Apple Intelligence indicate that the iPhone SE 4 will be a powerful and feature-rich phone.

Of course, these upgrades mean the iPhone SE 4 will be priced higher than its predecessor. Its starting price is expected to be higher than the $429 of the previous iPhone SE 3. Despite the price increase, considering the significant advancements in configuration and performance, the iPhone SE 4 still offers high value and is expected to become a popular model among consumers.

In conclusion, the launch of the iPhone SE 4 not only represents significant progress in Apple's 5G modem technology but also signifies Apple's future emphasis on independent R&D and stronger core competitiveness. For consumers, the iPhone SE 4 is an exciting product that promises a superior user experience.