iPhone SE 4: A18 Chip, Face ID, and In-House 5G Modem Coming in First Half of 2024

iPhone SE 4: A18 Chip, Face ID, and In-House 5G Modem Coming in First Half of 2024According to recent supply chain reports from Kua Technology (December 10th), the highly anticipated iPhone SE 4 is slated for release in the first half of next year. This new model will feature significant upgrades, most notably in its imaging system and biometric technology

iPhone SE 4: A18 Chip, Face ID, and In-House 5G Modem Coming in First Half of 2024

According to recent supply chain reports from Kua Technology (December 10th), the highly anticipated iPhone SE 4 is slated for release in the first half of next year. This new model will feature significant upgrades, most notably in its imaging system and biometric technology. LG Innotek will reportedly supply both the rear and front cameras.

LG Innotek's provision of the front-facing camera, in addition to the rear camera, signifies a deepening partnership with Apple. The iPhone SE 4's rear camera will boast a 48MP high-definition lens, similar to the "Fusion Camera" technology used in the iPhone 16 series. This allows for excellent detail even after 2x cropping from the high-resolution 48MP image, resulting in sharper and clearer photos. This significant upgrade will greatly enhance the iPhone SE series' photography capabilities.

The front-facing camera also receives a substantial upgrade with a 12MP TrueDepth camera, the core component of Apple's 3D facial recognition system, Face ID. This captures high-precision depth information of the user's face, creating a precise 3D facial model through advanced algorithms. This enables fast and accurate facial unlocking while preventing spoofing attempts using photos or masks, enhancing device security and data protection.

The inclusion of Face ID means the iPhone SE 4 will ditch the traditional Home button, adopting a more modern all-screen design. Reports suggest a 6.1-inch display with a notch similar to the iPhone 14, maintaining Apple's minimalist aesthetic. Visually, it resembles a single-camera iPhone 14, but internally, it's significantly upgraded.

Performance-wise, the iPhone SE 4 will be powered by Apple's latest A18 chip, coupled with 8GB of RAM, ensuring smooth and efficient system operation and powerful processing capabilities. This combination can easily handle demanding applications and games. It will also support Apple Intelligence for further enhanced user experience.

Significantly, the iPhone SE 4 will be the first iPhone SE model to feature Apple's own 5G modem. While the download speed is capped at approximately 4Gbps (slightly lower than Qualcomm's solutions) and it currently lacks 5G mmWave support, this demonstrates Apple's commitment to in-house R&D and lays a foundation for future Apple ecosystem development. This move will also strengthen Apple's control over mobile network technology and open up possibilities for future products.

In summary, the iPhone SE 4 maintains the affordability of the iPhone SE series while offering substantial upgrades in imaging, biometric technology, processing power, and connectivity. The combination of a 48MP rear camera, Face ID, the A18 chip, and the in-house 5G modem will deliver a premium user experience beyond expectations. Launching in the first half of 2024, the iPhone SE 4 is poised to be the ideal choice for budget-conscious users who demand performance and features. Its upgraded specifications will solidify its leading position in the entry-level premium smartphone market. More importantly, the adoption of Apple's self-developed 5G modem represents a significant breakthrough in Apple's chip research and development, guiding the future direction of Apple products. We can expect to see more Apple devices with Apple's own 5G modem in the future, further enhancing the overall competitiveness of the Apple ecosystem. Although some features differ from high-end models, such as 5G mmWave support, the iPhone SE 4, with its excellent value and comprehensive features, is expected to be one of the most highly anticipated smartphones of the first half of 2024. Its improvements across multiple areas will undoubtedly attract a large consumer base, further expanding the influence of the iPhone SE series. The iPhone SE 4's release will redefine the perception of entry-level premium smartphones, offering consumers a higher-quality and more affordable option. It is not only a significant leap for the iPhone SE series but also a strong attempt by Apple in technological innovation and market strategy. We look forward to the iPhone SE series continuing to surprise global users through Apple's ongoing efforts.