Recent reports suggest that Apple may be working on a new version of the iPhone SE with a 5G modem built by the company. The iPhone SE is Apple’s budget-friendly phone model that was first released in 2016, and the company has not updated it since 2020. The new iPhone SE 4 would likely feature a 5G modem, which would make it the first budget-friendly phone from Apple with this technology.
The report suggests that the new iPhone SE 4 will have a similar design to the iPhone 8, which would be a departure from the more modern design of the iPhone SE 2. It is unclear if the new phone will have any other significant changes, but it is expected to be released in 2024.
The move to a 5G modem would be a significant step forward for the iPhone SE, which has been popular due to its affordable price point. The addition of 5G would make the phone more attractive to consumers who are looking for a budget-friendly phone with advanced connectivity options. However, it is unclear how Apple plans to price the new iPhone SE 4, and it is possible that the cost may increase due to the addition of the 5G modem.
In recent years, Apple has been working to reduce its dependence on outside suppliers for its components. Developing its own 5G modem would be a significant step in this direction, and it would give Apple more control over its supply chain. Apple already designs its own A-series chips for its iPhone and iPad devices, and developing its own modem would allow the company to integrate its hardware and software more closely.
The move to a self-developed 5G modem would also give Apple more flexibility in terms of releasing new products. Currently, Apple relies on Qualcomm for its 5G modems, which can create delays in releasing new products. By developing its own modem, Apple would have more control over its release schedule and could potentially release new products more quickly.
