Apple wanted to introduce its 5G modem with iPhone SE 4. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple planned to introduce its first 5G modem in iPhone SE 4 next year. However, things have now changed.
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Apple was developing a so-called fourth-generation iPhone SE, which would have a similar design to the iPhone XR and iPhone 11, but with 5G connectivity and other modern specifications. The 5G modem that would be used by Apple in the device was supposed to be the first developed by the Cupertino company. However, the company canceled the project.
Due to concerns that internal modem performance might not match that of Qualcomm modems, Apple had planned to launch its chip in 2024 and let the low-end iPhone SE 4 adopt it first. Depending on the performance obtained on the iPhone SE 4, Apple would then decide whether to adopt it also with the iPhone 16.
However, the cancellation of the iPhone SE 4 project has significantly increased the chances of Qualcomm remaining the exclusive modem supplier for the future iPhone 16 series as well.
Kuo previously reported that the fate of the iPhone SE 4 hung in the balance. However, now the analyst cites supply chain sources reporting on Apple’s decision not to release this device.
With the iPhone SE 4 out of the picture, seemingly permanently, Qualcomm will remain Apple’s sole supplier of iPhone modems for the next year. Apple appears to still be developing its own cellular modems, but no iPhones will use them until 2025.