Apple is gearing up to launch its fourth-generation iPhone SE by the end of the first quarter in 2024, according to a report from Macrumours. It suggests that the new iPhone SE will feature an Apple-designed 5G modem marking a major leap in the company’s move toward reducing its reliance on Qualcomm for 5G technology.
The new iPhone SE is expected to be unveiled around March 2024. It will likely resemble the base iPhone 14, with a 6.1-inch OLED display and Face ID, replacing the Touch ID of the older model. The phone is expected to be powered by a newer A-series chip and include a USB-C port. Additionally, it is rumoured to feature a single 48-megapixel rear camera and 8GB of RAM to support Apple’s artificial intelligence capabilities.
One of the most significant upgrades in the iPhone SE 4 will be the inclusion of Apple’s own 5G modem. With this, Apple aims to cut down its reliance on Qualcomm. While Apple recently extended its agreement with Qualcomm for 5G modems through 2026, the new in-house modem is expected to debut in the fourth-generation iPhone SE.
Apple’s move to develop its own 5G modem follows its legal battle with Qualcomm, which began in 2017 over anticompetitive practices and unpaid royalty rebates. The lawsuit was settled in 2019, the same year Apple acquired a significant portion of Intel’s smartphone modem business. This acquisition gave Apple access to a wide array of patents related to cellular technology, which have likely contributed to the development of its new modem.
The iPhone SE 4 will be a key product for Apple, especially as it looks to offer a more affordable 5G-enabled option for customers. There are talks that the new iPhone se could be a slight pricier considering the enhanced features and new technology it will include.
Follow FE Tech Bytes on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook
