Mentioned by an avalanche of rumors for years now, the iPhone SE 4 would be on the verge of materializing. Analysts assure that the device will arrive early next year, with the very first modem chip designed by Apple on board.
Several analysts from the Barclay firm, including Tom O’Malley whose name comes up often, did quasi-journalistic work by going to Asia to meet various manufacturers of electronic components, but also some of Apple’s usual suppliers.
In a post published on their return, they assure at this stage that they are able to “ confirm » that the launch of an iPhone SE 4 is now imminent, and that this new affordable iPhone would be (as some rumors had already predicted in recent months) equipped with a modem chip designed by Apple. This would then be a first for the Cupertino giant, which has been developing a 5G chip against all odds for almost 6 years.
The iPhone SE 4: a turning point for Apple
According to Barclay, this fourth generation iPhone SE would be ready for marketing during the first quarter of 2025. A somewhat broad estimate, but which is supported by previous rumors and leaks, as well as by Apple’s history in this area.
For context, the current iPhone SE (third generation) was launched in the first quarter of 2022, more precisely in March, during an event held online. We can therefore reasonably expect that Apple will keep this launch slot for its iPhone SE 4.
This new iPhone SE would rely for the very first time, as we have said, on a 5G modem designed in-house. Apple has been developing this chip in (relative) secret since 2018, with the aim of reducing its dependence on Qualcomm 5G modems, which currently equip all iPhones distributed. An objective which also led Apple to buy Intel’s modem division in 2019.
However, we know that the firm was faced with many difficulties during this development, and that it recently signed an agreement with Qualcomm to continue using its modem chips until 2026. In other words, we would initially move towards a sparse use of Apple’s 5G chips.
According to information that is now relatively solid, the iPhone SE 4 would thus serve as a test run, before a potential integration of Apple’s 5G solution into the future iPhone 17 Air, expected at the end of 2025. The other models would remain equipped by Qualcomm. However, we do not know what the performance of this first 5G chip from Apple would be compared to those (very efficient) from Qualcomm.
As a reminder, the iPhone SE 4 should benefit from a brand new design, close to that of the “classic” iPhone 14, but also feature a 6.1-inch OLED screen with sensors dedicated to Face ID. We would finally find a recent SoC (potentially the A18 Bionic) coupled with 8 GB of RAM to allow management of Apple Intelligence, as well as a USB-C port and a 48 Mpx main photo sensor.
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