Apple now plans to release an all-new iPhone SE 4 in the first half of 2024, according to respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. In a series of tweets, Kuo explains that Apple plans to release the new iPhone SE with a 6.1-inch OLED display in what is essentially a “minor modification of the 6.1 inch iPhone 14”.
In what would be a first for an iPhone, the rumored device will be equipped with Apple’s first 5G custom modem. Kuo expects the modem to be built on a 4nm process akin to the A16 Bionic chip. The iPhone SE may once again miss on mmWave connectivity, as the purported chip will only support sub-6GHz 5G speeds.
Apple’s custom modems ambitions extend beyond its most affordable iPhone, as the company is still mulling whether it’s mature enough to be included in its flagship iPhone 16 lineup. Kuo claims that Apple is yet to “overcome the technical obstacles related to mmWave and satellite communications”.
Discover new horizons, always connected with eSIM
Travel the world stress and hassle-free with the best eSIM service available. Enjoy unlimited data, 5G speeds, and global coverage for affordable prices with Holafly. And, enjoy an exclusive 5% discount.
If all goes to plan with the iPhone SE, Kuo claims that future iPad and Apple Watch models are next in line to adopt Apple’s in-house modems in lieu of Qualcomm’s, stressing that “Qualcomm’s Apple orders will decline significantly in the next 2-3 years.”
By all accounts, it seems that Qualcomm’s business relationship with Apple is coming to an end as Apple is inching closer to reap the fruits of its Intel’s modem business acquisition in 2019. With this step, Apple will further consolidate its vertical integration in addition to boosting its gross profit margin.
If rumors prove correct, the upcoming iPhone SE will be a fairly significant upgrade with a much larger all-display design, longer battery life, and Apple’s first custom modem. It remains to be seen whether the new device will finally adopt Face ID, or move to a power button-based Touch ID.
