The iPhone SE 4 may not ultimately reach consumer hands as reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo now believes that the device has been designated as an “engineering prototype” to test and validate Apple’s custom 5G modem efforts.
Kuo previously predicted that the new iPhone SE 4 would be based on the iPhone 14, with mass production commencing early next year. He now backtracks on his earlier claims, stating that “there are no plans for mass production and sales.”
Kuo further states mass production plans for in-house 5G modems “will largely hinge on the test results of this engineering prototype,” currently set for as early as 2025. Kuo warns that if test results aren’t satisfactory, production could slip back to 2026 or beyond.
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.
Production schedule also has ramifications for the node size that Apple plans to use to build its custom 5G modems. While Kuo did not point out which node size Apple has in mind, it is not out of the question to assume that the company is aiming for at least a 5nm node process, with 3nm being a possibility if mass production begins in 2026 or later.
