Apple’s upcoming iPhone SE 4 is set to debut the company’s first in-house 5G modem, but early reports suggest it may not deliver the same performance as Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X75, which powers the iPhone 16 series.

Scheduled for launch on February 19, the iPhone SE 4 marks a significant shift for Apple, moving away from its reliance on third-party manufacturers like Qualcomm and Intel.

A report from the South Korean publication Donga stated that Apple’s new modem lacks support for mmWave 5G technology, potentially limiting its network capabilities, especially in areas where mmWave networks are prevalent.

The modem reportedly offers fewer carrier aggregation features compared to its Qualcomm counterpart, which could result in slower upload and download speeds for the iPhone SE 4.

Read More

Apple expected to unveil iPhone SE 4 ‘this spring’

Apple files appeal after Biden administration allows US ban on watch imports

Apple to spend billions of dollars on US-made 5G tech

Apple appears to be using the SE 4 as a testing platform for its modem technology, allowing for experimentation with new components in a more affordable device. The iPhone SE line has historically served as a lower-risk option for Apple to introduce innovations.

Analysts suggest that Apple’s move to develop its 5G modem has been years in the making, with plans initially set for earlier iPhone models. Future models, like the anticipated iPhone 17 Air, are also expected to incorporate Apple’s in-house technology.

The iPhone SE 4 is speculated to feature a design inspired by the iPhone 14, moving away from the compact style of its predecessor, the iPhone SE 3.