Apple upcoming iPhone SE 4 is generating significant buzz, as reports suggest it will be the first device to feature the company’s long-awaited in-house 5G modem. This would mark a major milestone in Apple’s efforts to move away from Qualcomm’s modems, a shift that has been years in the making. Expected to launch in spring 2025, the iPhone SE 4 will come packed with several cutting-edge features, including a revamped design, a powerful A18 chip, and a substantial camera upgrade, making it a standout in Apple’s more affordable lineup.
Apple’s Push Toward Independence with a 5G Modem
The biggest highlight of the iPhone SE 4 is undoubtedly the use of Apple’s own 5G modem. The tech giant has been working on developing this modem since acquiring Intel’s modem division back in 2019. However, the journey hasn’t been smooth. Reports indicate that Apple faced numerous technical setbacks in its modem development. Despite these challenges, Apple is now reportedly confident enough to integrate the modem into the iPhone SE 4, using it as a testing ground before rolling it out to other flagship models like the iPhone 17 series.
Why is this significant? For Apple, the development of its own modem is a strategic move to reduce dependency on Qualcomm and optimize hardware-software integration. The in-house modem is expected to be more efficient, providing enhanced battery life and improved performance in low-power mode. This could give Apple a competitive edge by allowing deeper integration of the modem with iOS and other Apple hardware.
New Design: iPhone 14-Like Looks
Alongside the modem, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to receive a major design overhaul. Moving away from the dated iPhone 8 design used in its predecessor, iPhone SE 4 will reportedly adopt the sleek appearance of the iPhone 14, featuring flat edges and an edge-to-edge 6.1-inch OLED display. This is a significant leap from the 4.7-inch LCD display of the current SE model. Additionally, the phone is likely to include Face ID, phasing out the Touch ID home button for a more modern look.
However, iPhone SE 4 will not feature Apple’s exclusive “Dynamic Island” design, which remains reserved for the higher-end models. The larger display and OLED screen are expected to bring deeper blacks, better contrast, and a more immersive viewing experience, aligning the SE model closer to Apple’s flagship devices.
A18 Chip and Enhanced Camera System
The iPhone SE 4 is also set to feature Apple’s new A18 chip, the same one used in the iPhone 16 series, paired with 8GB of RAM. This powerful chipset will enable the SE 4 to support Apple Intelligence, bringing advanced AI-driven features to the device. The inclusion of the A18 chip means users can expect improved performance, faster app load times, and better battery efficiency.
The camera system is another area where the iPhone SE 4 is expected to shine. According to reports, it will inherit the 48MP rear camera from the iPhone 15, a huge step up from the 12MP camera in the current SE model. With computational photography enhancements, the SE 4’s camera will likely deliver high-quality images with improved low-light performance and detail. However, unlike the premium models, the SE 4 won’t feature ultra-wide or telephoto lenses, limiting its zoom capabilities.
Pricing and Availability
While the iPhone SE series has traditionally been Apple’s most affordable option, iPhone SE 4 is expected to come with a slight price increase due to its new features and upgraded hardware. Analysts predict the starting price will be between $459 and $499, which still makes it a budget-friendly option compared to the iPhone 16 series.
Apple plans to launch the iPhone SE 4 in spring 2025, and its success could determine the future of Apple’s modem in its flagship devices. As the SE 4 ushers in a new era of Apple-designed modems, it will be closely watched as a potential game-changer in the industry.
