Barclays analysts, during a trip to Asia, were able to confirm the fact that Apple’s partners are preparing for the spring announcement of the brand’s most affordable smartphone, which will replace the fourth generation in the iPhone SE line. This will be the first Apple smartphone with a modem of its own design.
Image Source: Apple
From recent statements by the head of Qualcomm, it becomes clear that this company will supply Apple with its modems until the end of 2026, so equipping the fourth-generation iPhone SE with a modem of its own design is an opportunity for the Cupertino company to test the operation of this component on a small category of devices. She can then apply the findings and experience obtained when converting other iPhone models to modems of her own design.
Contradictions between Apple and Qualcomm regarding licensing policies arose back in 2017, and two years later, the former acquired the modem development division from Intel, which consisted mainly of former specialists from the German Infineon. Since then, Apple has been trying to develop its own 5G modem that it can use in its mobile devices. It is difficult to say what benefits the appearance of a new modem as part of the fourth generation iPhone SE will provide for consumers.
Rumors also attribute this smartphone to the presence of a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID support, a relatively new processor and 8 GB of RAM, which will be useful for working with Apple Intelligence functions. The USB-C charging port will also cut off the iPhone SE from Apple’s historical heritage, and the main camera of the smartphone will be built on a sensor with a resolution of 48 megapixels. The current generation iPhone SE was introduced on March 8, 2022. It cannot be ruled out that his successor will make his debut at a close date next year.