The iPhone SE 4 is rumored to feature Apple's first in-house 5G modem, marking a shift away from relying on Qualcomm for these components[3][7]. This move aims to provide several advantages, including tighter integration with Apple devices, potentially leading to improved power efficiency, faster data speeds, and enhanced network reliability across iPhones, iPads, and Macs[5][6].
One key benefit of Apple's custom 5G modems is their ability to improve battery efficiency[2]. Unlike generic modems, these chips are designed to integrate seamlessly with Apple hardware and software, which can significantly reduce typical 5G power consumption[2]. Apple plans to adjust power consumption for specific tasks, such as fast data transfers, to minimize the amount of time devices spend on high power, which extends battery life[2]. The custom modem will also be integrated with Apple SoCs, ensuring greater consistency in device performance, potentially enabling faster transfer speeds with lower energy impact[2].
Furthermore, manufacturing its own modems allows Apple to potentially reduce costs and mitigate supply chain risks[5]. This move strengthens its business model and positions the company to better compete in the tech market[5]. The integrated approach of Apple's modem is designed to handle 5G cellular connectivity, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS, which can lead to improved performance and significant battery life savings, especially in Low Power Mode[3][6].
Although the initial Apple modem in the iPhone SE 4 may not match the performance of Qualcomm's Snapdragon X75, particularly lacking mmWave support and potentially offering fewer carrier aggregation features, Apple aims for its 5G modem chip to surpass Qualcomm's Snapdragon 5G modem by 2027[4][1][8]. The iPhone SE 4 serves as a testing ground for this new modem[3].
Citations:[1] https://www.techradar.com/phones/iphone/new-iphone-se-4-leak-suggests-it-wont-match-the-iphone-16-in-one-key-area
[2] https://www.drivingeco.com/en/apple-llevara-5g-macs-vision-pro-gracias-modems-personalizados/
[3] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/mobiles-tabs/apple-may-debut-its-in-house-5g-modem-with-this-iphone-heres-what-to-expect/articleshow/113968773.cms
[4] https://www.gsmarena.com/iphone_se_4s_modem_to_lack_mmwave_support-news-66580.php
[5] https://applemagazine.com/apples-5g-modem-three-year-plan/
[6] https://techwiser.com/iphone-se-4-top-features-and-upgrades/
[7] https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43774315/apples-iphone-se-4-to-feature-tsmc-made-in-house-5g-modembut-it-may-lag-behind-qualcomms-snapdragon-x75
[8] https://www.phonearena.com/news/apple-to-take-3-years-to-fully-rollout-its-in-house-5g-modem-chip_id165617
[9] https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/iphones/iphone-se-4s-new-modem-may-be-the-first-one-made-by-apple-and-thats-a-genius-move
[10] https://www.rdworldonline.com/iphone-se-4-launch-hints-at-apples-long-game-in-5g-modems-challenging-qualcomms-reign/