The iPhone SE 4 is expected to feature Apple's first in-house 5G modem, marking a shift from relying on third-party manufacturers like Qualcomm and Intel[3][5]. While this new modem may have certain limitations compared to Qualcomm's Snapdragon X75, such as lacking mmWave support and potentially offering slower upload and download speeds[2][3], it still brings several improvements[5][4].
The integration of Apple's own modem allows for tighter synergy between hardware and software, potentially optimizing power efficiency and battery life[5][10]. Specifically, Apple coordinates modem power states with the A18 chip's Neural Engine, which could compensate for the modem's less advanced manufacturing node and deliver decent battery life during sub-6 usage[5]. Furthermore, the iPhone SE 4 modem supports Dual Sim Dual Standby[2].
The iPhone SE 4 may serve as a testing ground for Apple's modem technology[3][10]. The goal is to maintain the same level of user experience as with previous modems[4]. The company plans to continue its Qualcomm partnership into 2027, especially on the modem front[5].
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.gsmarena.com/iphone_se_4s_modem_to_lack_mmwave_support-news-66580.php
[3] https://dailythedestination.com/iphone-se-4-to-feature-apples-in-house-5g-modem-performance-in-question/
[4] https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/07/iphone-se-4-new-features/
[5] https://www.rdworldonline.com/iphone-se-4-launch-hints-at-apples-long-game-in-5g-modems-challenging-qualcomms-reign/
[6] https://www.reddit.com/r/apple/comments/1gve8a5/iphone_se_4_with_apples_own_5g_modem_confirmed_to/
[7] https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/iphones/iphone-se-4s-new-modem-may-be-the-first-one-made-by-apple-and-thats-a-genius-move
[8] https://in.mashable.com/tech/89917/iphone-se-4s-5g-modem-may-lag-behind-in-speed-compared-to-other-models
[9] https://www.reddit.com/r/iphone/comments/1eqc5ul/iphone_se_4_due_in_early_2025_with_oled_and_apple/
[10] https://vocal.media/chapters/i-phone-se-4-will-have-worse-cellular-coverage-but-will-also-save-apple-money-zprl80x2g
[11] https://9to5mac.com/2024/12/29/iphone-se-4-features/
[12] https://www.phonearena.com/news/iphone-se-4-worse-cellular-coverage-but-will-save-apple-money_id167635