Barclays analyst Tom O’Malley and his team have confirmed that Apple plans to launch the fourth-generation iPhone SE in March 2024, following a similar timeline to the current iPhone SE, which debuted in March 2022.
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What to Expect from the iPhone SE 4
The iPhone SE 4 is further speculated to come with a design similar to that of the iPhone 14 while featuring some exciting improvements. Here are the expectations about these specs in the new release:
- 6.1-inch OLED Display: Display quality is increased for a better display view.
- Face ID: Optimal security as well as unlocking
- A-Series Chip: Newer generation processor meant to speed up the operations
- USB-C Port: Apple takes one step further in phasing out Lightning connectors
- 48-Megapixel Camera: Rear-mounted singular high-resolution camera for sharper images.
- 8GB RAM: To unlock advanced Apple Intelligence functionalities.
- Apple-Designed 5G Modem: First company-owned modem, which eliminates Qualcomm dependence.
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Apple Heads Down the Road to Own an In-House 5G Modem
Since 2018, Apple has been designing its own 5G modem. This is part of its strategy to diminish dependence on Qualcomm and eventually eliminate it.
Last year, in 2023, Apple lengthened its supply contract with Qualcomm until 2026 to continue using the latter’s technology while gradually migrating to the former’s proprietary technology.
There’s also a rumor that the new iPhone 17 Air will include an Apple-in-house 5 G modem.
Though it’s still unknown if the Apple modem will outdo Qualcomm in speed, it is a massive development in Apple’s long-term strategy.
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Apple vs. Qualcomm: A Brief History
The Apple push to its in-house 5G modem has traced back to the company’s history of legal disputes with Qualcomm:
APPLE sued Qualcomm in 2017 for its anticompetitive practices and unpaid royalties.
The companies reconciled in 2019, and Apple acquired Intel’s smartphone modem division. This acquisition gave Apple basic patents and essentials for building its modem technology.
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Pricing Expectations
The current iPhone SE starts from $429 in the U.S. However, with the latest design and feature upgrades in the iPhone SE 4, a slight upward pricing trend is forecast.
The iPhone SE 4, with the new form factor and Apple’s in-house 5G modem, promises a totality of cutting-edge features as something that is destined to redefine what affordable smartphones can deliver. Here’s what is scheduled to be released officially in March 2024.
