The iPhone SE 4: What We’ve Learned So Far and Why It’s Raising Red Flags

Without attracting as much attention as the phones unveiled in September, like the rumored iPhone 15, the iPhone SE dares to cater to its own audience. A more affordable phone with different technology, yet very appealing to certain individuals who are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the fourth-generation iPhone SE. Today, we have news about this phone.

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According to recent analysis by Barclays experts, Blayne Curtis and Tom O’Malley, it appears unlikely that Apple will launch a new iPhone SE model in 2024. This prediction (via MacRumors) is based on multiple conversations these analysts have had with companies in Apple’s supply chain.

One delay leading to another

The iPhone SE has proven to be a crucial piece in Apple’s portfolio, as it provides a more affordable and compact option for those who want to experience the iPhone without having to resort to the latest models or the Pro series. However, the potential decision not to release an update in 2024 suggests that there are technical challenges that Apple is still working on solving.

One of the most notable obstacles is the development of its own 5G modem. According to rumors, Apple has been working on its own modem since at least 2018. The project gained further momentum when Apple acquired the majority of Intel’s smartphone modem business in 2019. This decision was seen as a signal of Apple’s intention to have full control over the critical components of its devices.

However, developing modems is not an easy task. It requires time, expertise, and significant resources. Reports suggest that delays in this project could be behind Apple’s decision not to release a new iPhone SE in 2024.

The prospect of Apple not having its 5G modem ready in the near future would likely benefit Qualcomm, their current modem supplier. Prominent analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had previously suggested that mass production of Apple’s modem would not start until 2025 at the earliest. This implies that even the iPhone 16 models launching next year in the fall will continue to use Qualcomm modems.

And the news of the delays not only affects the release date of the new iPhone SE but could also have an impact on its design and features. Kuo had stated that the upcoming iPhone SE would adopt a design similar to the standard model of the iPhone 14 released last year, including a 6.1-inch OLED display and Face ID.

However, if Apple’s 5G modem is not ready, it remains to be seen whether the company will proceed and release the device with a Qualcomm modem or decide to postpone the launch until its own modem is available.

Let’s remember that the current iPhone SE, launched in March 2022, features a 4.7-inch LCD display, Touch ID, 5G connectivity, a 12-megapixel rear camera, and is powered by the A15 Bionic chip. With a starting price of $429 in the United States, it is one of Apple’s most affordable iPhone models. Previously, the first and second generation of the iPhone SE were released in 2016 and 2020, respectively.

Each of them has had a significant impact on the smartphone market due to their combination of affordability and high-end features. Now, with the possibility of the fourth-generation iPhone SE not being released in 2024, the refresh cycle will have evident variations.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that we are discussing rumors and speculation. While they are well-founded, Apple’s plans have often surprised us. It is true that expectations for a new iPhone SE in 2024 are diminishing due to the absence of Apple’s own 5G modem, but it is still too early to take this as confirmation. We remain attentive to surprises.

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