There are a lot of rumours and reports about what Apple will do with the upcoming iPhone SE 4, the company’s first update to its low-end smartphone since 2022, but the latest is that Apple will finally use its in-house 5G modem in an iPhone.
The news comes from 9to5Mac, which reported based on information from “reliable sources” that a device codenamed ‘V59’ — expected to be the iPhone SE 4 — sports an Apple-designed modem codenamed ‘Centauri.’
Moreover, the publication reports that Centauri will handle Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS functions and will enable deeper integration between hardware and software. That integration could allow for improved features, such as reduced power consumption when users turn on the iPhone’s Low Power Mode.
Perhaps what’s most interesting about this is that Apple might actually, finally, ship a 5G modem. The company has been working on modems for years after buying Intel’s modem division in 2019. Since then, numerous reports have claimed Apple was struggling with its modem efforts, and in late 2023 there were even rumours the company planned to wind down the project.
If 9to5’s report proves accurate and Apple does ship an in-house modem in the SE 4, that could be a huge move for the company. The plan to start shipping the modem in that smartphone could be something of an experiment to see how it holds up in real-world use before Apple starts shipping flagship iPhones with it.
And if Apple’s modem is successful, we could see the company move away from Qualcomm entirely in a blow to its modem business.
Other iPhone SE 4 rumours include that it could look similar to the iPhone 14, sport an A18 chip and 8GB of RAM. Those specs would mean the SE 4 is capable of Apple Intelligence features, a significant boon for the budget phone. Other reports indicate the SE 4 will include Face ID and no longer have a home button, and that it will have the 48-megapixel camera from the iPhone 15, though just the one rear camera. Around the front, the SE 4 will sport a 12-megapixel camera.
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone SE 4 next year, likely in the spring.
Source: 9to5Mac
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