iPhone SE 4 First to Get Apple-Designed 5G Modem, iPhone 17 Pro to Add Custom Wi-Fi 7 Chip

The iPhone SE 4 that's set to come out early next year is expected to debut Apple's first in-house 5G modem, according to Jeff Pu, an analyst who covers companies within Apple's supply chain.

Apple iPhone SE 4 5G Modem 1
In a research note this week with Hong Kong-based investment firm Haitong International Securities, Pu said Apple is expected to roll out its custom-made 5G modem starting with the next-generation iPhone SE 4. Apple's in-house modem will then be joined by a secondary Apple-made Wi-Fi 7 chip in the iPhone 17 Pro in the second half of 2025.

Pu has previously said that iPhone 17 Pro models in 2025 will be equipped with an Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 chip, which matches his latest expectations for adoption. Pu believes that both custom modem and Wi-Fi 7 chips will achieve majority adoption in iPhones by 2027.

Pu's forecast also tallies with predictions recently made by Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. On Thursday, Kuo said that at least one iPhone 17 model launching next year will be equipped with an Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 chip. Kuo also expects Apple's 5G modem to be used in the rumored ultra-thin iPhone 17 model.

Kuo believes that Apple's 5G and Wi-Fi chips are currently two different chips that will gradually be used in new products simultaneously starting in the second half of 2025. The early switch-over timelines will differ due to separate production schedules, according to Kuo. As Pu also suggests, the iPhone SE 4 will move to an Apple 5G modem but still use a Broadcom Wi-Fi chip.

Apple's shift to develop its own modem and Wi-Fi chip technology would be a significant strategic move. Currently, Apple relies on Qualcomm to supply its modems, and Broadcom for its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth components. For example, all four iPhone 16 models already support Wi-Fi 7 with Broadcom's chip, but with some limited specifications. By creating its own equivalents, Apple aims to reduce dependency on third-parties, gain more control over the technology, and potentially lower costs in the long run.

The fourth-generation iPhone SE is expected to have a similar design as the base iPhone 14, with rumored features including a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, a newer A-series chip, a USB-C port, a single 48-megapixel rear camera, 8GB of RAM to enable Apple Intelligence support, and of course the first-ever Apple-designed 5G modem. The new iPhone SE is expected to be released in the first half of 2025, with a launch in March or April most likely.

Related Roundups: iPhone 17, iPhone SE
Buyer's Guide: iPhone SE (Don't Buy)
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Top Rated Comments

Fuzzball84 Avatar
3 weeks ago
Interesting… I have a feeling my next iPhone will be the SE ?

Too many of the premium features of more expensive iPhones I just don’t use enough to justify paying the increased cost. And with the SE I still get Apple build quality and support.

In fact, had I not been able to get an iPhone mini I think I’d have the current SE. that form factor is just so good to slip in your pocket, a small compartment in a bag and hold to your ear for phone calls. It’s so underrated. The only downside is the battery runtime but hopefully the next iPhone improves that dramatically.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SmugMaverick Avatar
3 weeks ago
I mean great for Apple but we won't see a price decrease due to them saving from buying from Qualcomm etc etc.

Let's just hope its not utter GARBAGE.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Dulcimer Avatar
3 weeks ago
iPhone Signal Eviscerated 4

Hopefully Apple will save us all time and money and just integrate the bumper case into the design.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kay_Ess Avatar
3 weeks ago
Lol why are you all so scared of a modem chip?
Don’t worry I’ll get one for my stepmom asap and let you know if it works or not hahaha
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jb310 Avatar
3 weeks ago

The new iPhone SE is expected to be released in the first half of 2025, with a launch in March or April most likely.
Looks like I know when I'll be upgrading from my iPhone 11. ?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iMac The Knife Avatar
3 weeks ago
Good call Apple. It is better to beta test the new modem in the SE, instead of putting it in a real iPhone right out of the gate. I kid, I kid.?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)