No one knows what the “SE” in iPhone SE actually stands for. But there’s one thing we do know. Apple’s SE devices aren’t known for introducing completely new technology. But things look set to change this spring. The new iPhone SE is expected to come with cutting-edge upgrades. It’s the first Apple modem to handle 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS.
What is SE?
In the past, Apple’s SE branding did not refer to low-end products. For example, the Macintosh SE was a fascinating innovation from the original Macintosh.
But these days, “SE” clearly indicates “budget option” even though the letters are undefined. The iPhone SE and Apple Watch SE are by far the lowest priced products in their category.
Apple keeps the prices of SE devices very low by reusing technology from existing products.
iPhone SE may include the latest features selected from previous flagship iPhones. However, this is not the first model to feature this technology.
In 2025, there will be a notable exception to that norm.
The new iPhone SE features Apple’s in-house 5G chip
According to various reports, including ours, the modem project that Apple has been developing for years is finally ready to ship.
The company has long been developing its own 5G modem technology to replace the expensive parts provided by Qualcomm.
And the new iPhone SE will be the first device to feature that new modem.
My colleague Filipe Esposito writes:
Codenamed Centauri, this modem is very ambitious and also handles Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS.
That means 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS connectivity will all be delivered through a new chip designed by Apple.
The first thing the low-priced iPhone SE is equipped with is cutting-edge technology.
why?
I can guess several reasons.
- By including this chip in the iPhone SE, Apple will be able to discover potential problems with modems before adding them to flagship iPhone models.
- By not having to pay Qualcomm for a 5G modem, Apple can save money and keep the iPhone SE affordable.
Cutting-edge technology almost always comes at a high cost.
Apple’s years of modem research and development certainly cost a lot of money. But now that the modem is ready to ship, the company will actually save money by using its own chips instead of Qualcomm’s.
Summary: 5G modem for iPhone SE
Add Apple’s new in-house modem to the next SE model’s other key features, and you have a very attractive budget product.
It’s probably even the iPhone most people should buy.
Are you interested in purchasing Apple’s in-house modem, or do you think it’s a riskier proposition? Let us know in the comments.
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