Rumor: Apple’s New Modem Coming to iPhone SE First

Whispers about Apple developing its own modem have surfaced, promising to shake up the smartphone industry once again. According to a leaker named "Fixed Focus Digital" on Weibo, Apple’s proprietary modem technology will debut in the next iPhone SE. This points to Apple taking a significant step toward reducing its reliance on third-party suppliers, with the modem being developed on TSMC's advanced N5P node.

Details from the Leak

The leak from Fixed Focus Digital hints at several intriguing aspects of Apple's upcoming modem:

1. TSMC's N5P Technology:
   Apple has secured the N5P technology, known for its enhanced performance and efficiency over previous nodes. The leaker stated, "Jiaozi got the N5P technology. It will be mass-produced at the end of the year and will be used on SE first."
2. Exceeding Expectations:
   The leaker emphasized that Apple's self-developed modem surpassed expectations. They mentioned, "The N5P process baseband, as the first generation of self-developed baseband, exceeded expectations."
3. Strategic Launch:
   When asked why this new modem wouldn't first appear in the flagship iPhone 16, Fixed Focus Digital explained, "First look at the experimental results, then use it on the flagship." This cautious approach ensures that any potential issues can be ironed out in a less critical market segment before a wider rollout.

Why the iPhone SE?

Introducing the new modem in the iPhone SE is apparently strategic. The SE series is known for providing a more affordable yet powerful alternative to Apple's flagship models, making it an ideal platform for testing new technologies. By debuting the modem in the SE, Apple can gather valuable data and user feedback, ensuring the technology is robust enough for its flagship iPhones.

I can’t think of any prior examples of Apple releasing something as significant as their own modem to a lower tiered device. This approach would make sense, but doesn’t seem very Apple like, in my opinion.

Looking Forward

The prospect of an Apple-designed modem is exciting. It reflects Apple’s ongoing commitment to innovation and control over its technology stack. As we await more official details, one thing is clear: if the rumors hold true, the next iPhone SE could be a game-changer, setting the stage for future advancements in Apple’s flagship devices.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and prepare for what could be one of Apple’s most significant technological strides in recent years.