The next iPhone SE’s new modem reportedly won’t be as capable as Qualcomm’s

Apple's new SE modem less capable than Qualcomm's, future models aim to improve.

: Apple plans to debut its first in-house 5G modem, Sinope, on the fourth-generation iPhone SE. This modem won't match Qualcomm's capabilities, lacking mmWave support and achieving lower speeds. Apple aims for tighter component integration for benefits like better battery life. Future modems, Ganymede and Prometheus, target enhancements in speed and features.

Apple's upcoming fourth-generation iPhone SE is set to feature the company's first internally developed 5G modem, named Sinope. While it offers Sub-6 5G capabilities, it lacks mmWave support and will achieve a maximum of 4 Gbps in download speeds, unlike Qualcomm's superior chip performance.

Sinope is designed to balance capabilities with the iPhone SE's lower price point and focus on improved component integration for enhanced battery life. Apple's future modems, such as Ganymede, expected by 2026, aim to include mmWave support, with Prometheus in 2027 set to surpass Qualcomm in performance and AI features.

The journey to developing these modems has been marked by Apple’s past legal battles and agreements with Qualcomm. Apple's 2019 purchase of Intel's modem business was a significant step towards independence, and while agreements with Qualcomm extend to 2026, Apple envisions these as its final reliance on Qualcomm technology.

iPhone SEApple Modemtechnology