Apple’s next-generation iPhone SE 4 may hit the market sooner than expected, with latest reports suggesting a launch at the end of the first quarter in 2025. According to insights from Barclays analyst Tom O’Malley, who recently visited electronics suppliers in Asia, the iPhone SE 4 is likely to launch in March. This timeline follows a familiar pattern for Apple’s SE lineup, with the previous models – the iPhone SE 2 and SE 3 – being unveiled in March and early April of their respective years. This suggests that the device may launch in three months.

While Apple’s iPhone SE series has always targeted budget-conscious customers, the fourth-generation model is expected to pack a punch with major hardware upgrades. The iPhone SE 4 is rumored to adopt the design of the base iPhone 14, which would be a notable change from the existing SE model.

Key features speculated for the SE 4 include a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID for more secure authentication, and a 48-megapixel rear camera. The device is also expected to be powered by a new A-series chip, and will reportedly include 8GB of RAM, which will bring better support for Apple’s advanced artificial intelligence capabilities.

Perhaps the most significant upgrade, however, is the inclusion of an Apple-designed 5G modem. Apple has been working on its own 5G modem since 2018, aiming to reduce its reliance on Qualcomm, the current supplier of modems for the iPhone. While Apple earlier this year extended its modem supply deal with Qualcomm to 2026, the company seems eager to gradually transition to its in-house solution. If the iPhone SE 4 does indeed feature Apple’s custom 5G modem, it could mark an important milestone for the company’s increasing freedom in hardware design.

However, it remains to be seen whether Apple’s modem will offer tangible advantages over Qualcomm’s widely used technology. The primary question for consumers is whether switching to an in-house modem will result in faster speeds, better connectivity or better battery life. With Qualcomm’s modems setting the high bar for 5G performance, Apple will need to make sure its first self-designed modem delivers a comparable experience, if not a better one.

Beyond the SE 4, Apple’s roadmap for 5G modems appears to expand beyond just one model. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously suggested that the company’s upcoming iPhone 17 Air may also include an Apple-designed 5G modem. But, these details have not been officially confirmed and users are advised to take them with a pinch of salt.