At the moment, Apple still equips its devices with Qualcomm-made 5G modems. Qualcomm also announced last year that it will continue providing modems to Apple until 2026. It's possible that Apple wants to put its in-house modem to the test with just one iPhone first before it puts its technology in more devices.

Macworld Now that the iPhone 16 launch is in our rearview mirror, we can start looking at the models coming in 2025. And first up is what is shaping up to be a very exciting update to the cheapest iPhone–it could include a major new component Apple has been working on for more than five years.

According to a new report, the iPhone SE 4 will be the first iPhone to feature Apple's 5G modem, which has been in development for years.

A new report on the iPhone SE 4 suggests that Apple will include some massive upgrades when the new version of its most affordable phone arrives, possibly as soon as early 2025. The big change would an Apple-developed 5G modem, the first time Apple has ever built that part on its own.

The iPhone SE 4 is expected to enter the market next year. The rumour has it that this is most likely to be the first phone equipeped with Apple's 5G modem.

One of the most exciting features of the iPhone SE 4 is its connectivity. Apple’s custom 5G modem, codenamed “Centauri,” is set to enhance mobile data speeds and support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. This move signals Apple’s desire to bring more technology in-house, allowing for better integration and performance across devices.

9to5Mac has reported that Apple may launch the iPhone SE 4 with a 5G modem made in-house. This means Apple could ditch Qualcmm’s 5G modem for iPhones. This will be the first 5G modem built by Apple.

Apple’s flagship iPhone 16 Pro is falling short. There's no respite in sight for the Pro, but Apple has options with the smaller and cheaper iPhones. Early sales point to an overall drop in iPhone orders on the order of 12 percent.