Apple's Next Big Upgrade Will Weaken The New IPhone 16 »

CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 12: Attendees look at the new Apple iPhone 15 during an exhibition. … [+] Apple event on September 12, 2023 in Cupertino, California. Apple announced the latest versions of the iPhone 15 and other product improvements during the event. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

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Two months before its release, a new leak suggests that the next iPhone SE could soon replace the upcoming iPhone 16. It’s all thanks to the new hardware that Apple will assemble the cheapest new iPhone on the market.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports Apple will introduce 5G modem to 2025 phones. This means that the iPhone 17 family should receive the new technology. Kuo also says that the fourth-generation iPhone SE, scheduled for release in early 2025, will also get the new modem.

It’s a bold choice to debut new hardware on an iPhone that’s closest to Apple’s budget modem. This means that Apple will drop the new iPhone 16 six months after its launch.

The iPhone 16 is the closest competitor to the iPhone SE. In a push to bring generative AI to the full range of new iOS devices, the iPhone 16 will run the same Apple Silicon A18 chipset and increase memory to keep Apple Intelligence running smoothly. Apple’s AI system won’t work on older hardware, and the Apple Intelligence software suite will be a key differentiator that the company hopes will boost sales of the new iPhones. It would be unthinkable for Apple to launch the iPhone SE without Apple Intelligence support.

Last week there were reports that Apple will offer iPhone SE with OLED screen. Again, the SE is tuned to iPhone 16 specifications. Assuming it’s priced as competitively as previous SE models compared to the vanilla iPhone, it’ll be hard to recommend the iPhone 16 knowing it’s better value for money come a few months.

Now consider the benefits of equipping any iPhone with a 5G modem made by Apple. Because the chipset is universal, one phone platform, one modem, and no compromises or compatibility are needed, you’ll have tighter hardware and software integration. There will be a closer integration of the software stack, giving the OS sophisticated knowledge of the only modem it will talk to.

Just as Apple’s switch to Silicon has provided greater performance, efficiency and endurance. thus, it will switch from Qualcomm’s modem technology to Apple’s own modem technology.

iPhone 16 will lose this advantage. The iPhone SE will be the first to benefit. And those waiting will be the first to discover the brave new world when Apple makes its connection.

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