Recently, the news that Apple's iPhone SE4 is equipped with the first self-developed modem is not as good as Qualcomm's Snapdragon X75 has attracted widespread attention in the industry. According to Korean media donga, Apple's self-developed modem has obvious shortcomings in key performance indicators, especially it does not support millimeter wave 5G technology, and is inferior to Qualcomm chips in carrier aggregation function, resulting in iPhone SE 4 is far inferior to other mobile phones equipped with Qualcomm X75 solutions in terms of upload and download speed. However, the real purpose of Apple's self-developed modem is not just to pursue top performance, but also has a deeper strategic consideration, that is, to get rid of dependence on Qualcomm, reduce licensing fees, and achieve technical autonomy.
Ⅰ. Performance shortcomings: the absence of millimeter wave 5G and the lack of carrier aggregation function
1. The importance of mmWave 5G technology
As an important part of 5G networks, millimeter-wave 5G technology has significant advantages in high-speed data transmission scenarios due to its large bandwidth and low latency. For example, in scenarios such as large-scale file transfer and high-definition video live streaming, mmWave 5G can provide faster network speeds and a more stable connection experience. However, Apple's self-developed modem does not support mmWave 5G technology, which makes the iPhone SE 4 limited in network speed and cannot meet the needs of users for high-speed networks.
2. Gaps in carrier aggregation capabilities
Carrier aggregation can merge multiple carrier bands to increase data rates and network capacity. Apple's self-developed modem is inferior to Qualcomm chips in carrier aggregation function, only supporting four-carrier aggregation, while Qualcomm's latest model supports six-carrier. This means that in environments where multitasking or high bandwidth demands are met, the iPhone SE 4's network performance may suffer, resulting in a degraded user experience. For example, the iPhone SE 4's network speed may be limited when transferring data from multiple applications at the same time, such as online gaming, video playback, and file downloading, and devices with Qualcomm X75 are better able to cope with these demands.
Pictured: Apple's iPhone SE4 is equipped with the first self-developed modem, and the performance is not as good as Qualcomm's Snapdragon X75
Ⅱ. Highlights and advantages of self-developed modems
1. Dual SIM dual standby function
Apple's self-developed modem supports dual SIM dual standby function, which is a useful feature for users who need to switch between multiple networks. Users can use two SIM cards at the same time on one mobile phone to conveniently manage personal and work numbers without having to carry two mobile phones. The launch of this feature not only improves the convenience of users, but also meets the needs of different user groups, such as business people and travelers, further expanding the market scope of iPhone SE 4.
2. Deep integration with Apple processors
Apple's in-house modem can be deeply integrated with Apple's own processors to improve the energy efficiency of the device. This deep integration optimizes data transmission and processing processes at the hardware level, reducing power consumption and extending device lifespan. For example, the iPhone SE 4 may outperform other devices when using web applications for extended periods of time, such as video playback and social media browsing. This energy efficiency advantage not only improves the user experience, but also aligns with Apple's long-standing focus on device performance and battery life.
Ⅲ. Get rid of Qualcomm dependence: the real purpose of Apple's self-developed modem
1. Reduce licensing fees
The biggest advantage of Apple's self-developed modem is that it reduces its dependence on Qualcomm, thereby saving licensing fees. Through independent research and development, Apple can reduce the purchase of Qualcomm chips, reduce production costs, and improve profit margins. According to related reports, Apple pays Qualcomm billions of dollars in licensing fees every year, and the launch of its own modem will help Apple significantly reduce this cost.
2. Technological autonomy
The launch of Apple's self-developed modem marks an important step on the road to chip independence. Although it may not be as good as Qualcomm in terms of initial performance, Apple is clearly working on chip autonomy in the future. With the iPhone SE 4, Apple has the potential to conduct market tests to gain experience for further technology iterations in the future. In the future, Apple can continue to optimize and improve on this basis, improve the performance of the modem, and gradually narrow the gap with Qualcomm.
Ⅳ. market impact and future prospects
1. Impact on Apple itself
Cost control: The launch of self-developed modems will help Apple reduce production costs and improve profit margins. By reducing the purchase of Qualcomm chips, Apple can save a lot of licensing fees, so as to occupy a more favorable position in the market competition.
Technology accumulation: Although Apple's self-developed modem is not as good as Qualcomm in terms of performance, this attempt has accumulated valuable technical experience for Apple. In the future, Apple can continue to optimize and improve on this basis, improve the performance of the modem, and gradually narrow the gap with Qualcomm.
Product differentiation: The launch of self-developed modems has enabled Apple to differentiate itself in product technology. Through unique technology design and functional optimization, Apple can provide users with a unique experience and enhance the competitiveness of its products.
2. Impact on market competition
Intensifying competition: The launch of Apple's self-developed modem will further intensify competition in the smartphone market. Other manufacturers may accelerate the pace of self-developed chips and improve their technical capabilities to meet Apple's challenges.
Pushing the industry forward: Apple's move will also drive technological advancement across the industry. In order to remain competitive, other vendors may increase their R&D investment in modem technology to promote the rapid development of 5G technology.
Ⅴ. Expert views and industry comments
Mark Gurman: Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman said that although Apple has invested billions of dollars in its own 5G baseband, Qualcomm's solution is still better in comparison, and even if Apple's self-developed solution is applied, the signal problem of the iPhone may be difficult to improve. He believes that Apple's push for self-developed baseband is more to achieve chip unification.
Industry analysts: Some industry analysts believe that the launch of Apple's self-developed modem marks an important step on the road to chip independence. Although it may not be as good as Qualcomm in terms of initial performance, Apple is clearly working on chip autonomy in the future. With the iPhone SE 4, Apple has the potential to conduct market tests to gain experience for further technology iterations in the future.
VI. Conclusions
Apple's iPhone SE 4 is equipped with the first self-developed modem chip, which is inferior to Qualcomm Snapdragon X75 in performance, especially in mmWave 5G and carrier aggregation functions. However, the modem also shows some highlights, such as Dual SIM support and deep integration with Apple's own processors, which improves the device's energy efficiency. The launch of Apple's self-developed modem not only helps to reduce dependence on Qualcomm and save licensing costs, but also lays the foundation for future chip autonomy. Although it may not be able to compete with Qualcomm's products in the short term, it marks an important step in Apple's exploration in the field of modems. In the future, we look forward to Apple's growth and breakthroughs in self-developed technology, and truly achieve the dual improvement of technological innovation and user experience.
