iPhone SE 4 Expected to Feature Apple’s In-House 5G Modem, Offering Slower Upload and Download Speeds, Says Report

iPhone SE 4 to Feature Apple’s Proprietary 5G Modem, but With Slower Network Speeds

The iPhone SE 4, expected to launch on February 19 as the successor to the iPhone SE (2022), will reportedly feature Apple’s long-awaited proprietary 5G modem. However, according to a recent report, the device will offer slower download and upload speeds compared to flagship models like the iPhone 16. This is because the modem, developed by TSMC, will lack support for mmWave 5G, which is known for offering faster network speeds. This could make the iPhone SE 4 less competitive against devices that use Qualcomm’s X75 modem, which supports faster 5G speeds and broader coverage.

Apple’s Shift to In-House 5G Technology

Apple has been working for several years to develop its own 5G modem, a move that would reduce the company’s reliance on third-party suppliers such as Qualcomm and Intel. Though rumors had suggested that the company would introduce its in-house modem with the iPhone 14 and later with the iPhone 15, the launch has been delayed due to various technical challenges. The iPhone SE 4 is expected to be the first Apple device to debut this modem, marking a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to internalize key components. While the modem will be a step forward for Apple, its lack of mmWave 5G support is expected to result in slower network speeds compared to more advanced modems used by competitors.

Impact on Network Performance

The absence of mmWave 5G in the iPhone SE 4’s modem could limit the device’s ability to deliver high-speed network performance, especially in areas where mmWave 5G is available. While sub-6GHz 5G will still provide fast speeds, mmWave 5G is often much faster and capable of handling higher data throughput. As a result, users of the iPhone SE 4 may experience slower data transfer rates compared to users of other 5G-enabled phones that support mmWave technology. This could be a significant disadvantage for customers who prioritize fast internet speeds and network performance in their devices.

Apple’s Long-Term Strategy for 5G Modems

Analysts, including Ming-Chi Kuo, have suggested that the iPhone SE 4 will serve as the starting point for Apple’s transition to in-house 5G technology. The company is reportedly aiming to phase out third-party modems over time, with future iPhones increasingly relying on Apple’s proprietary 5G components. Following the iPhone SE 4, the next major iPhone expected to feature Apple’s custom modem may be the iPhone 17 Air/Slim, slated for release in late 2025. This gradual rollout of in-house technology reflects Apple’s broader strategy to control more of its hardware and reduce dependence on outside suppliers, even if the initial results may not match the competition in terms of network speeds.

iQOO Neo 10R Spotted on Geekbench with Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Chipset Ahead of Official Launch

iQOO Neo 10R Surfaces on Geekbench with Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Ahead of March Launch

The iQOO Neo 10R is gearing up for its official debut in India, and ahead of its highly anticipated March 11 launch, the phone has made an appearance on the Geekbench benchmarking platform. This early listing provides a glimpse into the handset’s key specifications, including the powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, RAM configuration, operating system, and performance scores. The phone’s listing on Geekbench further confirms details about the upcoming model, building excitement as the brand continues to reveal information ahead of the official launch.

Performance Insights from Geekbench

The Geekbench listing of the iQOO Neo 10R provides valuable information about its performance capabilities. The device scored 1,944 in the single-core test and 5,062 in the multi-core test under Geekbench 6.4.0 for Android AArch64, giving an early indication of the impressive power the device is expected to offer. With these scores, the iQOO Neo 10R looks set to deliver excellent performance, especially when running demanding apps and multitasking. The results further suggest that the device could perform at a level on par with other flagship devices in its category, offering a smooth and fast user experience.

iQOO Neo 10R: Expected Specifications

Apart from the Geekbench performance, several reports have provided additional insights into the expected specifications of the iQOO Neo 10R. The device is said to feature a large 6.78-inch OLED display, boasting a 144Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and immersive gaming experiences. On the camera front, the Neo 10R is rumored to sport a dual rear camera setup with a 50-megapixel primary sensor featuring a Sony LYT-600 sensor and an 8-megapixel ultrawide camera. The front camera is expected to be a 16-megapixel unit for high-quality selfies and video calls. These specifications make the Neo 10R a promising contender in the mid-range smartphone market.

Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Chipset in the iQOO Neo 10R

One of the standout features of the iQOO Neo 10R is the inclusion of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, which has been confirmed in the Geekbench listing. The chipset is built on an octa-core architecture with three cores clocked at 2.02GHz, two mid-cores at 2.80GHz, and one prime core running at 3.01GHz. This configuration ensures that the Neo 10R will have no trouble handling high-performance tasks, such as gaming and multitasking, while remaining energy efficient. Coupled with the other expected features, including a high refresh rate display and a capable camera system, the iQOO Neo 10R looks set to be a powerful smartphone for consumers in India and beyond.

Crypto Scams Expected to Hit Record High in 2024, Driven by AI, Warns Chainalysis

Crypto Scams on the Rise, Likely to Reach Record High in 2024, Driven by AI and “Pig Butchering”

Crypto scams are expected to reach an alarming new peak in 2024, fueled by the growing prevalence of “pig butchering” scams and the increasing use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). According to blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis, revenue from crypto-related frauds has surged to new heights, with estimates suggesting that scams could generate as much as $12.4 billion (roughly Rs. 1,07,711 crore) by the end of the year. These figures highlight the increasingly sophisticated methods employed by scammers, making it harder for individuals to protect themselves from financial loss in the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency.

“Pig Butchering” Scams See Significant Growth

One of the primary drivers of this surge in scam revenue is the rise of “pig butchering” schemes. In these scams, perpetrators build fake relationships with victims over extended periods, often presenting themselves as romantic interests or trustworthy figures, before gradually persuading them to invest in fraudulent crypto ventures. Chainalysis reported a nearly 40 percent increase in the revenue generated by these scams in 2024 compared to the previous year. This method has proven to be particularly effective due to its slow, manipulative nature, which allows scammers to exploit their victims’ trust and make their schemes harder to detect early on.

Crypto Scam Revenue Reaches Record Numbers

Overall, the total revenue generated by crypto scams in 2024 has already surpassed $9.9 billion (approximately Rs. 85,996 crore), with experts predicting that the figure could climb even higher as more data becomes available. This growth in scam revenue underscores the increasing sophistication of fraudulent activities in the crypto space. Chainalysis researchers pointed out that the influx of new digital tools and platforms is making it easier for criminals to carry out scams on a larger scale, with the potential to reach more victims faster than ever before.

Role of Generative AI in Scaling Scams

Generative AI has played a pivotal role in helping scammers scale their operations exponentially. With the advent of AI technologies, fraudsters can now automate many of the tasks that once required human effort, such as creating convincing messages, generating fake personas, and even conducting initial stages of communication with potential victims. This automation allows criminals to run more extensive operations, reaching wider audiences with far less effort and at a lower cost. Chainalysis warned that the combination of GenAI and existing crypto marketplaces could allow scammers to multiply their reach, making it a dangerous time for both novice and experienced cryptocurrency users.