Apple is developing its own 5G modems to gain independence from Qualcomm, and the chips are likely to be introduced next year with the launch of the iPhone 17 lineup. There is a possibility that the company could debut the chip alongside the iPhone SE 4, which is speculated to arrive early next year. The company has been working on its custom 5G modems since 2018, and it has been running into delays for quite a while, potentially due to technical issues in making the technology work.
Apple working on its own 5G modems to replace Qualcomm as its main supplier, could debut with the iPhone SE 4 and the iPhone 17 Slim
Apple's 5G modem project could be shaping up as we speak, as it could debut with the iPhone 17 lineup next year and the iPhone SE 4, which is rumored to arrive early next year in the Spring. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo states in a short article on X that the company is expected to release two models of the iPhone which will feature the new 5G modem.
It was recently rumored that the iPhone 17 Slim will be a standalone model, not replacing the 'Plus' model in the lineup, and if the news has any heft to it, it could come with Apple's custom 5G modem. This means that the device will be a new test project for Apple to see how the market responds to the design of the handset. Alongside the slim model, the iPhone SE 4 is also expected to replace Qualcomm with an Apple-designed modem.
What this means is that the usual iPhone 17 lineup, which includes the 'Pro' models, will continue to sport Qualcomm's 5G modems. The company could be looking to test the technology initially, and once it is completely ready, it will be debuted on all iPhone models in the coming years. The evidence behind this approach is that the company has already signed a contract with Qualcomm for the supply of 5G modems that will last until 2026.
If the agreement is to go by, we might see Apple using Qualcomm's 5G modems until the iPhone 18 lineup, after which it could shift to its custom-designed chips, but the rollout will be gradual, starting with the iPhone SE 4 and the iPhone 17 Slim. Apple has already acquired most of Intel's modem business, and it has continued to build technology on top of it. Qualcomm's 5G modems cost Apple a lot, and it could be the reason why the company wants to make a shift. It is unclear at this stage what performance gains Apple's 5G modems will bring to the table, but we will keep an eye out for more information.
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
Follow Wccftech on Google to get more of our news coverage in your feeds.
