Apple’s iPhone models might not be equipped with the company’s own 5G modem until 2026.
So, it looks like Apple might not hit the bullseye with its plan to create a modem for the iPhone, which would have replaced a crucial part currently supplied by Qualcomm. Word on the street is that they were aiming to roll out their own modem chip for iPhones in the next couple of years, but now there’s buzz that it could be pushed back by a year.
Reportedly, Apple’s been grinding away at this project since 2018, but their alternative to Qualcomm’s modem seems like it’s still a few years down the road.
According to insiders at Apple spilled the beans to Bloomberg, and they’re saying that Apple might miss the mark on developing their own modem chip by early 2025. The latest scoop suggests it might not see the light of day until the end of that year or even early 2026. Just a while back, Apple and Qualcomm shook hands on a deal to keep using Qualcomm’s modems for upcoming iPhone models.
Back in 2020, Apple’s Johny Srouji excitedly shared that they were cooking up a new modem chip for iPhones. But, surprise, surprise, it’s been a bumpy ride with some unexpected hurdles, even though they forked out a cool $1 billion to snag Intel’s modem unit in 2019.
The original game plan to include their own 5G modem in an iPhone by next year got a reality check, and now the latest word is it won’t be on the scene until 2026, right around when Apple’s Qualcomm deal is supposed to wrap up.
The report further adds that when the company finally launches its own 5G modem, it cannot necessarily claim an equal performance to other phones already fitted with Qualcomm’s modems. However, among the versions of Apple being produced there is one which is devoid of support of the short distance mmwave bands which can be described as the highest 5G data speeds in specific conditions. Secondly, Apple would also ensure that no technology that is enabled by the chip violates the patents held by Qualcomm.
Apple stands to gain an advantage over its competitors if this endeavour is successful. After all, the company creates its own mobile chips to power iPhones, iPads, Macs, watches, and even cars. Nevertheless, the report proposes that the firm may hit a snag during the creation of this part, which may even see the introduction of the piece on its most affordable hand-held gadget (allegedly, a substitute for the iPhone SE (2022).
A report predicts that when Apple eventually releases its own 5G modem, it will probably not compete equally well with smartphones using Qualcomm’s modems. However, one of such models proposed by Apple lacks support for short-distance mmwaves which can yield unbelievably massive 5G data transfer rates in some instances. Furthermore, Apple must make sure that any of the technologies used on the chip does not violate Qualcomm’s patents.
Such would enable apple to gain edge on other manufactures-apple already makes its proprietary mobile processors for iPhones, iPads, computers, wearables, among many others. Nonetheless, the report argues that while developing the component, Apple encountered some obstacles but will eventually launch the chip in its lowest priced smartphone—iPhone SE 2022.
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