Apple has been working on its own 5G modem for several years, a technology that would help it cut its reliance on Qualcomm for 5G chips, but Apple's progress has been plagued by delays.
Apple extends purchase of Qualcomm chips until March 2027
In November 2023, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman reported that Apple’s modem development work had been delayed until late 2025 or 2026, and that it could be delayed even further. Apple initially aimed to have its own 5G modem ready by 2024. The company then wanted to introduce the modem in the iPhone SE in spring 2025, but it also missed that target, according to MacRumors.
Apple is “many years away” from creating a chip that can perform as well or better than Qualcomm’s, Gurman said.
Apple reportedly ran into problems with the code it used after acquiring Intel’s modem business. Apple had to rewrite the code, and adding new features broke existing ones. Apple also avoided infringing on Qualcomm patents in the development of its modems.
The iPhone 16 Pro models coming in 2024 are rumored to use Qualcomm's Snapdragon X75 modem with a more power-efficient and improved transceiver.
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