A Qualcomm 5G modem
Apple planned to use Qualcomm’s 5G modems until 2027 but is now expected to launch its own modems two years earlier. Apple has been working for years to develop its own 5G modems. Initially, it was thought that the change would happen in March 2027, but a new report suggests it will start much sooner.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple will introduce its own 5G modems in one high-end and one low-end iPhone in 2025.
The two models are the upcoming iPhone SE, expected in early 2025, and a thinner iPhone 18 Pro around September 2025.
The thinner model is expected to be a high-end iPhone, priced higher than the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
If Kuo is right, it’s unusual for Apple to introduce new technology at both the high and low ends of its range. This suggests the new Apple 5G modem will work similarly to Qualcomm’s, without any special new features.
However, it’s strange that Apple would use its new modem in only two of the four models instead of all of them. This might be due to contractual obligations and production challenges.
Apple started developing its 5G modem in 2019 after buying Intel’s modem patents for $1 billion. Since then, it has faced difficulties in developing the technology.