Apple initially faced setbacks in creating an in-house 5G modem, leading to reliance on Qualcomm. Despite challenges, Apple persists in developing an in-house 6G modem.
Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter reveals Apple’s two-year effort in crafting a 6G modem. Despite the technology’s expected deployment around 2030, Apple diligently refines its in-house 6G technology through development, testing, and optimization.
Despite earlier reports of Apple shelving its 5G modem project, Gurman’s latest report indicates that development is still in progress. Previous information from sources within Apple’s supply chain suggested the company was contemplating abandoning the modem development project.
Technical challenges and underestimated complexity in modem development have caused Apple’s slow progress, with prototype chips facing issues like overheating. A former wireless director noted the unrealistic expectation for Apple to create the best modem chip. According to Bloomberg, the hardware group at Apple is stretched thin across various projects, struggling to address bugs.
Initially aiming for a next-year debut, Apple’s in-house modem faces delays, with sources suggesting a release shift to late 2025 or early 2026. This aligns with the conclusion of Apple’s extended agreement with Qualcomm.
Apple is currently conducting trials of its new modem technology in Silicon Valley, but it will take years before carrier trials commence. The debut of the first device featuring the in-house modem might not occur until a year or more after 2025. Even if Apple achieves integration into the iPhone SE by 2026, Qualcomm anticipates supplying some modem chips for Apple in 2026. Apple’s roadmap includes extending the use of its in-house modem to the iPad and Apple Watch after its introduction in the iPhone.
