Analyst: Apple's first 5G modem on the way
Apple has been working on its own mobile technology for a long time. For the first time, the implementation appears to be successful. An analyst has heard this.
5G logo with cell phone.
(Image: MR.RAWIN TANPIN / Shutterstock)
After years of preparation, Apple is apparently about to launch the first iPhone with its own 5G chip. The well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo from the Taiwanese investment firm TF International Securities believes that deliveries will grow rapidly from 2025, based on the Group's supply chain. According to this, Apple's own mobile modems will replace those purchased from Qualcomm in the coming years. Apple has already been working on this for five years and has set up special sites in Germany and San Diego for this purpose.
Gradual expansion of deliveries
The first model with an Apple 5G chip will be the iPhone SE 4, which is expected next spring. It will be based on the iPhone 14 in terms of form factor, but will have an updated interior. The annually updated iPhones will then receive the in-house 5G modem in the following years, provided everything goes as Apple hopes.
Kuo believes that Apple's manufacturers will be able to deliver between 35 and 40 million units of 5G chips as early as 2025. By 2026, 90 to 110 million are planned, followed by 160 to 180 million in 2027. This means that most iPhones would already be equipped with it from 2026.
Contract with Qualcomm extended once again
Apple recently extended its contract with Qualcomm once again – until March 2027. This covers both deliveries and patents. That would fit Kuo's timeline. The analyst believes that Apple's actions will have a "significant impact" on the Qualcomm 5G business – both in terms of chip deliveries and the sale of licenses. Apple had been in a legal dispute with Qualcomm over patents for years. Following an agreement, large payments were made to the mobile communications specialist.
But this is likely to end soon. "My latest supply chain survey suggests that shipments of Apple's in-house 5G chips will grow rapidly and replace Qualcomm's 5G chips," writes Kuo. It's obviously not just about the money: Apple also wants to use its own mobile modems to make the company more technically independent and allow it to try out new ideas such as A-SoCs with mobile communications. With an integrative approach, 5G could also finally migrate to Macs – - a wish that customers have had for many years.
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