Apple plans to use its own in-house developed 5G modem chip in its iPhones as soon as 2025, says Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Earlier this year, both Kuo and analyst Jeff Pu said Apple plans to release an iPhone SE with a custom-designed 5G modem in 2025, so the new iPhone SE could be the first iPhone to use Apple’s 5G modem.
Apple in July 2019 acquired the majority of Intel’s smartphone modem business. It has been working ever since to develop its own 5G model for use in its devices, allowing it to pull away from its deal with Qualcomm, which currently supplies most of its modem needs.
If Apple can be ready for the 2025 timeframe, iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 models are likely to stick with using Qualcomm modems. The new iPhone SE and iPhone 17 models, although Apple is said to be facing development challenges that need to be overcome.
