Apple’s in-house 5G modem lacks mmWave support, although its internally designed WiFi chip will be used in some 2025 iPad models, according to a report from Taiwanese industry publication DigiTimes.
Apple’s 5G Modem
The DigiTimes report claims Apple’s in-house 5G modem lacks mmWave technology support. Apple will likely continue to use Qualcomm 5G modems, which offer support for mmWave, for upcoming iPhone releases, until it can develop a modem that includes mmWave support.
Apple industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo in July said Apple has plans to use its 5G modems in a high-end and a budget-priced iPhone during 2025. So, we could see one of the iPhone 17 handsets and the fourth-generation iPhone SE sport the Cupertino firm’s 5G radio. While a lower-end device like the iPhone SE wouldn’t cause much controversy by not supporting mmWave tech, a more expensive handset, like an iPhone 17 may be shunned for lacking the support.
mmWave 5G frequencies promise ultra-fast speeds at short distances, making it a popular solution for dense urban areas. As for sub-6GHz 5G, it is generally slower than mmWave, but the signals travel further, making it more ideals for suburban and rural areas.
Apple’s models in the current iPhone 16 lineup are equipped with a Qualcomm modems. Earlier this year, Apple extended its 5G modem supply deal with Qualcomm through 2026. This gives Apple more time to add mmWave to its modem.
Apple’s WiFi Chip
The DigiTimes report also includes a mention of Apple’s much-rumored WiFi chip, which may be used in some of its devices in 2025.
The report’s inside sources, tell them that at least some new 2025 iPad models could use an Apple-developed WiFi chip, although the new WiFi chip might not make a debut until 2026, with the release of the iPhone 18 lineup. Apple was first rumored to be developing its own WiFi chip in 2021, so Apple has some time to work on the WiFi radio.
While an Apple-manufactured WiFi chip is unlikely to include any earth-shattering new features, it will help Apple lessen its reliance on current WiFi chip supplier Broadcom.
Apple’s new iPhone 16 lineup all offer support for WIFi 7, which, when used with a WiFi 7-capable router, can provide connection speeds up to 4x as fast as WiFi 6E.
