Analyst: Apple’s first 5G modem is on the way

After years of preparation, Apple is clearly close to the first iPhone with its own 5G chip. Well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of Taiwanese investment house TF International Securities believes For faster delivery From 2025. They took it from the group’s supply chain. Accordingly, Apple’s own cellular modems will replace those purchased from Qualcomm in the coming years. Apple has been working on this for five years and has set up special locations in Germany and San Diego.

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Gradual expansion of deliveries

The first model with an Apple 5G chip is called the iPhone SE 4, which is expected to arrive next spring. In terms of form factor it should be based on the iPhone 14, but have an updated interior. The annually updated iPhones will receive an 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 by early 2025. 90 to 110 million are planned in 2026 and 160 to 180 million in 2027. This means that by 2026 most iPhones will be equipped with it.

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Contract with Qualcomm extended again

Apple recently extended its contract with Qualcomm again until March 2027. This includes both deliveries and patents. This would fit into Kuo’s timeline. The analyst believes Apple’s actions will have a “significant impact” on Qualcomm’s 5G business – both in chip shipments and license sales. Apple was in a legal dispute with Qualcomm over patents for years. After a settlement was reached, the mobile communications specialist was paid large payments.

But that will probably end soon. “My recent supply chain survey shows that shipments of Apple’s in-house 5G chips will grow rapidly and replace Qualcomm’s 5G chips,” Kuo writes. Apparently it’s not just about money: Apple also wants to use its own cellular modems to ensure that the company becomes more technologically independent and can try out new ideas like A-SoCs with cellular communications. With an integrated approach, 5G could finally make its way into Macs – a wish that customers have had for many years.

(B.Sc.)