Qualcomm exchange has only one goal: insight into Apple’s 5G modem strategy

Since 2019, Apple has had its own department for the development of mobile technology. At that time, the group took over Intel’s 5G modem department, which was located in Bavaria, among other places. Since then, a lot of money has flowed into this area, but Apple is still far from having a product – namely iPhones without Qualcomm modems. An analysis by financial news agency Bloomberg now says that Apple is here Play a “long game.”That is, with a clear view of the future. Accordingly, the work on 5G chips (and later 6G) goes beyond becoming less dependent on the supplier.

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More space in the device and less cost

Recently, Apple has extended its delivery contract with Qualcomm to 2027. However, this is only part of the strategy. Apple wants to pay less for 5G technology – if it is its own, it will succeed. However, there are also fees for patent rights. Basically, Apple is about creating a single component that combines mobile communications, WLAN and Bluetooth. Ultimately, the wireless range may shift completely to Apple’s system-on-a-chip in the M series.

Apple hopes to save space for “more design options” in the iPhone (or other devices), for example through new form factors. The money you save at Qualcomm can also be channeled into new functions and components. Bloomberg compares the strategy to the development of the Apple AI chip Neural Engine, which has been used since 2017 and has been getting better and better since then – and is now a central element of Apple intelligence.

Mobile monitor Minisforum MSSA156 in the test: high quality, with touchscreen and WQHD

First specific products, then the rest

The Bloomberg report once again confirms that Apple’s own 5G modem will launch gradually. Initially, specific products are planned before the main models receive the function. The iPhone SE 4, which is expected to arrive in spring 2025, may be the first Apple smartphone with its own cellular modem.

Chip boss Johnny Srouji relied on such an approach to avoid problems, after all, such a component must be tested worldwide to be compatible with all networks. So Apple has no problem investing billions in this project – and he has already done so.

(B.Sc.)