Apple will use its own 5G modem inside its devices for the first time. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg said that the new Apple 5G modem will be used in the iPhone SE 4, the so-called iPhone 17 Air, and entry-level iPads.
That is a big deal for the company since it is trying to quit using Qualcomm’s modems inside its devices.
Apple’s 5G modem to debut in select devices next year
Apple’s new 5G modem will first appear on three devices: the fourth-generation iPhone SE, one more called iPhone 17 Air, and low-end iPads. These will launch as early as March 2024, with the iPhone 17 Air likely to be in September 2024.
The modem will support download speeds of up to 4 gigabits per second. That’s a bit slower than Qualcomm’s modems, but it won’t make much difference in the real world because actual internet speeds are always far lower than theoretical limits.
It won’t support the super-fast 5G standard called mmWave, but this technology is only available in some areas anyway. Instead, the modem will feature dual-SIM capabilities, so you can use two different phone numbers on the same device.
Why is Apple making its own 5G modem?
Apple has been working on its own 5G modem for over five years as part of a plan to reduce its reliance on Qualcomm. According to the report, Apple has tested the modem on hundreds of devices used by employees all over the world. That’s just to make sure that the modem actually works before it reaches public release.
While Apple’s modem will first appear in lower-cost devices, it brings several advantages with it including lower power consumption and improved cellular network scanning.
It is also designed for satellite connectivity, making it future-proof. Apple’s move to its own modem is calculated to eventually surpass Qualcomm’s technology. It aims to make its modem competitive with Qualcomm by 2027.
But for now, high-end models like the iPhone 17 Pro will still use Qualcomm modems, so Apple has more time to improve its technology.
With the first 5G modem arriving in 2025, Apple is taking a big step into having more control over its products by providing customers with reliable internet connectivity and relying less on outside suppliers.
