Apple's 5G Modem Chip to Launch in 2025

According to reports, Apple is actively developing its own 5G modem chip for future iPhones, but Qualcomm is still expected to supply all modem components for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series. This suggests that Apple's in-house 5G chip will likely not debut until 2025 at the earliest.

Analysts cited in the report also anticipate that the 2024 iPhone models will integrate Qualcomm's next-generation Snapdragon X75 modem, which has yet to be officially released. Another analyst noted in June that due to Apple's continued challenges in completing its proprietary 5G chip development, Qualcomm will remain the exclusive supplier of 5G modems for the iPhone 15 lineup in 2023. While Apple is committed to developing its own modem, there is no confirmed timeline for its integration into iPhones.

All four models in the iPhone 15 series are expected to feature Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon X70 modem, introduced in February. Like the X65 modem used in the iPhone 14 series, the X70 theoretically supports download speeds of up to 10Gbps. It also introduces AI-driven optimizations that enhance average speeds, coverage, signal quality, and reduce latency while improving power efficiency by up to 60%.

Additionally, earlier reports from the semiconductor supply chain indicate that Apple's 5G modem chip technology is already in development, with plans to produce it using TSMC's 4nm process within its 5nm family. Annual production is projected at 120,000 wafers, equivalent to a monthly capacity of 10,000 wafers. This is expected to contribute significantly to TSMC's growth momentum in 2023.