Apple's 5G Modem: 3 Chips in 3 Years to Replace Qualcomm

According to Bloomberg, Apple is set to launch its own 5G modem (baseband chip) starting in 2025, replacing the 5G chips currently supplied by Qualcomm. However, the transition will not be immediate; Apple plans a gradual shift that will take at least three years to fully adopt its in-house 5G baseband chips.

Apple is developing three custom 5G baseband chips for its iPhone and iPad models, with varying performance and efficiency levels. The first generation of Apple's 5G modem will offer a peak download speed of 4Gbps, which is lower than Qualcomm's Snapdragon X80, which supports 10Gbps downlink and 3.5Gbps uplink speeds, as well as millimeter-wave (mmWave) and Sub-6GHz bands. Apple's 4Gbps peak is still a theoretical value, and actual performance may be lower, with no support for mmWave technology. This initial chip will debut in the entry-level iPhone SE 4, iPhone 17 Air, and lower-end iPad models slated for release next year. Notably, the chip will support dual SIM and dual standby functionalities.

While Apple's first 5G modem may not match Qualcomm's in terms of performance, it could be integrated with Apple's custom A-series processors as a System on Chip (SoC), eliminating the need for an external Qualcomm chip. This integration would lead to better overall performance, higher energy efficiency, and potentially improve the often-criticized signal reception issues in Apple devices. Additionally, the reduced need for an external modem could free up space on the motherboard for a larger battery, improving battery life.

A key advantage of this move is that Apple will no longer need to purchase Qualcomm's costly 5G modems, significantly reducing component costs. However, Apple may still need to pay royalties for Qualcomm's 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G patents.

If the first 5G modem proves successful in entry-level devices, Apple plans to launch a second-generation modem in 2026 for high-end iPhone and iPad models. This second-generation chip will offer a peak download speed of 6Gbps and support mmWave technology, further reducing reliance on Qualcomm's solutions.

The third-generation 5G modem could potentially rival or surpass Qualcomm's offerings, with Apple aiming to lead in 5G performance, efficiency, and AI capabilities. However, Qualcomm is also working on significant improvements to its own 5G modems in the coming years, presenting a challenge for Apple.

Once Apple perfects its in-house 5G baseband chip, it will integrate it fully into its A-series processors, replacing Qualcomm's 5G chips across iPhones and iPads. Apple's successful transition from Intel processors to its own M-series chips in the Mac lineup serves as a model for this move, though it remains to be seen whether the same success will be achieved with the 5G baseband chips.