Apple Hiring Engineers to Work on 6G Wireless Connectivity

Although Apple has only launched its first 5G iPhone last year, the company is already starting the hiring process to work on 6G wireless connectivity.

Recent job postings were spotted by Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman. The listings spoke of positions available at Apple’s offices in San Diego and Silicon Valley, where the company focuses on chip design and wireless technology development.

“You will have the unique and rewarding opportunity to craft next generation wireless technology that will have deep impact on future Apple products,” according to the job announcement. “In this role you will be at the center of a cutting-edge research group responsible for creating next generation disruptive radio access technologies over the next decade.”

People hired for the positions will “research and design next generation (6G) wireless communication systems for radio access networks” and “participate in industry/academic forums passionate about 6G technology.”

Apple appears to be bringing on talent to get the ball rolling on 6G technology and connectivity. Although 5G networking is still relatively new and inaccessible depending on location, 6G technology is on the distant horizon. Analysts predict that the rollout of 6G technology may be ready by 2030.

Apple took the leap in the transition to 5G with the debut of the iPhone 12. The line of devices uses 5G modems from Qualcomm. While Apple was still early in the conversation of 5G-enabled devices, several other smartphone companies beat them to the market, including Samsung. Apple may not want this to be the case when the industry preps the transition to 6G down the line.

In 2020, Apple joined the Next G Allegiance alongside Google and LG. This body represents a collective of telecommunication companies who are working on setting standards and practises for 6G networking. Although the practices are said to be loosely defined, they could result in speeds 100 times faster than 5G, according to analysts.

Although Apple is in a multi-year agreement with Qualcomm to use their modems, Apple is developing its own custom modem for future use. As it preps to be ready for 6G conversion, Apple still has a long way to go to take full advantage of 5G capabilities within its other products such as Apple Watch and iPad.

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