According to a new report by Bloomberg, Apple is nearing the launch of its first self-designed cellular modem chip, an initiative aimed at reducing reliance on its longstanding supplier, Qualcomm.
Reportedly set to debut in the 2025 iteration of the iPhone SE, the modem represents a significant milestone in Apple’s push toward developing more in-house technology.
Citing people familiar with the matter, the publication notes that the iPhone SE will serve as the ideal testbed for the new technology. This will help Apple minimize the risk while refining the modem’s performance. Higher-end iPhones and iPads will adopt the technology in subsequent years, with Apple aiming for significant advancements by 2027.
The modem’s development has been a multi-year endeavor, starting with Apple’s acquisition of Intel’s modem division in 2019 for approximately $1 billion. Overcoming initial hurdles such as inefficiency in power usage, overheating, and large prototype sizes, Apple invested billions in research and hired talent from competitors, including Qualcomm itself.
These efforts culminated in the forthcoming release of the first-generation modem, codenamed ‘Sinope.’
The Sinope modem will integrate tightly with Apple’s proprietary processors, offering improved power efficiency, faster cellular service detection, and enhanced satellite network connectivity. However, it will lack support for mmWave 5G technology, which delivers ultra-high-speed internet in urban centers.
Instead, it will rely on the Sub-6 GHz spectrum, a more widely available 5G standard. By 2026, the second-generation modem, codenamed ‘Ganymede,’ will bring mmWave support and further improvements in download speeds and carrier aggregation.
The third-generation modem, ‘Prometheus,’ expected by 2027, aims to surpass Qualcomm’s capabilities with advanced artificial intelligence features and next-gen satellite connectivity.
Qualcomm, which currently supplies modems for Apple’s iPhones, faces a gradual reduction in business from the tech giant, with its revenue already reflecting the shift.
Want to see more of our stories on Google?
P.S. Want to keep this site truly independent? Support us by buying us a beer, treating us to a coffee, or shopping through Amazon here. Links in this post are affiliate links, so we earn a tiny commission at no charge to you. Thanks for supporting independent Canadian media!
