14 DAY TRIAL // It’s no longer a secret that Apple wants to reduce the reliance on third-party companies for its essential products, and when it comes to the iPhone, one of the biggest ambitions of the Cupertino-based tech giant was to develop its own modem.
And while the development of an in-house 5G modem started many years ago, it looks like Apple won’t have the technology ready for the launch of the iPhone 15.
Projected to see daylight in September 2023, the next-generation iPhone is therefore expected to stick with Qualcomm 5G modem.
The information is backed by a report from Digitimes, which reveals that TSMC will be the supplier of the Qualcomm 5G chip for all models included in the iPhone 15 lineup.
This means that Apple needs more time to complete the development of its own 5G modem, and the chances are the new target is now 2024. iPhone 16 could thus become the first iPhone model to be fitted with a custom Apple 5G modem.
Apple 5G modem now expected in 2024
On paper, one more iPhone coming with Qualcomm 5G modems shouldn’t necessarily be a problem, especially when looking at the specifications of the current models.
The iPhone 14, for instance, uses the Snapdragon X65 modem, while the upcoming model due in the fall of 2023 is expected to be equipped with the upgraded X70 chip. This should obviously allow for significant upgrades in key areas, including faster speeds and improved battery efficiency.
Needless to say, Apple has remained completely tight-lipped on everything related to its next-generation iPhone, so just don’t take everything for granted for the time being. However, it looks like the iPhone maker will miss the 2023 target for bringing its own custom 5G modem to the lineup of smartphones, and it’s all just a matter of time until confirmation is offered.