Apple to shut off its in-house 5G modem development project: Report
Apple is reportedly abandoning its internal modem development project. According to a report from MacRumors, the American tech giant will stop developing custom 5G modem chips after several failed attempts.
The report states that the sources related to Apple’s 5G modem divisions claim that the company’s attempts to develop its own modem have failed so far and that the company is in the process of winding down its years-long investment in the project to build.
Apple started working on its custom modems after the Cupertino-based company acquired most of Intel’s smartphone modem business in 2019.
Previously, Apple analyst Mark Gurman reported that Apple is working on several key components for their upcoming devices, such as a proprietary cellular modem, MicroLED displays, camera sensors, and more.
According to his report, Apple plans to replace Qualcomm’s modem components, currently used on iPhones, with their in-house cellular modem, which is expected to be ready in 2026. However, due to developmental setbacks, it may take another two to three months. It will take years before the chip is placed in mobile versions of Apple Watch and iPads.
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Gurman said the US tech giant is also actively working on other key components, including a combined Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, currently scheduled for 2025.
First print: November 30, 2023 | 12:46 pm IST