Tech News: Apple’s 5G Modem Plans Unveiled: 3 Chips in 3 Years to Replace Qualcomm

According to a report from Bloomberg, 苹果 plans to begin introducing its self-developed 5G modem (baseband chip)?starting in 2025, with the aim of replacing 高通 ’s 5G baseband chips?that are currently used in its iPhone and iPad models. However, the transition will not be abrupt. Apple intends to take at least three years to fully shift to its own 5G baseband chips.

Apple is developing three customized 5G baseband chips with varying performance and efficiency levels for its iPhone and iPad lineup. The first of these chips will offer a peak download speed of 4Gbps, significantly lower than the 10Gbps peak provided by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X80 5G modem and RF system, which also supports both 5G millimeter-wave and Sub-6GHz bands. Notably, Apple's initial 5G baseband chip, while promising 4Gbps in theoretical peak download speeds, may not perform as well in practice and will not support millimeter-wave technology. It will, however, support dual SIM cards and dual standby functionality.

Despite the lower performance of Apple’s first 5G baseband chip, the company is likely to integrate it with its custom A-series processors, transforming it into a System on a Chip (SoC). This integration will significantly increase the chip’s overall efficiency and improve signal strength issues that Apple has faced. The new chip design will also allow for more space on the motherboard, which can be dedicated to enhancing battery life, offering potential improvements in battery performance and longevity.

More importantly, Apple’s decision to develop its own 5G baseband chip means it will no longer need to pay Qualcomm for its expensive 5G baseband chips, potentially leading to a significant reduction in external chip procurement costs. However, Apple may still be required to pay licensing fees for Qualcomm’s 2G/3G/4G/5G communication patents.

If the first-generation 5G baseband chip is well-received in entry-level models, Apple plans to introduce a second-generation 5G baseband chip for higher-end iPhones and iPads launching in 2026. The second generation will increase the peak download speed to 6Gbps and will support millimeter-wave technology, making it a more viable alternative to Qualcomm’s 5G baseband chips.

Apple’s third-generation 5G baseband chip is expected to close the performance gap with Qualcomm’s offerings and may even surpass them. Apple’s goal is to outperform Qualcomm in both performance and efficiency, as well as to incorporate AI capabilities into its 5G chip design.

Once Apple has fully developed its self-designed 5G baseband chips, they will be integrated into its A-series chips, completely replacing Qualcomm's 5G baseband chips in iPhones and iPads. This move would follow Apple’s successful transition from Intel processors to its own M-series chips in Mac products, a strategy that has proven highly successful. Whether Apple can achieve the same level of success with its self-developed baseband chips remains to be seen.

?

Stay tuned for updates: ?? https://www.smbom.com/ ??

If you like this article, please give us?a like! ?? ??