Wed Sep 18 02:31:12 UTC 2024: ## Apple to Ditch Qualcomm, Equip iPhones with In-House 5G Modems by 2025
**CUPERTINO, CA** – Apple is set to take a significant leap in its hardware development, announcing plans to equip its iPhones with self-developed 5G modems by 2025. This move will mark a major departure from the company’s reliance on Qualcomm chips, a dominant player in the smartphone modem market.
The first iPhone model to receive Apple’s in-house 5G modem will be the upcoming iPhone SE, potentially arriving as early as the first half of 2025. Select models in the iPhone 17 series are expected to follow in the second half of the year. By 2026, Apple anticipates shipping over 100 million units of its self-developed 5G chips.
While the news focuses on the 5G modem, Apple is also planning to introduce self-developed Wi-Fi chips around the same time, although the specifics of its rollout remain unclear. Initial deployment is likely to target smartphones and tablets.
This move, however, comes with a caveat. Apple’s in-house 5G modem currently lacks mmWave technology, meaning the company will still rely on Qualcomm for technical support. The success of Apple’s self-developed solution hinges on its ability to achieve a breakthrough in mmWave technology before its modem licensing agreement with Qualcomm expires in 2027.
Industry experts speculate that Apple’s self-developed Wi-Fi chip might find its way into new iPads in 2025, or even certain iPhone 18 models in 2026.
By adopting its own chips, Apple is taking on full responsibility for any connectivity issues, potentially impacting smartphone shipment momentum. The move could have significant ramifications for Qualcomm and Broadcom, reducing their shipment volumes. Apple’s success in this area could also encourage other smartphone brands to develop their own wireless solutions, potentially disrupting the current market landscape.
While the challenges of developing wireless connectivity chips are undeniable, Apple’s move signals a significant shift in the industry, and could potentially pave the way for a more diverse and competitive market in the future.
First Piper 