In recent reports, there are indications that Apple may be abandoning its efforts to develop in-house 5G modem chips, opting instead to continue relying on Qualcomm. While this information is not officially confirmed, multiple sources have hinted at such a scenario.
A Korean blog, Naver, published a report from “yeux1122” claiming that Apple’s 5G modem development could be discontinued, citing sources familiar with the matter. These sources suggest that Apple’s endeavors in this area have not yielded the desired results, leading the company to consider shutting down this segment.
If accurate, this decision would result in a significant financial setback for Apple, given the substantial investments made in 5G technology over the years. Additionally, @Tech_Reve, a reliable tipster, mentioned similar information from Japanese supply chain sources. However, it’s crucial to approach this news with caution, as the final decision rests with Apple.
Previous reports highlighted challenges faced by Apple’s in-house 5G modem development team, including unrealistic goals and unforeseen difficulties in the chip development process. Despite hiring thousands of engineers and acquiring Intel’s modem business to strengthen its efforts, the company seems to be encountering obstacles in reaching its objectives.
Renowned industry analyst Mark Gurman from Bloomberg disclosed earlier this month that Apple is facing delays in the launch of its custom 5G chips, pushing the expected release to 2026. However, Gurman did not indicate a complete discontinuation of the 5G modem project.
Initially, Apple intended to introduce the custom 5G modem with a future version of the iPhone SE, but this decision might alter if the company chooses to continue relying on Qualcomm for 5G modems in its future devices.
Rumors suggest that Apple’s 5G modem was lagging years behind Qualcomm’s technology, potentially contributing to the decision to halt its development. Initially planned as a standalone chip, Apple aimed to integrate the technology into a System on a Chip (SoC) eventually.
These details are speculative and based on insider information, so it’s advisable to interpret them with caution. Updates will follow as more information becomes available regarding Apple’s stance on discontinuing its 5G modem development efforts.
